The Ultimate Rewriting Checklist For Authors
Rewriting is where good stories become better. Use this ultimate rewriting checklist for authors to polish your prose.
The first draft of your novel is a sketch. It is a rough piece of writing where you have worked out a shape of a story. Once you have completed this, the real work begins.
Richard North Patterson says: ‘Writing is rewriting. A writer must learn to deepen characters, trim writing, intensify scenes. To fall in love with the first draft to the point where one cannot change it is to greatly enhance the prospects of never publishing.’
Many authors rewrite their manuscripts many times before they are happy to send their book to the publisher.
Michael Crichton said: ‘Books aren’t written – they’re rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn’t quite done it.’
Rewriting is an essential part of the writing process. Use this checklist to help you identify weaknesses, tighten your prose, and make sure your story delivers on its promise. Tick the boxes as you go along. (Download your own list at the end of this checklist.)
The Ultimate Rewriting Checklist For Authors
Story And Structure
1. What is your promise to the reader? Is it clear from the beginning? ☐
2. Does your story begin at the right moment? ☐
3. Have you checked the requirements of your genre? ☐
4. Have you introduced your main characters in the opening scenes? ☐
5. Have you given your protagonist a distinctive voice? ☐
6. Are your protagonist and antagonist believable? ☐
7. Is there enough conflict? ☐
8. Do you have a plot? ☐
9. Are there holes in your plot? ☐
Viewpoint, Setting, And Dialogue
10. Have you chosen the correct viewpoint for your novel? ☐
11. Have you placed your characters firmly in time and place? ☐
12. Is there enough dialogue for your story and genre? ☐
13. Does your dialogue flow? Have you read it aloud? ☐
14. Have you removed information repeated in dialogue and narration? ☐
15. Does your use of contractions sound natural for your characters and narrative voice? ☐
Editing Your Prose
16. Have you revised your novel as many times as needed? ☐
17. Do you have too many long sentences? ☐
18. Have you removed unnecessary adverbs? ☐
19. Have you removed unnecessary adjectives? ☐
20. Have you replaced vague, confusing, or illogical writing with clear, precise language? ☐
21. Have you cut out gratuitous similes and metaphors? ☐
22. Does your use of profanity suit your characters and story? ☐
23. Have you used the passive voice deliberately and effectively? ☐
24. Have you removed unnecessarily elaborate writing? ☐
25. Have you removed author intrusion and inadvertent preaching? ☐
26. Have you used the correct lexicon for your genre? ☐
27. Have you removed unnecessary modifiers and qualifiers? ☐
28. Have you done a spell check? ☐
29. Have you read your manuscript aloud to catch awkward phrasing, repetition, and inconsistencies? ☐
30. Have you made good on your promise? Is your reader satisfied? ☐
Download your checklist here: Rewriting Checklist For Authors
The Last Word
Rewriting takes time, patience, and a willingness to be ruthless with your words. Use this checklist to work through your manuscript, strengthen your story, and polish your prose. Remember, every rewrite brings you closer to the book you want to write.
You may enjoy these useful posts:
- An Editing Checklist For Writers
- 12-Steps to Self-Editing – your stress-free guide to preparing a manuscript
- What 20 Famous Authors Had to Say About Rewriting
by Amanda Patterson
© Amanda Patterson
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