A printable guide from IGNITE—
Before You Begin
Set your draft aside for at least a week
Create a backup copy
Use Track Changes if working digitally
Have your style guide ready (if applicable)
First Check: Story Level
Check plot progression and pacing
Verify character arcs are complete
Confirm timeline consistency
Note any plot holes
Review chapter/scene transitions
Examine beginning and ending strength
Second Check: Scene Level
Evaluate scene purpose and tension
Check point-of-view consistency
Remove redundant scenes
Strengthen openings/closings
Balance dialogue and narrative
Verify setting details
Third Check: Paragraph Level
Vary paragraph length
Strengthen topic sentences
Improve transitions
Remove redundancies
Check information flow
Enhance descriptive passages
Employ smooth transitions and progressive stakes
Fourth Check: Sentence Level
Eliminate passive voice (when not dialogue/monologue)
Vary sentence structure
Use filter words deliberately
Check dialogue tags
Strengthen verbs and singular word choice
Delete unnecessary words and phrases ("Murder your darlings!")
Final Polish
Verify proper formatting based on an official Style Guide or the agent's/publisher's guidelines
Run your program's spellchecker or find a free site
Read aloud for flow and glaring errors
Replace repeated words and redundant phrases
Examine story structure and arc
Review consistency in names and places
Check for plot, character, and setting continuity across the work
Find alpha readers, writing groups, and/or writing partners you trust
Common Pitfalls
Overusing adjectives and adverbs when one better word always exists
Adding flashy dialogue tags, too many, or none at all (stick with said)
Inconsistent tense when it is not deliberately crafted and elegant
Shifting POVs without introductions or smooth transitions
Hopping around in time without warnings. anchors, or clues
Info dumping and allowing yourself, the author, to speak for your characters
Telling vs. showing (Need I say more?)
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