Editing “Paragraphically”

A Definition of Editing a Novel:

You have to look at an average of ten words at a time and decide if there is any better, more creative, and accurate way of saying the same thing—and you have to do that 6,000-15,000 times.

What to Ask Yourself About Each Paragraph:

Detail: Is there enough detail?

Motion: Can any element be put in motion?

Strong Verbs: Are the verbs active enough?

The Senses: Is there anything else to see, hear, smell, taste, or touch?

Speeches: Is the dialogue as streamlined as it can be?

Active over Passive: Is the subject performing what the verb is describing?

Adverbs and Adjectives: Can any adverbs or adjectives be cut?

Similes and Metaphors: Would a simile or metaphor be effective here?

Show and Tell: Am I showing instead of telling?

Cliché: Are there any over-common or cliché words or phrases?

Junk Words: Are there any words or phrases that can be cut.