This post, from Darcy Pattison, originally appeared on her website and is reprinted here in its entirety with her permission.
Write a Stronger Novel
You’re writing a novel, a fictional story, that runs a rather long length. What’s the difference between a novel manuscript that sells and one that doesn’t? Details.
[Publetariat Editor’s Note: indie authors, feel free to substitute the word "sings" for "sells" in the above sentence.]
Here are 30 fast and easy Novel Revision tips:
30 ONE-MINUTE Tips for strengthening your novel
Titles
Subtitles
Chapter Divisions
Character Names
Stronger Settings
Stronger Setting Details
Characters That Count
Take Your Character’s Pulse
Connecting Emotional and Narrative Arcs
Unique Character Dialogue
Character Description
Begin at the Beginning
Scene Cuts
Take a Break
Power Abs for Novels
Angel Moments in Your Novel
Powerful Endings
Tie Up Loose Ends
Find Your Theme
Theme Affects Setting
Theme Affects Characters and Actions
Choosing Subplots
Knitting Subplots Together
Feedback
Stay the Course
Revise Again
The End
The New Beginning
Darcy Pattison, an author of both picture books and novels, has been published in eight languages. Her books have been recognized for excellence by starred reviews and other awards. As a writing teacher, Darcy is in demand nationwide to teach her Novel Revision Retreat which is designed to help intermediate to advanced writers break through to publication. The workbook for the retreat, Novel Metamorphosis: Uncommon Ways to Revise (Mims House), is available on Amazon.com. For information on hosting a retreat in your area, see
http://www.darcypattison.com/speaking/.