Revision Workshop: Day Thirty-One: Do a Final Read Through

By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy 

Stage Six: A Final Look 

Welcome to Day Thirty-One of Fiction University’s Month-Long Revision Workshop. As we enter this stage, our novels are done. Let’s pause for a moment of joyous celebration, shall we? We’ve earned it.

The final stage (and step) is to read through the manuscript one last time with an eye toward the novel as a whole. If you’re sick of your manuscript, it’s okay to take a break before doing this step. It’s not a bad idea to get a little distance to gain perspective and allow you to look at the manuscript with fresher eyes.

Today, let's read like a reader, but think like a writer.

1. Review the Storytelling

Look at the basic plotting skills, not writing skills—does this novel work? Things to ask:

• Do I like the POV character(s)? (or do I find them interesting enough to read more about them)
• Are their goals clear so there's narrative drive in the story?
• Do the characters feel real?
• Are there strong stakes to keep me interested?
• Is there too much backstory, exposition, or description?
• Is the overall structure holding together?
• Does the opening grab me?
• Does the ending want me to read more?
• Is the premise working for me?
• Is the pacing strong?
• Does the plot make sense?
• Are the plot, stakes, and goals believable?
• Have I ever seen this plot or these characters before? (are they fresh, or have they been done?)
• Was is predictable or did it surprise me?
• Are all the pieces in the right places?
• Did I spot any recurring themes?
• Does it grab me, does it hold my attention, do I want to read on?

2. Review the Writing

Look for technical skill and word craft. Is the book well written? Things to ask:

• Does it read well?
• Do the sentences flow seamlessly or do any stick out or read awkwardly?
• Are the dialogue tags clear?
• Are there any slow spots?
• Does the world feel real and fleshed out?
• Am I confused anywhere?
• Are there any repetitions? Words, phrases, scenes, information, etc.
• Do I see any passive issues, too many adverbs, overused adjectives?
• Is there anything that jumps out at me that would stop me from reading or jar me out of the story?

3. Review it Like a Reader

Look at the manuscript as if you were a reader who just bought this book. Ask:

• Does the first line intrigue me?
• Does the first paragraph hook me?
• Does the first page make me want to read more?
• Does the first scene grab me?
• Are there any typos?
• Are there any unnecessary scenes?
• Does every scene make me want to read the next scene?
• Is there a reason to keep reading on every page?
• Does my mind ever start to wander?
• Is the voice consistent throughout?
• Are the characters consistent throughout?
• Do the stakes keep escalating?
• Is the resolution satisfying?

After this final read through, we should A) feel good about the state of our novels, B) be turning an eye toward the next step, and C) be glad the revision is over -grin-.

If the manuscript was closer to first draft than final draft when you started, this final read might reveal the manuscript still needs a little more work. If so, make your revision notes, take a break, and return to the steps as needed.

Although this officially ends the workshop, tomorrow we’ll take a look at where you might go from here. Another revision pass, off to beta readers, beginning the submission process, or going to publication.

New to the At-Home Workshop? Find the current list of revision steps and earlier prep work on the introductory page.
 
Looking for tips on planning, writing, or revising your novel? Check out one of my books on writing:  Planning Your Novel: Ideas and Structure, a self-guided workshop for planning or revising a novel, the companion Planning Your Novel Workbook, Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft, your step-by-step guide to revising a novel, and the first book in my bestselling Skill Builders Series, Understanding Show Don't Tell (And Really Getting It).

A long-time fantasy reader, Janice Hardy always wondered about the darker side of healing. For her fantasy trilogy The Healing Wars, she tapped into her own dark side to create a world where healing was dangerous, and those with the best intentions often made the worst choices. Her novels include The Shifter, Blue Fire, and Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins. The Shifter, was chosen for the 2014 list of "Ten Books All Young Georgians Should Read" from the Georgia Center for the Book. It was also shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and The Truman Award in 2011.

Janice is also the founder of Fiction University, a site dedicated to helping writers improve their craft. Her popular Foundations of Fiction series includes Planning Your Novel: Ideas and Structure, a self-guided workshop for planning or revising a novel, the companion Planning Your Novel Workbook, Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft, your step-by-step guide to revising a novel, and the first book in her Skill Builders Series, Understanding Show Don't Tell (And Really Getting It).  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Indie Bound