The “novel editing checklist” is a list of key steps to review and refine your novel for clarity, coherence, and quality.
- Plot and Structure
- Ensure clear beginning, middle, and end
- Confirm logical sequence of events
- Check for plot holes
- Reevaluate pacing and tension
- Maintain consistent tone
- Character development
- Verify consistency in character behavior
- Ensure character growth and arcs
- Check distinct voices for characters
- Review character motivations
- Setting and World-Building
- Ensure vivid descriptions of settings
- Maintain consistency in world details
- Check for sensory details to enhance immersion
- Dialogue
- Ensure natural and realistic dialogue
- Avoid excessive exposition in dialogue
- Check dialogue tags for consistency
- Language and Style
- Remove redundancy and filler words
- Ensure consistent narrative voice
- Check for passive voice usage
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Correct spelling and grammar errors
- Ensure proper punctuation