Check all rules of grammar and structure. Make sure the paper contains a solid introduction and conclusion, organized paragraphs and complete sentences. References should be clearly placed on a separate sheet of paper. Consult the original assignment sheet to make sure the paper is the correct length, uses the right font and font size and, if applicable, contains a cover sheet. Word processing software fixes most spelling errors, but not all, and does not pick up many common grammar problems.
Before your final edit, exchange your paper with other students in class so they can make suggestions and necessary changes. Begin this peer editing process by reading through a paper, using a red pen (or other color) and writing helpful notes in the margins. Make things more readable by double- or triple-spacing the printout, giving the student editor added room for comments. Students often feel more at ease with their fellow students than with a professor and might be more willing to freely admit mistakes. Peer editing encourages students so they enjoy the writing process more.
Read your paper aloud to pick up grammatical errors. Take pauses at commas, semicolons and periods. Go slowly and listen closely for mistakes; most often things that do not sound right probably need correcting. Reading out loud picks up wordiness, words missed because of typographical errors and unnecessary words because of writing too quickly. It also helps writers find their own voice within their writing and prepares them for reading portions of the paper out loud in class. This should be the last step in the editing process.