Barbara Dawson Smith's Self-Editing Checklist

1. Did I open with a hook? Does each scene end on a hook?

2. Did I switch viewpoints only when necessary? If I did switch, is the shift clear?

3. Are the goals and motivations of the characters clear? Is their behavior consistent with their character traits? Do the main characters grow and change?

4. Does each scene advance the plot or reveal new facets of the characters?

5. Have I avoided coincidences, contrivances, and convenient plot solutions?

6. Can the reader feel the emotions of the characters? Are the emotions believable? Will the reader empathize with the protagonist?

7. Does the dialogue move the story ahead? Does it reflect the character's unique personality?

8. Does the pacing of action and reaction smoothly propel the reader through the story?

9. Do I show rather than tell?

10. Is my description fresh and original? Have I used significant details? Avoided cliches? Avoided purple prose?

11. Does my use of the five senses draw the reader into the story?

12. Have I created a flowing rhythm by varying the length and structure of my sentences?

13. Have I used strong action verbs?

14. Have I deleted all unnecessary adjectives and adverbs? Cut repeated information?

15. Are my sentences grammatically correct? Have I checked for misplaced modifiers? Mixed metaphors? Dangling participles? Does each pronoun refer to its proper antecedent?

16. Does the reader understand in context the meaning of any technical/foreign words or phrases?

17. Is the manuscript prepared in proper format? Have I checked for spelling, punctuation, and typographical errors?

©Barbara Dawson Smith