# 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.