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Bring in a Translator as Needed If the reporters choose to write the stories in their native language (and you don't speak and read that language fluently), you will need a translator to convert the drafts into English and then convert the edited stories back into the native language so the reporter can see your changes. The translator should also be on hand to interpret during the coordinator's discussions with each reporter. Mark Up a Copy With Changes as Appropriate The coordinator can now begin editing each story. By keeping tabs on all of the stories as they move from conception to execution, the coor-dinator should be thoroughly familiar with the subject, the sources in-terviewed, and the major facts. Any serious concerns should have been addressed between the first and second drafts, but chances are they won't all be. After a thorough reading, the editor should make appro-priate changes to the stories. Meet With Designated Writer to Explain Changes Once a story is edited, the coordinator should sit down in private with the designated writer and go over each story paragraph by paragraph. Explain the changes you have made and, especially, why you made them. It is important to do this privately so the reporter isn't embarrassed by the presence of the other reporters. A private discussions will make the coordinator feel more at ease honestly critiquing the work and will give the reporter an opportunity to respond in a forthright manner and explain why he/she made certain writing choices. The meeting can also be a teaching opportunity, a chance to work with reporters on how to improve stories. It can also be a touchy time for the reporters, who have worked hard for the last four weeks and want to know they've done a good job. So praise them, pointing out pas-sages you thought were terrific. Gently point out areas that you think should be modified or changed. Ask the reporter what he or she thinks of the changes. If the reporter feels strongly about a particular editing change, you may want to cede some points in order to gain others. Assemble Photos, Illustrations, Graphics, and Boxes Ask the reporters to pull together all the photos they have taken plus any other art. This includes not only illustrations and other graphics, but also the box explaining the genesis of the project. Once the editing is complete, submit the final versions of stories to the group for last-minute fixes, and only last-minute fixes. The reporters should also review the photos and any illustrations or graphics for accuracy and continuity. The entire package can now be finalized by the team. It is then sent
to the individual newspapers for publication.
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