An editor would typically look at the beginning and the end of a story first to determine where and how it can be shortened. The top and the bottom are usually the areas that receive the most attention as they set the tone and provide closure to the story. However, specific areas such as after three paragraphs or after three sentences could also be potential starting points for an editor to begin shortening a story, depending on the specific requirements and guidelines given. Ultimately, the decision on where to start shortening a story would depend on the editor's preferences and the specific context of the story.
