When you evaluate, edit, or revise someone else’s work, remember that your job is to help that person succeed, not to impose your own style.

At many points in your career, you will be asked to evaluate, edit, or revise the work of others. Before you dive into someone else’s work, recognize the dual responsibility that you have. First, unless you’ve specifically been asked to rewrite something in your own style, keep in mind that your job is to help the other writer succeed at his or her task, not to impose your writing style. Second, make sure you understand the writer’s intent before you begin suggesting or making changes. With those thoughts in mind, ask yourself the following questions as you evaluate someone else’s writing:

What is the purpose of this document or message?
Who is the target audience?
What information does the audience need?
Are there any special circumstances or sensitive issues that the writer had to consider (or should have considered)?
Does the document provide this information in a well-organized way?
Does the writing demonstrate the “you” attitude toward the audience?
Is the tone of the writing appropriate for the audience and the situation?
Can the readability be improved?