Proper names

• Check the spelling of a person’s name directly with the person.
• Ask the person to spell it back.
• If the primary source isn’t available, check with two independent, knowledgeable sources.
• Apply the same scrutiny to other biographical details in the story such as age, family members, job title and educational background.
• If you’re using old clips or references, make sure the information is up to date.

Telephone numbers and addresses

• Call every telephone number in a story or graphic; use the version typed into the computer and confirm that the number is OK for publication with a live person at the other end of the line.
• Verify addresses and locations. Try out Web addresses.

Information about events

• Check date, place and time provided and make sure it is typed correctly.
• Give your editor the original information so she can double-check it.

Math and numbers

• Check the source’s numbers and calculations.
• Check your numbers and calculations. If you’re not a math whiz, ask a colleague to check for you.
• Provide original numbers and calculations in clear form to your editor for another check.

Photos, captions, graphics

• Compare the information in the story with that provided in the captions or graphic that will accompany it.
• Be particularly alert to differences in spellings of names and in numbers.

Different versions

• Verify accounts of such things as historical events and records.
• Check legal interpretations and descriptions of problems with an independent expert.
• Make sure your story doesn’t present opinion as fact. If facts are in dispute, say so.

Memory

• Don’t rely on it. Check again.