Wordsowers Christian Writers Group

An Editing Tip from Kat Crawford

My sister and I watched a movie. At the end, Karen said to me, “But what happened to the dog?” The writer and producer portrayed a great story with the human cast, but they introduced a dog. They finished the romance, but what about the injured animal?

Years ago, an editor emailed me. “I’d like to use your story, but you’ve left me hanging. If I want to know what happened, so will the reader.”

The good news is, the editor liked my material enough to give me the opportunity to rewrite and answer all questions. I’ve learned since then to let my manuscript sit for a day or two before editing.

Want to see holes in your story? Join a critique group. When one of the group reads your story aloud you may hear where changes are needed. 

Remember: No matter if you are writing a short devotional or a novel, your reader will feel cheated if you don’t solve the problem before the end of your post or story.

Leave no question unanswered.