Revision

Revision Checklist

/rɪˈvɪʒ.ən ˈtʃɛk.lɪst/ noun
IN ONE SENTENCE

A structured list of items to review during each pass of manuscript revision, so nothing important slips through the cracks.

Definition

A revision checklist is a written-down set of things to look for each time you read through your manuscript. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, you use the checklist to focus each revision pass on a specific layer - structure in one pass, character consistency in the next, prose quality after that. It turns the overwhelming task of revision into something manageable and repeatable.

Why It Matters

Without a checklist, revision becomes a vague slog where you read through your manuscript hoping problems will jump out at you. They won't - at least not all of them. A good checklist forces you to look for specific issues on each pass, which means you actually catch more problems in fewer drafts.

Types of Revision Checklist

Structural Items +
Character Items +
Prose and Style Items +
Continuity and Fact Items +

Try It Yourself

Quick Exercise

Create your own revision checklist with three to five items per category: structure, character, prose, and continuity. Then open a recent chapter and run through just the structure items. Note every issue you find and how long it takes. You'll likely catch things you missed in previous unstructured read-throughs.

CONTINUE LEARNING
Revision & Editing
The core tool for organizing your revision process