If you belong to a writer’s circle or edit for a living,
evaluating another writer’s manuscript is a little different from self-editing.
It’s important to give an honest evaluation without
brutalizing the work. Feel free to tear your own work into a thousand pieces
and throw it all over the office, but never do that to a fellow writer’s
manuscript.
Most rules still apply when editing another writer’s work.
Voice – Is the voice distinctive and unique. Agents and
publishers love the word unique. Is the narrative easy to read and does it flow
from scene to scene?
Characters – Make sure they are believable and well-drawn. Are
there one or two main characters who ground the novel? What are their
motivations? Do all the characters sound the same? Does the viewpoint keep
shifting all over the place? Are there too many characters? Perhaps a couple of
characters can be eliminated or blended into one. Make sure the speaker
attributions are limited to said and asked. It’s physically impossible to moan
or shudder or sigh words.
Setting – Does the setting complement the characters and
plot? Does the setting have enough or too little description? If the setting takes
place in a real city, are the details accurate? Has the setting been used as a
tool for plot and action?
Plot – What makes this plot different from other novels?
Does the beginning grab the reader and make them want to turn the pages? Make
sure the middle has an epiphany that sets the protagonist back or forward in
his/her quest. Does the climax satisfy and wrap up all the loose details? Are
there holes in the story that need fleshing out? Is the plot too long or too
short?
Pacing – Does the pacing move the plot along or are you
yawning while you read? Perhaps the structure needs tightening up in certain areas.
Do scene and chapter breaks flow? Make sure the sentences and paragraphs vary in
size.
Style – Does the style suit the genre? Check grammar and
technical issues. Has the author used imagery in the form of metaphors and similes?
Point out the strengths of the novel as well as the
weaknesses. Suggest alternative techniques of fixing problem areas such as a
copy edit, or where to cut scenes where nothing much happens.
I find that editing another writer’s work helps me with my
own writing. What tips do you use when editing a manuscript?
