Virtual Assistant Draft Intake Check

Key takeaways

• Use a written brief and definition of done.
• Keep approvals and escalation rules visible.
• Review quality before expanding the workflow.

# Virtual Assistant Draft Intake Check

Published September 1, 2026. A draft intake check confirms that an editor received the expected package; it does not replace substantive editing. Use the [content calendar workflow](/blog/virtual-assistant-content-calendar-workflow) to place this control in the daily sequence, the [editorial quality checklist](/blog/virtual-assistant-editorial-quality-checklist) for adjacent review steps, and [NIST small business cybersecurity guidance](https://www.nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber) when the routine handles business information.

Virtual Assistant Draft Intake Check: operating steps

Verify the working title, audience, intent, required sections, word-range expectation, and call to action. Record mismatches in the handoff instead of silently rewriting the assignment.

Confirm the evidence package travels with it

Open source links, locate citations or claim notes, and identify any fact marked for verification. If a key source is inaccessible, return the package before it occupies an editorial slot.

Test basic document hygiene

Check heading order, placeholder text, broken internal links, comments, and file permissions. These mechanical checks are suitable for a virtual assistant because pass and fail conditions can be written clearly.

Route rather than judge

Send incomplete packages back to the drafter with a precise list. Send complete packages to the editor without declaring the article accurate, persuasive, or ready to publish.

Frequently asked questions

### Is this a copyedit? No. Intake checks completeness and accessibility; copyediting evaluates language, consistency, and editorial standards. ### What evidence should be retained? Keep the checklist result, return reason if any, timestamps, and the version delivered to editorial review.