Whitepapers Review Checklist: What to Check Before Publishing

Your Whitepapers Review Checklist

Whitepapers build authority, but only if they are well-researched, structured, and readable. Use this checklist to ensure your whitepaper meets professional publishing standards.

Executive Summary

• Stands alone as a summary of findings
• Key data points and recommendations included
• Readable in under 2 minutes
• Compelling enough to make reader continue
• No jargon that requires reading the full paper

Research

• Original data or insights included (not just secondary sources)
• All sources peer-reviewed or authoritative
• Sources current (within 2 years for fast-moving industries)
• Methodology described for any original research
• Competing viewpoints acknowledged where relevant

Structure

• Logical flow from problem → analysis → findings → recommendations
• Clear section headings and numbered sub-sections
• Charts and tables used to visualise data
• Key findings highlighted or called out
• 8-15 pages total (including references)

Readability

• Flesch-Kincaid grade 12-14 maximum
• Technical terms defined on first use
• Short paragraphs (4-5 sentences maximum)
• Active voice preferred over passive
• Conclusion provides clear, actionable recommendations

How to Use This Checklist

Run through this checklist before publishing any whitepapers. For teams using AI content review, these checklist items can be converted into weighted evaluation criteria — so every piece is scored automatically against your quality standards.

Start by identifying which checklist items are most critical for your team (these become your highest-weighted criteria), then build a custom reviewer that enforces them on every piece of content.

Frequently Asked Questions