65c29d795b
Snapshot of the fiction-assistance plugin in its original Universalis- specific form before generalization. Adds the missing plugin.json manifest (subdirectory command paths explicitly listed), moves the two stray root-level review files into their proper homes (review-all.md into the reviewing-fiction skill, review-final.md as a command with frontmatter), and registers the plugin in the marketplace. Preserved here so the original card-generation and vault-maintenance commands remain recoverable when the plugin is reduced to a portable guidance-and-analysis subset in the next commit. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.7 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
173 lines
7.2 KiB
Markdown
173 lines
7.2 KiB
Markdown
# 5-Phase Novel Self-Editing Prompts
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## Phase 1: Basic Plot Review
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**Instructions:** Go through each scene in your manuscript and analyze these foundational plot elements. Create a scene-by-scene breakdown.
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**Prompt:**
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“Please analyze my manuscript scene by scene for basic plot elements. For each scene, evaluate:
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1. **Scene Name/Title** - Give each scene a descriptive name that captures its essence
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2. **Story Arc Position** - Where does this scene fit in the overall story progression?
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3. **Scene Purpose** - What specific function does this scene serve in advancing the plot?
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4. **Opening Type** - How does the scene begin? (Action, dialogue, description, etc.)
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5. **Closing Type** - How does the scene end? Does it create momentum?
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6. **Scene Anchoring** - Is the scene grounded in time, place, and circumstance?
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7. **Entry Hook** - What draws the reader into this scene?
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8. **Exit Hook** - What compels the reader to continue to the next scene?
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For each scene, provide:
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- A brief assessment of strengths and weaknesses
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- Suggestions for improvement
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- Notes on pacing and flow
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- Word count balance recommendations
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Focus on the foundational structure before diving into advanced elements.”
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-----
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## Phase 2: Advanced Plot Review
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**Instructions:** Now examine the deeper plot mechanics that drive engagement and emotional impact.
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**Prompt:**
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“Building on the basic plot analysis, examine each scene for these advanced plot elements:
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1. **Tension** - What creates suspense or unease? Is it sustained throughout?
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2. **Conflict** - What obstacles, disagreements, or challenges drive the scene?
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3. **Revelation** - What new information is revealed to characters or readers?
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4. **Backstory Integration** - How is past information woven naturally into the present?
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5. **Flashback Usage** - Are any flashbacks necessary, clear, and well-integrated?
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6. **Scene Middle** - Does the scene have a strong middle that maintains interest?
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7. **Scene Climax** - What is the peak moment or turning point of each scene?
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8. **Action/Sequel Balance** - Does the scene advance plot (action) or show reaction/reflection (sequel)?
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9. **Reader Knowledge Gained** - What does the reader learn that advances their understanding?
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Evaluate:
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- Whether tension escalates appropriately throughout the manuscript
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- If conflicts feel organic and meaningful
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- Whether revelations are well-timed and impactful
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- The balance between action and reflection
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- Areas where scenes feel flat or disconnected”
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-----
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## Phase 3: Complete Character Analysis
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**Instructions:** Examine how characters function within each scene and throughout the overall narrative.
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**Prompt:**
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“Analyze the character elements throughout my manuscript:
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**Basic Character Elements:**
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1. **Character List per Scene** - Who appears or is mentioned in each scene?
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2. **Point of View (POV)** - Whose perspective tells each scene? Is it consistent?
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3. **POV Goal** - What does the POV character want to achieve in this scene?
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**Advanced Character Elements:**
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4. **POV Internal Goal** - What deeper, emotional need drives the character?
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5. **Goal Related to Plot** - How do character goals connect to the main story?
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6. **Failure Consequences** - What happens if the character fails to achieve their goal?
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7. **Impact on POV Character** - How does the scene change the POV character?
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8. **Impact on Protagonist** - How does this scene affect the main character’s journey?
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9. **Character Knowledge Gained** - What does the character learn or realize?
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10. **Character in Motion** - Is the character actively participating or passively observing?
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Assess:
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- Character consistency and development arcs
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- Whether POV shifts are clear and purposeful
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- If character goals create compelling motivation
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- The balance of character growth across scenes
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- Whether secondary characters serve meaningful purposes
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- Name confusion or character overload issues”
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-----
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## Phase 4: Complete Setting Analysis
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**Instructions:** Evaluate how setting enhances mood, supports plot, and engages the senses.
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**Prompt:**
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“Examine the setting elements in each scene of my manuscript:
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**Basic Setting Elements:**
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1. **Location** - Where does each scene take place? Is it clear and specific?
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2. **Dates and Times** - When does the action occur? Is timing clear?
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3. **Objects** - What relevant items, props, or details appear?
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4. **Sight** - What visual details create atmosphere?
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5. **Smells** - Are appropriate scents mentioned to enhance immersion?
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6. **Sounds** - What auditory details support the scene?
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7. **Tastes** - When relevant, are taste sensations included?
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8. **Touch** - What tactile details ground the reader in the scene?
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9. **Emotional Impact** - How does the setting reinforce the scene’s emotional tone?
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**Advanced Setting Elements:**
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10. **Location Split** - Should any scenes be divided across multiple locations?
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11. **Weather** - How does weather support mood, plot, or characterization?
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Evaluate:
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- Whether description is balanced (not too much or too little)
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- If setting details match the POV character’s perspective
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- Whether locations feel authentic and serve the story
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- If sensory details avoid clichés and add variety
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- How setting supports pacing and emotional beats
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- Whether weather and environmental details enhance rather than distract”
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-----
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## Phase 5: Story Structure Integration
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**Instructions:** Synthesize all previous analyses to evaluate overall story architecture and flow.
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**Prompt:**
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“Using insights from the previous four phases, analyze the overall structure and integration of my manuscript:
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**Story Architecture:**
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1. **Inciting Incident** - Is it clear, compelling, and well-placed?
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2. **Plot Points** - Are major turning points obvious and impactful?
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3. **Climax** - Does the climax feel earned and satisfying?
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4. **Resolution** - Does the ending resolve key conflicts appropriately?
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**Integration Analysis:**
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5. **Scene Flow** - Do scenes connect logically and maintain momentum?
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6. **Pacing Rhythm** - Is there good variation between fast and slow scenes?
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7. **Character Arc Completion** - Do characters grow consistently throughout?
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8. **Setting Consistency** - Do locations and time periods feel coherent?
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9. **Theme Reinforcement** - How do plot, character, and setting support central themes?
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**Structural Recommendations:**
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- Scenes that should be added, removed, or combined
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- Pacing adjustments needed
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- Character development gaps to address
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- Setting opportunities to enhance story impact
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- Overall readability improvements
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**Final Assessment:**
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Provide a comprehensive evaluation of:
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- The manuscript’s greatest strengths
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- Top 3-5 areas needing improvement
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- Specific action steps for revision
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- Overall readability score and market readiness
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Consider how all 38 story elements work together to create a cohesive, engaging narrative that will keep readers turning pages.”
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-----
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## Usage Notes:
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- **Complete each phase fully** before moving to the next
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- **Take detailed notes** during each phase for reference
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- **Allow time between phases** to maintain objectivity
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- **Consider having each phase reviewed** by a writing partner or beta reader
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- **Use the final phase** to create a revision roadmap
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Each phase builds upon the previous ones, creating a comprehensive understanding of your manuscript’s strengths and areas for improvement. |