Once writers have worked through the plot problems and character development of a novel manuscript, it’s time for the final draft.
Dialogue Revision
Is the dialogue true to life and unique to the character? Is there too much attribution?
- Solution: There is no better way to determine this than by reading aloud. A writer’s ear will catch what his eyes do not, and dialogue will be much improved.
Are characters easily confused with each other, either in speaking or from section to section? This can be hard for writers to determine because they know their characters so well.
- Solution: Have an outside reader who knows nothing about the story read through the manuscript. If back-and-forth dialogue confuses the reader, more attribution is needed. If the reader has to check which character is which after a few chapters, the writer will need to make the characters and/or their speech more individual.
Pacing of the Story
Does the story drag? Do readers feel like they’re “plowing through” a section to get back to a good part?
- Solution: First, look for places where readers are told what the emotions and situations are. Replace these with action narrative and description to hold the reader’s interest. “Show, don’t tell” is timeless advice.
- Solution: Second, delete any action that doesn’t either move the story forward or develop the characters. Condense description and narrative to shorten slower passages. If that’s not enough, add additional conflict.
Does the story move too fast? It is possible to have readers too much on the edge of their seats – a break from the tension once in a while is necessary.
- Solution: Slow the story down by adding description or calmer narrative. A sentence or two can pause the tension, while a quieter scene will let readers relax for a while – just don’t let them relax for too long! Internal dialogue and flashbacks, in keeping with characterization, can also be used to slow the pace.
Line Editing
With all the other elements in place, it’s time to go through the manuscript line by line. Search for:
- Weak Verbs. Watch out for forms of to be, to have, and any verb ending in –ing. These can usually be replaced by stronger verbs.
- Adverbs. Do a search for ly and look closely for other adverbs. Try to replace them with stronger verbs or descriptive phrases.
- Bland Nouns. The more specific a noun, the more easily a reader can picture it. A black Porsche creates a more vivid picture than just a black sports car.
- Clichés. Phrases that pop from the mind to the page are often clichés. If it’s commonly used, replace it with fresher language.
- Consistent Details. A red sofa should stay red, an oak tree shouldn’t move to the other side of the house. Read Revise for Continuity for a systematic approach to this.
When the close-up revision is done, read through the entire manuscript aloud one last time, listening for awkward bits and revising accordingly.
For an overview of the three stages of revision, read Revising a Novel.
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