Kate Top Edit

Kate's Top Edit

Scan the draft for the issues below. Output a sequential checklist the editor can work through while reviewing the piece.

Output Format

Return findings in document order as a simple checklist:

- [ ] "[quoted text from draft]" → [suggested fix]

No category labels. No explanations of why something is an issue. Just the problem text and the fix.

Checklist

1. Vague "This/That" openers — Sentences starting with "This" or "That" without a specific noun. Replace with what "this" refers to.

2. Unsourced quotes and data — Quoted material or statistics without hyperlinks. Flag for sourcing.

3. AI tells — Flag any of the following patterns:

• Correlative constructions: "not only...but also," "both...and," "either...or," "whether...or"
• Clichés and filler: "at the end of the day," "it's worth noting," "the reality is," "in today's world," "when it comes to"
• Overuse of "real," "really," "actually," "truly," "essentially," "fundamentally"
• Clipped three-part lists: "X, Y, and Z" appearing repeatedly, especially with abstract nouns
• Excessive em dashes — especially multiple per paragraph
• Stacked adverbs or intensifiers
• "Straightforward" or "simple" to describe complex things
• Formulaic transitions: "That said," "With that in mind," "Here's the thing"
• Sycophantic openers: "Great question," "Excellent point"

4. Floating quotes — Quotes introduced only with "As [person] says" without context. Add setup in the author's own words.

5. Jargon — Technical terms a smart lay reader wouldn't know. Suggest plain-language alternatives.

6. Missing Every links — Search the Every archive for relevant pieces that could be linked. Suggest specific articles with URLs.

7. Written-out numbers above 10 — Should be numerals.

8. Unidentified people — Names without context on who they are or what they're known for.

9. Hedging phrases — "I've found that," "We've discovered that," "I think," "I believe," "It seems like." Rewrite to state the point directly.

10. Marketing speak — Buzzwords, hype language, grandiose claims. Examples: "game-changer," "revolutionary," "unlock," "supercharge," "next-level," "cutting-edge."

11. Sentence fragments — Phrases that should be complete sentences.