Substantive Edit

A substantive edit looks at story and scene structure, plot development, character development, dialogue, and general fiction techniques.

I. Story structure

A. Opening hook/scene

B. Clear story arc–beginning, middle, end

C. Inciting Incident

D. External goals

E. Internal goals

F. Obstacles/conflict

G. Climax

H. Resolution


II. Character development
A. Unique/original characters

B. Engaging main character(s)
C. Flaws

D. Distinct character voices

E. Character emotions

F. Realistic motivations
G. Secondary characters—goals, depth, contribute to the story

III. Scene structure
A. Goal
B. Conflict
C. Disaster/reaction
D. Dilemma
E. Decision


IV. Plot
A. Unique story premise

B. Pacing

C. Backstory
D. Scene necessity/redundancies

V. Dialogue
A. Balance between dialogue and narrative
B. Tags vs. beats
C. Natural
D. Necessary

VI. General fiction technique
A. POV (point of view)
B. Show vs. tell
C. Voice
D. Vivid description using 5 senses

E. Unique prose rather than clichéd
F. Repetition or redundancy
G. Cause precedes effect
H. Precise prose
I. Foreshadowing

The fee for a substantive edit is $4 per page (using the industry standard of 250 words per page).

If you’re interested in discussing a substantive edit, please contact me by leaving a comment or by emailing me at rluellam at yahoo dot com.