Checklist forWriting a Winner

OpeningIs the reader’s interestcaptured in the first line,first paragraph, firstpage?

Does the novel begin inthe right place?

CharactersAre lead characters likable, yet flawed?

Do they feel larger-than-life, yetrealistic?

Do they have clearly drawn desires andfears?

Do they change and grow from openingto end?

PacingDoes the reader feelcompelled to keepturning pages?

Are there “hooks” inevery scene?

DialogueIs the dialogue natural andrealistic, yet concise?

Does it advance thecharacter arcs and plot?

Is there enough dialogue?

SecondaryCharacters

Are the secondarycharacters believable?

Do they have a solidreason for being in thestory?

SettingIs the setting well-described and integral tothe story?

SettingIs the setting well-described and integral tothe story?

SettingIs the setting well-described and integral tothe story?

Point of ViewIs the POV for eachscene wisely chosen?

Is it well-distributed?

Does the writer avoidhead-hopping?

StyleIs the author’s “voice”unique and appealingwithout being intrusive?

ClichésDoes the writer avoidclichés and stereotypes inplot, dialogue, narrativeand characterization?

Is it written in a fresh way?

MostImportant:

Would you recommendthis book to your readerfriends?

To your writer friends?

Checklist forWriting a Winner