California Magazine Freelance | UC Berkeley
Freelance Fact-Checking
Fact-checking is the part where I eliminate any words that don't hold truth. Read on for a more in-depth look into my process.
I begin by reading the piece. I familiarize myself with the topic and content. I make a note of what quotes are included, what dates are mentioned and the spelling of proper nouns. These are all elements of the piece where confirmation is necessary.
Then I research the web to find credible confirmation online. I reach out to those interviewed or mentioned within the work by phone or email to directly confirm aspects of the piece I could not find elsewhere. Examples include direct quotes or personal information.
As a right-brained thinker and a creative, my organizational method is distinct and color-coded. I highlight different groups of facts in different colors, depending on what type of fact that is checked, be it a date, name or place. I also highlight discrepancies I find within the piece that correlate with the writing for the author to review.
The goal is to make sure accurate information is being relayed. I confirm that's just the case. Click below to see an example of my fact checking of California Magazine's piece, "Knotty Circumstance." The first document provides a visual context of what facts I confirm. The second document provides a visual context of what sources I use to confirm these facts. In this task, I value thoroughness and organization.