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What is an editorial gate? The editor’s proceed, revise or hold decision

An editorial gate is the editor’s required decision before a draft moves forward: proceed, revise, hold for evidence or decline.

This is our term for an editorial decision point, not a requirement imposed by a search engine. The assigned editor must identify what evidence or change is needed before a held draft can proceed. (Google guidance on generative AI content ↗)

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Holding a comparison until it answers the headline

Imagine a draft claiming that a higher ad-price floor improves revenue, while its comparison excludes unfilled opportunities. The editor holds the draft until the writer supplies a comparison across the same eligible opportunities. The recorded condition gives the writer a concrete repair rather than a vague request to “improve quality.”

A workflow state is not proof of truth

Record the decision against the actual article version. If the conclusion or evidence changes afterward, the earlier approval cannot establish that the new version was reviewed. Passing a format check is not a substitute for that judgment.

Make the release decision explicit

Ask the reviewer to identify the exact version and the evidence for its most consequential claim. If a later edit changes that claim, return it to review. This keeps an approval for an earlier draft from silently carrying over to a different article.

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