Pam Nelson at the American Copy Editors Society published a list of “10 tips for copy editors” Jan. 2.
Nelson, who notes she “did not learn to check facts in my first few years as a copy editor,” explained that her list isn’t all-inclusive.
Nelson’s list includes advising editors to check dates, name spellings, and locations referenced. She also recommended: “If a story refers to someone as ‘the late,’ make sure the person is dead.”
Nelson suggested copy editors trust their instincts and look into anything that “seems odd to you” and called for copy editors to check math in stories.
See Nelson’s full list here. She is calling for any other “tips and examples” in the comments section.