Revision

I’m in the process of revising my work in progress. I love novel revision because it gives me a chance to catch weak areas and deepen what I’ve written. I’ve always been a checklist person as well. I find them efficient and time saving. Here’s a revision checklist I’ve created from the many classes I’ve taken and how-to books I’ve read.

Opening:

• Does the story start with momentum or too much backstory?
• Mood of Chapter 1 where I want it?
• Strong first line and first page?
• Likeable main character in situation that shows conflict?

Plot and Structure

• Do the main plot points fall at about the ¼, ½, and ¾ points of the book?
• Does the plot escalate?
• Can I raise the stakes?
• Does each scene have an arch?
• Is the chronology correct?
• Does the middle sag? Is there any point where a reader might feel like putting the book down?
• Is there a symbolic death in the middle so the hero can rebuild?

Language

• Watch for clichés in sayings or too typical actions.
• Check for dead verbs. (I use ‘moved’ way too much)
• Look for boring, non-specific nouns that can jazz things up with better description.
• Watch for accidental alliteration or places to use alliteration to intensify a situation
• Check the exposition. Does it enhance mood or tone?
• Does the dialogue have conflict with very little stage direction?

Characters

• Does each of the top characters have an arch?
• Can the reader feel the character’s emotion?
• Is my main character’s dilemma too strong for him to quit?
• Is there a strong reason the characters have to stick together?
• Does the villain have the ability to kill my hero or crush his career, his health, his family?
• Does my hero’s voice have substance? Does it fit the age, gender? Does it draw in a reader?

Theme

• Is the theme evident?
• How have I brought out theme? Recurring patterns, viewpoints, messages?
• Does the theme come out organically? Does it feel lectured?

Endings

• Does each scene end in the right place? Could it stop a paragraph or two sooner?
• Can I split a scene to create a cliff hanger?
• Can I make the ending of a scene stronger with more worry, a big decision, a strong statement?
• Is the climax a do or die situation?
• Does the resolution wrap up all loose ends and feel satisfying to the reader?

First drafts are a blur of ideas arriving on the page as fast as you can get them there. Novel revision is a calculated process with lots of checking and re-checking all the components that make up your novel. Slowdown in revision and enjoy the world-changing power and privilege of writing.