Writing a Novel with AI 4: Revision and Finishing
Revision is the stage where AI can contribute most safely. Use it heavily as an objective reviewer.
Specify Review Criteria
Review this manuscript from a reader's perspective: (1) sagging spots, (2) unresolved foreshadowing, (3) character consistency, (4) verbose description, (5) hard-to-follow paragraphs. Suggest improvements; I'll do the rewriting.
Polish in Stages
- Structure level: story flow, tempo, placement of climaxes
- Paragraph level: verbosity, repetition, over-explanation
- Sentence level: typos, grammar agreement, rhythm
Finishing Questions
- "Top 5 spots where readers are likely to drop off"
- "Is the hook of the title and first sentence strong enough"
- "Does the theme come across without being preachy"
Caution
The author decides whether to accept AI's fix suggestions. Take the feedback, fix the prose yourself. Series wrap-up: AI is the editor, the writer is you. Dedicated tools are covered in a later chapter.
