Novel Workshop: How to evaluate a writing partner’s work

While we’re discussing the developmental edit, let’s also touch for a moment on the process of providing a developmental edit to another writer. Not only can offering your services to other writers in your writing community help them save money (and then save you money later when they return the favor,) but it can also help you improve your own writing skills. You may see issues in a writing partner’s work that you hadn’t previously considered in your own. This in turn will lead you to spot similar issues in your own work.

Here are the steps to take when conducting a developmental edit on another writer’s novel manuscript:

1. Read through the manuscript: Start by reading the manuscript from beginning to end, taking notes on any issues you notice with the plot, pacing, character development, or structure.
2. Identify major issues: Look for major issues such as plot holes, inconsistent characterization, pacing problems, or structural issues that may require significant revisions.
3. Evaluate character development: Evaluate the characters’ motivations, actions, and relationships to ensure that they are consistent and believable. Look for areas where characters could be better developed or more fully fleshed out.
4. Analyze plot structure: Analyze the plot structure to ensure that the story is well-paced, with an engaging opening, rising tension, a well-executed climax, and a satisfying resolution.
5. Address structural issues: Address any structural issues such as unclear timelines, confusing subplots, or unnecessary scenes that detract from the overall story.
6. Make suggestions: Make suggestions for revisions, such as adding or removing scenes, adjusting pacing, or developing character arcs further.
7. Provide feedback: Provide feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, highlighting areas where the author excels and pointing out areas that need improvement.
8. Communicate clearly: Communicate your feedback clearly and constructively, emphasizing the importance of a developmental edit and the potential benefits of making changes.

Remember that a developmental edit is a collaborative process, and your role as an editor is to help the author bring their vision to life in the best way possible. Be clear, supportive, and respectful in your feedback, and work with the author to create a manuscript that meets their goals and expectations rather than your own.

Now available in print and on Kindle!

Check out my new novel, It Had to Happen, now available in print and on Kindle!

Book Summary

When Jack Utley loses his daughter just as his business is about to soar, it seems he’s traded financial gain for Callie’s life. After an encounter with a mysterious woman on the eve of Callie’s funeral, Jack wakes up to find that time has somehow rewound to the morning of Callie’s accident. Jack gets an opportunity that most grieving parents can only dream of – he saves his daughter’s life.

Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.