I am going to share some notes I received from a professional editor on one of my books. They are specific to my writing, but as I read over them, I realize that they are global. I can use them for the book I'm editing now. If you check the same issues in your writing, you will create a stronger piece of work.
Notes: - 3rd person sounds like a passive voice
- Watch P.O.V. changes
- Voice is too passive / your Main Character must do things - not have things done to them - can't be helpless.
- Pacing issues: too much thinking in the early chapters - get to the action
- Start with action
- Set up the chapters equally 1/3 forward action - 1/3 thinking - 1/3 dialogue (to see if your chapters are even, use 3 highlighter colors. Highlight action in green, inner thoughts in red, dialogue in yellow)
- Too much backstory
- Ground in the real world more solidly
- Watch the movement of time: When are we? What time is it?
- Don't let us forget about important characters - if they are off-page, too many readers forget them.
- What are your characters fighting for?
- Keep things happening
- Why do we care about anyone?
- What depends on the main character changing?
- What's at stake?
These notes were specific to REDWOOD BLOOD - which is a middle-grade novel I wrote a few years ago. I have since put it in a drawer. It was my first novel, my learning novel. I still believe in the idea, but the whole thing needs to be reworked if it's ever going to attract readers. But the notes I got from the editor have helped my new novels become better works.
I hope they help you too.
Write~on
Angie
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