This past week, I typed “The End” to my latest novel, CAPTIVE NO MORE, a story about overcoming a spirit of control. Although I’ve finished writing my story, I still have a few things to do before submitting it to my agent. To make sure my story is ready for submission, I will ask myself the following questions:
- Does my opening sentence hook my reader?
- Does my story start in the right place?
- Does my story fall into the three-act structure of storytelling?
- Have I included the four key plot points?
- Does every scene serve a purpose?
- Does every scene end in a way that my reader wants to continue reading?
- Are my transitions between scenes and chapters smooth and logical?
- Does the tension build to a climax?
- Are my characters well-rounded, memorable, and life-like?
- Is my theme evident by the end of the story?
Once I am satisfied with my answers to these questions, I will submit my story. What about you? What questions do you ask yourself after you type “The End”?
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