2.3 Content gaps: the first editor can work with the author to address any content gaps in the article. For instance, an author states that the main character in a story is “unable to make ends meet,” but provides no details, though these might be in his/her notes, or can be otherwise accessed. Try getting a little more about actually making ends meet at home. What does her husband bring in? Do the kids go to school? What do they jointly pull in, how much of it is spent, on what? Even a paragraph would be fine: what does the writer find in the kitchen, for instance, or what does she say are the essentials they just cannot give the children.

Or, for example, the story might be of a fisherwoman struggling to survive. The article would be much richer if her personal experience could be a window to the larger world of fisherwomen in that region. This might involve talking to others from the same occupation. However, this is more desirable than mandatory – at times a standalone story can work. Use your editorial judgement.