This week, I’ve been editing a hell manuscript. It’s like a normal manuscript, only I hate it. So, it makes sense that I should give you a worksheet about editing, right?
Again, there’s no example for this one, but here are some pointers. First, take a look at your characters. If something feels wrong about your story, it could be that you’ve got too many characters. This is a common mistake in first novels and anything written by people under the age of twenty. While having a lot of characters isn’t a problem, having all of them competing for attention is. Just make sure that you only concentrate on the important characters – we don’t really need the names of all three hundred students at your fictional school.
Then, there’s plot. Make sure each scene, paragraph and sentence is there for a reason. The best writing doesn’t waste a word. Obviously, if you actually use this worksheet for every scene/paragraph/sentence in your epic novel, you’re going to use a hell of a lot of paper, so maybe just keep these tips in mind for most and only use the worksheet when you find a problem.
Items. This is always a tricky area, especially in an action, adventure or mystery novel. Like characters, sometimes it is easy to throw too many items into the mix. Make sure you really need them. Too many red herrings and you’ll annoy your reader.
As always, don’t stress over it and enjoy!
A Writer's Life for Me 
That’s a pretty cool worksheet. Hmmm… Must try it out.
I hope you find it useful!
There’s a character I’ve been considering dropping for a while now, and I think this worksheet just did it for me. She’ll still exist, but as a minor point in the background rather than yet another POV character. Thanks for the push!
I’m so glad it helped!