Professional Novel Editing Checklist

Professional Novel Editing Checklist

Use this to track progress through each editing phase.

1. Developmental Editing (Story/Structure-Level)

Goal: Fix big-picture issues like plot, character arcs, pacing, and structure.

• Clear beginning, middle, and end

• Straw

• Each scene advances the plot or character

• Main character has a believable arc

• Subplots are resolved or intentionally left open

• Pacing is balanced (slow scenes, action scenes, etc.)

• No plot holes or confusing transitions

• Theme/message is consistent

• POV and tense are consistent and appropriate

 2. Line Editing (Sentence-Level Clarity & Style)

Goal: Improve flow, tone, and readability.

• Strong opening sentences and chapter hooks

• Paragraph and sentence variety (avoid monotony)

• Eliminate redundancies and awkward phrasing

• Dialogue sounds natural and distinct for each character

• Smooth transitions between scenes and chapters

• Voice and tone match genre and audience

• Consistent descriptions (setting, characters, etc.)

 3. Copyediting (Grammar & Mechanics)

Goal: Fix technical issues and align with style guides.

• Grammar and punctuation are correct

• Spelling is consistent (US vs. UK English, etc.)

• Consistent capitalization

• Correct tense usage throughout

• Proper formatting of dialogue and inner thoughts

• Style guide consistency (Chicago Manual of Style, etc.)

• No mixed metaphors or clichés

 4. Proofreading (Final Quality Check)

Goal: Catch last-minute typos and formatting errors.

• No typos or repeated words

• Clean spacing (no double spaces after periods, etc.)

• Consistent chapter titles and headings

• Proper page breaks between chapters

• Front/back matter (acknowledgments, copyright, etc.) is clean

• Page numbers and headers/footers correct

• Final manuscript matches publishing requirements (print/eBook)