Questions to ask as you edit your story post-revision

Greetings, wordsmiths! You've survived the whirlwind of writing your first draft, and you've even braved the stormy seas of revision. Now it's time to sail into calmer waters – the editing stage. Don't be fooled, though. Calmer waters don't necessarily mean easier navigation. You're not just tidying up typos or polishing punctuation. Oh no, my literary friends, editing is where you ensure your story is not just readable but relatable, engaging, and impactful. So, grab your editor's quill (or keyboard), and let's get cracking!

Genre – are you clear on it?

First things first. Have you made it clear what genre your story falls into? Your readers will have certain expectations depending on the genre. A romance without a happy ending or a mystery without a resolution might leave your readers feeling cheated. So make sure you've ticked all the boxes for your genre.

Conventions and obligatory scenes – nailed 'em?

Speaking of ticking boxes, have you fulfilled all the conventions and obligatory scenes for your genre? These are the elements that your readers will expect to see. For example, in a romance novel, the two leads meeting each other is an obligatory scene, and having a conflict or barrier to their relationship is a convention. If you miss these, your story might feel incomplete or unsatisfying to your readers.

Point of view – is it clear and consistent?

Next up: the point of view. It's through this lens that your readers will experience your story. Is it clear who's telling the story? Is the point of view consistent, or does it jump around like a hyperactive kangaroo? A well-chosen and consistent point of view can draw your readers in and keep them engaged.

Objects of Desire – Are They Clear?

Your characters' objects of desire, whether internal (like a need to feel loved) or external (like that shiny McGuffin that everyone's after), are what drive your story. Are these objects of desire clear to your readers? If not, your characters might feel aimless, and your story might lose momentum.

Theme/controlling idea – got one?

Your story's theme or controlling idea is its underlying message, the 'so what?' of your narrative. Have you made it clear what your story is really about, beyond the surface-level plot?

Beginning, middle, and end – check, check, and check?

Every good story needs a clear beginning, middle, and end. Do you introduce your characters and set up your story in the beginning? Does the middle build on the premise's promise, escalating tension and stakes? And does the end provide a satisfying payoff, resolving the main conflicts and tying up loose ends?

Is your hook hooky enough?

Your hook grabs your readers' attention and makes them want to keep reading. Is your hook hooky enough to reel your readers in?

The promise of the premise – delivered?

You need to deliver on the premise's promise in the middle of your story. This is where all the fun and games happen, where the unique concept of your story really shines. Have you delivered your story's promise, or does the middle sag like a deflated balloon?

Ending payoff – satisfying?

And finally, the ending. This is your story's final impression, the last taste you leave in your readers' mouths. Is your ending payoff satisfying? Does it tie up the story's loose ends and give your readers a sense of closure?

Editing is where you fine-tune your story, making sure it sings the right tune to resonate with your readers. And with these questions to guide you, you'll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece that's not just well-written but well-edited too. It's like baking a cake – the first draft is gathering the ingredients, revising is mixing them together, and editing is the baking part where you make sure it's cooked to perfection. So go ahead, put on your chef's hat, and make your story deliciously engaging. Happy editing!

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