16. Make sure the ending echoes the beginning.
17. For fiction, make sure your protagonist has an internal revelation separate from
his external problem solving.
18. Make sure ancillary (supporting ) characters don’t take over the show.
19. Take out clichés.
20. Be interesting with every sentence.
21. Vary the rhythm of your sentences. Not all short, not all long.
22. Put a sensory image in every paragraph. Don’t forget that we currently have five.
23. Make sure that the only thing that slows the plot is a subplot complication and
not description.
24. Can you heighten the tension? Tighten the suspense? Do it. (Draw it out)
25. Have you answered all the questions your story posed to the reader? Double check.
26. Omit unnecessary words.
27. In the final read through it should read like the wind.
28. The ending MUST be satisfactory.
29. Memorable fiction has memorable character names. (Try to stay away from the
everyday)
I truly hope this list of Liz’s helps all of you as much as it has me. Using her suggestions has helped me to make great strides in my work and I know for most of us there is at least one or two things on this extensive list we’re guilty of. ;) Best of luck in your revisions and polish and shine!
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