I have almost completed my first draft of my novella - so far I have typed up a reasonable 23,555 words but I'm two chapters away from completion. I'm hoping to write within the novella word count limit although I'm worried on the fact my story cannot be published or the plot might confuse readers.
As I was typing I knew straight away that there are some bits that are in need of changing or tweaking but that could be done during the editing process.
I am asking, whether anyone has written a first draft story and thought of making big changes or cutting things out - things that aren't relevant or anything you feel that drags the story. Have you shared your drafts with others such as friends or family?
How would you make sure your story is completed to your standards?
Much agreed. Nice list to check through work by. Thanks for that, Adrian.
Hi Adrian,
Very useful and definitely copied, thank you.
Mark.
Here is my basic Editing Checklist.
1) Plot - Linked Cause and Effect throughout my novel.
2) Storyine - Check for Weaknesses, Repetition and 'Shoes and Socks'
problems.
3) Characters - Their Function and Actions. Eg. Are they Always Acting in Character.
4) Sign-Posting - In my chapters have I Indicate to the reader where there next part of my story is leading.
5) Topic Sentences - Do my Paragraphs have a Topic Sentences to indicate to the reader what the next section is about.
6) Chapter Titles - Are my Chapter Titles suitable.
7) Chapters - Do my Chapters have a Dramatic Opening, A Landmark Signpost, and End with a Cliffhanger, or a Hook.
8) Dialogue - Does it make Sense when Spoken Aloud.
9) Streams of Thought - Does it make Sense when Spoken Aloud.
10) Descriptions - Are they Vivid and not to long.
11) Settings - Do my Settings have a Strong Purpose. Are they Generally Motivated.
12) Prose - Does my Prose Flow. Does it have Pace.
13) Keep my sentences as short as possible.
14) Fix clunky sentences.
15) Cutting Superfluous Text - Every-Word-Must-Earn-Its-Keep.
16) Grammar.
17) Punctuation.
As you can see the editing process is also a long exhausting struggle.
You cannot hope to edit everything in one go.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.
Readers are free to copy my editing checklist.