How to Edit a First Draft: Questions to Ask

To edit a first draft effectively, ask questions that examine the big picture first—plot, character, structure, and pacing—before moving to scene-level and line-level concerns. The most important questions are: Does the plot make sense and follow the rules of your world? Do characters drive the story through their choices and consequences? Does each scene accomplish something? Is the point of view consistent? Does the timeline hold together? Once the macro issues are resolved, you can ask finer questions about prose, clarity, and rhythm.

Start with Big-Picture Questions

Before you fix commas or rephrase sentences, step back and assess the overall story. Editing a first draft is not about polishing; it's about reshaping. As Richelle Braswell advises, focus on macro concepts and ignore micro details because large revisions may delete entire sections. Ask yourself: What is the story I want to tell? What do I want to accomplish? Then check whether the draft fulfills those criteria.

Plot is the backbone. A question you should always be asking is: Does the plot of my story make sense? Does it follow the rules of the world you've built? Do the characters' actions and motivations align with the plot? If the plot feels forced or coincidental, you may need to rework it. The plot should be a result of your characters' choices, not the other way around. Characters make choices, and those choices have consequences that push the plot forward.

Conflict is essential. Ask: What gets in the way of my character's goals? Conflict can come from another character's goals, an external event, or internal struggles. Without conflict, the story stalls. Examine whether each scene has tension and whether the stakes are clear.

Point of view (POV) is a crucial but often overlooked element. Ask: Is the POV appropriate for the story? Is it consistent throughout? Head hopping—jumping into another character's thoughts without a clear transition—is a common issue. If you find POV slips, decide on a single POV per scene or chapter and revise accordingly.

Structure and pacing also matter. Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Are there sections that drag or rush? A common technique is to read the entire manuscript without editing, noting overarching issues. This helps you see the shape of the story before you start cutting.

Questions for Characters and Motivation

Characters are the heart of your story. Ask: Do my characters have clear wants and needs? Do their actions align with their personalities and backgrounds? Are their motivations strong enough to drive the plot? If a character does something out of character, readers will notice.

Examine character development. Does the protagonist change over the course of the story? What do they learn? If the character is static, the story may lack emotional depth. Also, check secondary characters: Are they fully realized, or are they mere plot devices? Each character should serve a purpose.

Dialogue is a window into character. Ask: Does each character have a distinct voice? Does the dialogue sound natural when read aloud? Reading aloud is a powerful editing tool; it helps you catch awkward phrasing and pacing issues. If you stumble over a line, your readers will too.

Scene-Level Questions: What Happens and What Does It Accomplish?

Go through each scene and ask two questions: "What happens?" and "What does it accomplish?" If the answer to the second question is "nothing," the scene needs to change or be cut. Every scene should advance the plot, reveal character, or deepen theme. If a scene only provides exposition, find a way to weave that information into action or dialogue.

Check the opening scene. Does it hook the reader? Does it establish the tone, setting, and conflict? Many first drafts start too early, with backstory or mundane details. Consider starting in medias res—in the middle of action—to grab attention.

Look at information flow. Are you giving too much information too soon (info-dumping) or too little (confusing the reader)? Balance is key. Trust your reader to infer some things; you don't need to explain everything. As Harry Bingham notes, cutting explanatory passages can make scenes tighter and more atmospheric.

Concrete details bring scenes to life. Ask: Have I used all five senses? Sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste help readers imagine the story. Describe the setting and the POV character's experiences. But avoid over-description; choose details that matter.

Questions for Prose and Language

Once the big picture is solid, you can focus on line-level editing. Ask: Is every word necessary? Can I say the same thing in fewer words? Cutting verbiage tightens prose and improves pacing. Bingham's example shows how trimming surplus words and trusting the reader can make a scene more effective. Even small cuts—a word here, a phrase there—add up.

Check for repetitive language. Do you use the same word or phrase too often? Vary your vocabulary, but don't force synonyms. Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing and rhythm issues. If a sentence is hard to say, it's hard to read.

Grammar and punctuation matter, but don't obsess over them in the early stages. Once the story is solid, you can fine-tune. Ask: Is this semicolon necessary? Should this be two sentences? Clarity is the goal.

Questions for Consistency and Timeline

Does the timeline make sense? Are the details consistent throughout? Check for continuity errors: character names, physical descriptions, settings, and timeline. If a character has blue eyes in chapter one and green eyes in chapter five, fix it. Keep a style sheet or notes to track details.

Ask: Does the story follow the rules of its world? If you've established magic or technology, are the rules consistent? If not, readers will notice. World-building should be logical and coherent.

Get Feedback and Read Aloud

No writer edits in a vacuum. Share your draft with trusted readers or a writing group. Ask specific questions: What parts confused you? Where did you lose interest? What did you want more of? Be open to feedback, but remember you don't have to take every suggestion. Consider all input and decide what serves your story.

Reading aloud is one of the most effective editing techniques. It helps you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive language, and pacing issues. Record yourself and listen back, or read to a friend or pet. If you stumble, revise.

Finally, give yourself time. Let the draft sit for a few days or weeks before editing. Distance helps you see it with fresh eyes. Editing is a process, not a one-time event. Be patient and persistent.

Sources

• Your Guide to Editing a First Draft
• How To Edit A Novel First Draft – A Simple Guide
• Tips When Editing Your First (Or Early) Draft