Everything you need to know about editing a fantasy manuscript

Embarking on the edit of a fantasy manuscript can often feel like setting out on an epic quest, fraught with perilous plot holes, meandering storylines, and elusive character motivations. Fear not, brave adventurer! This guide is your trusted map, guiding you on your journey towards crafting a mesmerising, spellbinding fantasy epic. So grab your quill, and let's venture forth into the realms of magic, mystery, and the marvellous!

Understanding the audience

Fantasy readers delight in intricate world-building, magical systems, mythical creatures, heroic deeds and epic quests. They appreciate the genre's familiar tropes while seeking fresh takes and unique worlds. When editing your fantasy manuscript, pay close attention to the rules of your magic system, the consistency of your world, and the grandeur of your characters' journeys.

Story structure and plot

Fantasy stories often follow a quest or a journey. The plot structure should reflect the scale and complexity of your world, with clear cause-and-effect relationships that make the fantastical elements of your story believable. Your story needs a compelling inciting incident, a middle filled with escalating tension and conflict, and a climax that resolves the central quest.

💡 Read more about writing: Human fantasy, contemporary fantasy, historical fantasy, magical fantasy.

Character development

Your characters, particularly your protagonist, are central to your fantasy story. Fantasy characters often undergo significant development, be it a farm boy becoming a hero or a princess becoming a warrior. Ensure their transformations are believable within the context of the magical rules of your world.

Language and dialogue

Fantasy novels often use archaic, formal, or elaborate language to build their worlds. Dialogue should reflect your world's various races, cultures, and species, showcasing diversity in speech patterns and vernacular.

Is your language vivid and immersive, painting a picture of your world without overwhelming the reader? Does your dialogue feel natural and reveal important information?

Theme and message

Fantasy novels often explore themes of good versus evil, heroism or courage, and the quest for identity or purpose. Themes and messages can also provide commentary or spark thoughts about friendship or the human spirit.

In the editing process, ensure that the magical and fantastical elements of the story serve these themes, enhancing their impact and resonance with the reader.

Crafting world-building and resolution

Crafting believable, engaging world-building and satisfying resolutions is vital in fantasy. Your world should be well thought out and consistent, and your resolution should provide a satisfying end to the quest.

In your edit, scrutinise your world-building and resolution. Is your world engaging, dynamic, and consistent? Is the resolution a fitting conclusion to the quest? Remember, thorough world-building and a satisfying resolution are the keys to a captivating fantasy story.

The importance of editing in fantasy

Editing a fantasy manuscript ensures every element adds to the magic of the journey. It's about perfecting every plot point, every character moment, and every piece of world-building until you have a story that transports readers into another realm.

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