# Revision: one job at a time

Draft version / date:

Save a copy before making big changes. Read the whole draft once and write down what it seems to be trying to do.

## Pass 1 — the book

- [ ] The promise or central story is clear.
- [ ] The opening gives the reader a reason to continue.
- [ ] The ending addresses what the opening set up.
- [ ] Chapters are in an order a new reader can follow.
- [ ] Repeated, missing, or unnecessary sections are marked.

Three changes that would help most:

## Pass 2 — the chapter

- [ ] Each chapter has a purpose.
- [ ] Scenes change something; explanations answer a real question.
- [ ] Names, dates, terms, and continuity agree across chapters.
- [ ] Facts and quotations have been checked against the research notes.
- [ ] Unresolved [CHECK] markers are either resolved or removed with the claim.

## Pass 3 — the sentences

- [ ] I have read awkward passages aloud.
- [ ] Vague claims have examples or have been cut.
- [ ] Headings, spelling, and formatting are consistent.
- [ ] The text still sounds like me.

## Give it to a reader

Choose someone willing to read this kind of book. Tell them what stage it is at and ask:

1. Where did you want to stop or skip ahead?
2. Where were you confused?
3. What stayed with you afterwards?

Feedback received:

Changes I agree with and why:

Changes I am not making and why:

Next version's finish line: