fiction-assistance/skills/reviewing-fiction/review-all.md

# 5-Phase Novel Self-Editing Prompts

## Phase 1: Basic Plot Review

**Instructions:** Go through each scene in your manuscript and analyze these foundational plot elements. Create a scene-by-scene breakdown.

**Prompt:**
“Please analyze my manuscript scene by scene for basic plot elements. For each scene, evaluate:

1. **Scene Name/Title** - Give each scene a descriptive name that captures its essence
2. **Story Arc Position** - Where does this scene fit in the overall story progression?
3. **Scene Purpose** - What specific function does this scene serve in advancing the plot?
4. **Opening Type** - How does the scene begin? (Action, dialogue, description, etc.)
5. **Closing Type** - How does the scene end? Does it create momentum?
6. **Scene Anchoring** - Is the scene grounded in time, place, and circumstance?
7. **Entry Hook** - What draws the reader into this scene?
8. **Exit Hook** - What compels the reader to continue to the next scene?

For each scene, provide:

- A brief assessment of strengths and weaknesses
- Suggestions for improvement
- Notes on pacing and flow
- Word count balance recommendations

Focus on the foundational structure before diving into advanced elements.”

-----

## Phase 2: Advanced Plot Review

**Instructions:** Now examine the deeper plot mechanics that drive engagement and emotional impact.

**Prompt:**
“Building on the basic plot analysis, examine each scene for these advanced plot elements:

1. **Tension** - What creates suspense or unease? Is it sustained throughout?
2. **Conflict** - What obstacles, disagreements, or challenges drive the scene?
3. **Revelation** - What new information is revealed to characters or readers?
4. **Backstory Integration** - How is past information woven naturally into the present?
5. **Flashback Usage** - Are any flashbacks necessary, clear, and well-integrated?
6. **Scene Middle** - Does the scene have a strong middle that maintains interest?
7. **Scene Climax** - What is the peak moment or turning point of each scene?
8. **Action/Sequel Balance** - Does the scene advance plot (action) or show reaction/reflection (sequel)?
9. **Reader Knowledge Gained** - What does the reader learn that advances their understanding?

Evaluate:

- Whether tension escalates appropriately throughout the manuscript
- If conflicts feel organic and meaningful
- Whether revelations are well-timed and impactful
- The balance between action and reflection
- Areas where scenes feel flat or disconnected”

-----

## Phase 3: Complete Character Analysis

**Instructions:** Examine how characters function within each scene and throughout the overall narrative.

**Prompt:**
“Analyze the character elements throughout my manuscript:

**Basic Character Elements:**

1. **Character List per Scene** - Who appears or is mentioned in each scene?
2. **Point of View (POV)** - Whose perspective tells each scene? Is it consistent?
3. **POV Goal** - What does the POV character want to achieve in this scene?

**Advanced Character Elements:**
4. **POV Internal Goal** - What deeper, emotional need drives the character?
5. **Goal Related to Plot** - How do character goals connect to the main story?
6. **Failure Consequences** - What happens if the character fails to achieve their goal?
7. **Impact on POV Character** - How does the scene change the POV character?
8. **Impact on Protagonist** - How does this scene affect the main character’s journey?
9. **Character Knowledge Gained** - What does the character learn or realize?
10. **Character in Motion** - Is the character actively participating or passively observing?

Assess:

- Character consistency and development arcs
- Whether POV shifts are clear and purposeful
- If character goals create compelling motivation
- The balance of character growth across scenes
- Whether secondary characters serve meaningful purposes
- Name confusion or character overload issues”

-----

## Phase 4: Complete Setting Analysis

**Instructions:** Evaluate how setting enhances mood, supports plot, and engages the senses.

**Prompt:**
“Examine the setting elements in each scene of my manuscript:

**Basic Setting Elements:**

1. **Location** - Where does each scene take place? Is it clear and specific?
2. **Dates and Times** - When does the action occur? Is timing clear?
3. **Objects** - What relevant items, props, or details appear?
4. **Sight** - What visual details create atmosphere?
5. **Smells** - Are appropriate scents mentioned to enhance immersion?
6. **Sounds** - What auditory details support the scene?
7. **Tastes** - When relevant, are taste sensations included?
8. **Touch** - What tactile details ground the reader in the scene?
9. **Emotional Impact** - How does the setting reinforce the scene’s emotional tone?

**Advanced Setting Elements:**
10. **Location Split** - Should any scenes be divided across multiple locations?
11. **Weather** - How does weather support mood, plot, or characterization?

Evaluate:

- Whether description is balanced (not too much or too little)
- If setting details match the POV character’s perspective
- Whether locations feel authentic and serve the story
- If sensory details avoid clichés and add variety
- How setting supports pacing and emotional beats
- Whether weather and environmental details enhance rather than distract”

-----

## Phase 5: Story Structure Integration

**Instructions:** Synthesize all previous analyses to evaluate overall story architecture and flow.

**Prompt:**
“Using insights from the previous four phases, analyze the overall structure and integration of my manuscript:

**Story Architecture:**

1. **Inciting Incident** - Is it clear, compelling, and well-placed?
2. **Plot Points** - Are major turning points obvious and impactful?
3. **Climax** - Does the climax feel earned and satisfying?
4. **Resolution** - Does the ending resolve key conflicts appropriately?

**Integration Analysis:**
5. **Scene Flow** - Do scenes connect logically and maintain momentum?
6. **Pacing Rhythm** - Is there good variation between fast and slow scenes?
7. **Character Arc Completion** - Do characters grow consistently throughout?
8. **Setting Consistency** - Do locations and time periods feel coherent?
9. **Theme Reinforcement** - How do plot, character, and setting support central themes?

**Structural Recommendations:**

- Scenes that should be added, removed, or combined
- Pacing adjustments needed
- Character development gaps to address
- Setting opportunities to enhance story impact
- Overall readability improvements

**Final Assessment:**
Provide a comprehensive evaluation of:

- The manuscript’s greatest strengths
- Top 3-5 areas needing improvement
- Specific action steps for revision
- Overall readability score and market readiness

Consider how all 38 story elements work together to create a cohesive, engaging narrative that will keep readers turning pages.”

-----

## Usage Notes:

- **Complete each phase fully** before moving to the next
- **Take detailed notes** during each phase for reference
- **Allow time between phases** to maintain objectivity
- **Consider having each phase reviewed** by a writing partner or beta reader
- **Use the final phase** to create a revision roadmap

Each phase builds upon the previous ones, creating a comprehensive understanding of your manuscript’s strengths and areas for improvement.