claude-plugins/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.”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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.”

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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.