Nuts and Bolts

Of a Peer Editing Conference

Writer: Consider what you want help with: ideas, language, images, organization, coherence, a portion of the piece, and/or a sense of the whole.

Editor: Prior to hearing the piece read aloud by the author, ask with what he or she needs help. Write these down. As you are listening, you should note parts that may confuse you or that you would like to know more about. This will help in the discussion afterwards.

Questions for Discussion

Remember, empty compliments like “that was great” don’t help the author in any way. Also, using a chainsaw to edit the piece can be hurtful and destructive. Stay on topic and discuss suggestions with the writer.

v     What is the goal of this piece of writing?

v     Is this goal met?

v     Is it well supported?

v     What parts are not clear? Why?

v     Restate the main idea for each paragraph (expository writing).

Revision Vision Discussion

v     Discuss what you heard and the notes you made while listening.

v     What two parts do you think should be changed or revised?

v     What could help make the paper more interesting?

v     Ask the writer what he or she plans to do next.

v     Together, map out a Revision Vision.

v     Now the author has a plan for revising and can decide what criticisms to use and what to disregard.

Support on the Web

Inkspot where students can post their work and ask for opinions and advice.

The Quill Society consists of young writers from around the world and includes a message board for discussions between young writers.