10 Powerful Techniques Proven to Perfect Any Piece of Fiction

Are you feeling uncertain about what to do after completing the latest draft of your novel? I'm here to help you improve your writing quality, enhance word choice, refine the structure, and make it more readable and eloquent while preserving the original meaning. Using a checklist is a great way to kickstart the revision process for your novel. As you work on refining the plot, developing the characters, and building conflict, your story will start coming together. Once you have all the important elements in place, you can shift your focus to polishing the story through editing instead of revising the plot. It's a good idea to start with the plot revision and then move on to the checklist.

Now, here are ten key factors to consider and analyze. Start at the top and work your way down the list. By the time you finish going through the checklist and applying it to your entire novel, you'll notice a significant improvement in how tight and coherent it is.

1. Plot coincidences.
   Did your character do something that felt convenient, just for the sake of moving the story along? Aim to give purpose to the events in your story, so they don't come across as mere coincidences.
2. Lack of character motivation.
   Get comfortable with asking yourself, "Why?" Wonder why each character does what they do. Does it make sense? If their actions don't have a good reason, then have a chat with them and ask why. Every character must have motivation for their actions. It's up to you to uncover it and reveal it to your reader.
3. Action.
   Every scene you write needs to have action. People doing things. And no, sitting around talking doesn’t really count as action. People can still sit around and have conversations, but it needs to advance the plot and lead to the next scene. And people still need to be doing things, like taking a sip of water or putting an arm around someone.
4. Setting.
   You want to make each scene as visual as possible. Use all five senses. Also look for overall setting inconsistencies such as locations and distances of certain places. Is the library always mentioned as being north of Main Street? Verify your timelines too. Make sure that something that happened with one character doesn’t interfere with something else that’s happening with another character.
5. Character inconsistencies.
   Check out how each character acts, talks, and looks. Make sure every chapter stays consistent with the ones before it.
6. Wordiness.
   Keep it concise! Short and long sentences both have their place in writing. Don't assume a long sentence is wordy; just make sure you don't repeat yourself unnecessarily. Cut, cut, cut, wherever possible. Be concise while still conveying your message.
7. Excessive description.
   Long descriptions that seem to drag on forever? Yeah, that's a thing of the past. Condense those paragraphs, cut down on the details, and just capture the essence of the scene. No need for excessive descriptions anymore!
8. Repetition and cliches.
   When you use a word in one line and then, like, seven lines later you're using the same word again, that's one form of repetition that can totally be fixed. Another way repetition may show up is by, like, doing the same action or saying something more than once even if it's said using different words. So, you know, remember to cut, cut, cut.
9. Sneaky sloth words.
   These words can seriously drag down your story, and not in a good way. They're the boring, lazy ones that show up as filler or fluff. You know, words like: just, suddenly, very, really, was, that, of course, perhaps, right, actually, supposedly, etc. Most of them are adverbs, and that's why some writers say, "Never use adverbs."
10. Overused words.
    These are your faves. Usually verbs or adjectives. How often do you use "smiled" (that's one of mine), or crinkly, or problematic? Yours could be: trembled, gazed, regarded, nodded, winced, or caressed. It could be anything. After a few reads, they'll jump out at you. You might even overuse some of the sneaky sloth words. Pick other words.

As an author, there are many pitfalls to watch out for, but with diligent effort and the right guidance, you can create something really special. Remember that a good revision checklist is the partner to every creative project; it'll make sure your work meets its potential. Once you've marked off every item on your checklist, you can show it proudly to the world and take your rightful place among the pantheon of authors who have captivated us through their words, imagination, and wit. So go forth with courage and confidence — your masterpiece awaits!