Revision Thought for the Day: Why a Checklist is a Good Idea

First, watch this. It’s only a minute long. You know you want to…!

I think this video presents a valuable lesson for writers as well as for its intended audience: that is, when you revise and rewrite, you can’t see what you’re not looking for.

What areas do you need to double-check when you rewrite? I like to make several passes through a manuscript, paying attention to different details each time through, details such as:

• Sensory detail
• Character arc
• Continuity
• Plot arc
• Language, grammar, & style
• Chapter endings—do they end with a cliffhanger?
• Do my characters appear at reasonable intervals throughout the book?
• Any plot details or backstory I need to fill in?

There are plenty of “revision checklists” out there to provide you with food for thought. The important thing is that you make a checklist that works for you and your story, so you can make sure you don’t miss any important details in your rewrite.

Happy rewriting!

:) Cheryl