You’ve finished your first draft, and now it’s time to dive into the editing process. Before you whip out the red pen (or track changes), you need a game plan for your first editing pass. This isn’t the stage for obsessing over misplaced commas or fine-tuning word choice—that’ll come later. The goal here is to focus on the big picture, fixing structural issues, and making sure your story actually makes sense.

Here’s a guide to what you should focus on during that crucial first editing pass.

1. Start with the Structure (Or: Does Your Story Have a Spine?)

Before you get bogged down in the details, step back and look at the overall structure of your story. Do the major plot points line up in a way that makes sense? Are there any gaps in logic, or plot holes you could drive a bus through? Does the story build toward a satisfying climax, or does it just meander off into the sunset?

What to Look For:

• Plot arcs: Check that your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with rising action leading to a climax and a resolution. If Act Two feels sluggish, consider tightening or rearranging scenes.
• Pacing issues: Are there sections that drag or feel rushed? Make note of scenes that need to be expanded or trimmed down.
• Scenes that don’t contribute: If a chapter or scene doesn’t move the plot forward or develop character, it’s time for the chop—or at least a significant revision.

2. Evaluate Your Characters (Are They Actually Interesting?)

Characters are the heart of your story, so it’s vital to ensure they’re fully realized and consistent. Does your protagonist have a clear goal or motivation? Are their actions believable based on their established personality? Make sure each character’s arc has a beginning, middle, and end, just like the plot.

What to Look For:

• Character development: Do your characters evolve over the course of the story? If your main character is the same person on page 300 as they were on page 1, it’s time to work on their arc.
• Dialogue consistency: Does the dialogue match the character’s voice, personality, and background? Make sure it doesn’t sound like every character is just a mouthpiece for your own thoughts.
• Secondary characters’ roles: Are they relevant to the main plot, or do they just float around aimlessly? Each character should serve a purpose in the story—whether it’s advancing the plot, creating conflict, or revealing aspects of the protagonist.

3. Strengthen the Opening (Because It’s the Only Shot You Get)

Agents, editors, and readers often judge a book by its first few pages. If your opening doesn’t hook them, they’ll put it down before reaching the good stuff. Make sure the first chapter introduces a compelling conflict or question that begs to be answered.

What to Look For:

• Hook: Does the opening scene grab attention? Start with action, an unusual event, or a strong character moment rather than a lengthy exposition.
• Clarity: Is it immediately clear who the protagonist is, where the story takes place, and what’s at stake? Readers shouldn’t have to guess what’s happening.
• Avoid clichés: Don’t open with a dream, a character waking up, or an info dump about the weather (unless you can make it truly original).

4. Look for Plot Holes and Inconsistencies (AKA, the “Wait, What?” Moments)

Plot holes and inconsistencies can ruin even the most compelling story. Maybe your character was trapped in a locked room, but somehow made it outside without any explanation. Or, a major subplot was dropped without resolution. The first editing pass is when you need to catch these glaring issues.

What to Look For:

• Logical gaps: Make sure all key plot points are explained and that there’s a clear chain of cause and effect. If a major event happens “just because,” it needs more development.
• Consistency in details: Double-check things like character names, physical traits, timelines, and important facts. If your character’s eye color changes halfway through, your readers will notice.
• Unresolved subplots: Ensure all major plot threads are addressed by the end, or intentionally left open if you’re setting up a sequel. Loose ends can be satisfying if done right—but if it’s unintentional, readers will feel cheated.

5. Check Your Pacing (The Reader’s Attention Span Isn’t Unlimited)

Does the story move at a consistent and engaging pace, or are there sections that drag on forever? Balance fast-paced action scenes with slower moments of character development or introspection. If the tension vanishes for 50 pages, the story may lose its grip on the reader.

What to Look For:

• Tension and release: Are there peaks and valleys in the story’s emotional intensity? Readers need moments to catch their breath, but there should always be a sense of forward momentum.
• Scene length: Consider trimming overly long scenes or breaking them up with bits of dialogue or action to keep things moving.
• Excessive exposition or description: Cut down lengthy info dumps and work information into the story naturally. If you’re explaining for more than a paragraph, you’re probably overdoing it.

6. Evaluate the Ending (Does It Actually Feel Like an Ending?)

A satisfying ending doesn’t have to be happy, but it does need to feel earned. The resolution should follow naturally from the story’s events, and the protagonist’s journey should reach a meaningful conclusion. If the ending feels rushed, tacked on, or like it’s trying too hard to set up a sequel, it might need some reworking.

What to Look For:

• Resolution of the main conflict: Does the story’s central conflict come to a clear conclusion? Loose ends are fine, but the main arc should be resolved.
• Emotional payoff: Is there a satisfying emotional conclusion? If the character doesn’t change or learn something, the story may feel flat.
• Avoid deus ex machina: The solution to the story’s problem shouldn’t come out of nowhere. If it feels like a magic fix, the ending probably needs to be reworked.

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The first editing pass is all about big changes, so don’t be afraid to cut, rearrange, or rewrite entire sections. Once you’ve tackled the major issues, you can move on to more detailed line edits and polish. Remember, editing isn’t about perfection—it’s about making your story the best version of itself.

Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to do some literary surgery.