Editing Checklist

_____ Learn proper manuscript format.

_____Don't justify the right margin.

_____Put an identifier on each page next to the page number.

_____Don't bind the manuscript.

_____Don't copyright the manuscript.

_____ The opening doesn't grab the reader's interest in the first paragraphs and keep it. It lacks an inciting incident or someone important doing something important.

_____ The opening pages contain too much description and background information.

_____ Your pacing is too slow . You use too many words to convey your ideas.

_____ Needs to be written in active voice using vivid words.

_____ There is excess description. Consider tightening or using action instead.

_____ Description needs to be filtered through a character's viewpoint.

_____ Too many modifiers.

_____ Narrative fiction is generally written in past tense, not present. Try a rewrite in the past tense using active verbs.

_____ Your grammar needs editing.

_____ Need more characterization. Readers need to understand how the characters think, feel, act and react. Reader needs to understand their motivations.

_____ Dialogue does not sound natural.

______ Too wordy.

______Characters give speeches.

______Characters do not sound distinctive.

______Characters sound stiff or stilted.

______Characters convey information they already know.

_____ Characters are not adequately motivated or motivations are not understandable.

_____ You seem to be concentrating on style and not on content or storytelling.

_____ The writing is too noticeable--it's getting in the way of the story.

_____ There is redundancy, you are repeating ideas and events.

_____ Too many short sentences.

_____ Too many long sentences.

_____ Your story tends towards melodrama or overwrought prose or dialogue.

_____ There is not enough setting or setting details are not clearly drawn.

_____ The ending does not adequately address the plot questions.

_____ There are not enough twists, surprises and complications.

_____ There is not enough tension, suspense or conflict.

_____ There are not enough obstacles for the characters.

_____ Your point of view is unclear.

_____You've chosen the wrong point of view.

_____Your point of view slips.

_____ First person might work better as third person.

_____ The story is not adequately dramatized. It's not chiefly told in scenes.

_____ You tell the story instead of show the story.

_____ The subplot overshadows the plot.

_____The subplot does not add to the overall story.

_____ The subplot starts too soon.

_____ This is a good book, but it does not stand out. In today's tight market you need a work that is unique and fascinating.