Self-Editing Checklist for Novel Writers

To make that word slashing a bit less painful

Editing your own novel can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process manageable. Use this checklist to polish your draft before sending it to beta readers, agents, or editors.

*Image by Gemini

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1. Big Picture (Story-Level Edits)

• Plot Consistency: Does every major event logically follow from what came before? Watch for plot holes, dropped threads, or sudden conveniences.

• Pacing: Does the story drag in the middle or rush through key moments? Cut or condense slow scenes; expand where tension is high.

• Conflict and Stakes: Is there tension in every chapter? Do the stakes escalate and feel meaningful to the characters?

• Theme: Is your theme or underlying message clear without being forced? Does it emerge naturally through events and character choices?

• Subplots: Do your subplots support or mirror the main story, rather than distract from it?

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2. Character Development

• Consistency: Do characters stay true to their established motivations and personalities? Avoid sudden, unexplained changes.

• Growth: Does the protagonist undergo a clear arc (change, learn, or fail to change)? Supporting characters should also feel dynamic.

• Voice: Does each character have a distinct way of speaking, thinking, and behaving? Dialogue should sound natural, not interchangeable.

• Motivation: Are character choices driven by believable wants and fears rather than by plot convenience?

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3. Scene-Level Edits

• Purpose: Does every scene advance the plot, deepen character, or build the world? If not, consider cutting.

• Entry and Exit: Do scenes start late (at the action) and end early (before they drag)?

• Tension: Does each scene contain conflict, mystery, or emotional weight to keep readers hooked?

• Transitions: Do chapters flow smoothly, avoiding jarring jumps in time, place, or tone?

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4. Line-Level Edits

• Clarity: Are your sentences clear and easy to follow? Avoid over-complicated structures.

• Show vs. Tell: Are you showing emotion and action through behavior, dialogue, and description rather than flatly stating it?

• Strong Verbs: Replace weak verbs with vivid ones (e.g., “sprinted” instead of “ran quickly”).

• Conciseness: Cut filler words (just, very, really, suddenly, actually).

• Consistency: Watch for tense or point-of-view slips.

• Word Repetition: Check for overused words or phrases within chapters.

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5. Dialogue

• Natural Flow: Does dialogue sound like real speech without being cluttered by filler words?

• Purpose: Does each line reveal character, advance conflict, or deliver necessary information?

• Attribution: Use “said” or “asked” when needed, but avoid over-tagging. Let actions and tone convey emotion.

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6. Style and Tone

• Voice: Is the narrative voice consistent and engaging?

• Tone: Does the tone fit the genre and mood of the scene?

• Imagery: Are descriptions vivid without being overwritten?

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7. Mechanics

• Grammar and Punctuation: Run a grammar check but also read aloud for rhythm and flow.

• Spelling and Typos: Watch for homophones (their/there/they’re).

• Formatting: Ensure consistent chapter breaks, spacing, and indentation.

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8. Final Pass

• Read Aloud: Catch awkward phrasing, pacing issues, and dialogue problems.

• Print Copy Review: Seeing your text off-screen reveals hidden errors.

• Beta Readers: After self-editing, get outside eyes. They’ll spot what you can’t.

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