The Novel Advice Clarity Check

(8 questions)

Answer honestly. There are no wrong responses.

Respond based on how you typically revise — not how you wish you did.

Question 1

When revising a scene, what do you focus on first? *

Tightening sentences and improving flow

Strengthening emotional beats

Clarifying the protagonist's goal

Evaluate whether the scene serves the larger narrative purpose

Question 2

If something "isn't working," what's your first instinct? *

Rewrite the paragraph

Add more internal thought or backstory

Rework the conflict within the scene

Ask what structural function this scene is supposed to fulfill

Question 3

How do you normally know a revision worked? *

The prose sounds smoother

The emotional intensity feels stronger

The scene has clearer escalation

The narrative moment advances meaningfully

Question 4

When critique partners give vague feedback like, "It's slow," you: *

Cut sentences

Add more emotion

Adjust stakes

Examine scene purpose and structural placement

Question 5

Your biggest revision frustration is: *

My writing doesn't sound polished enough

My scenes don't land emotionally

I'm not sure the tension builds properly

I'm not sure the manuscript is structurally sound

Question 6

When planning revisions, you tend to: *

Work line by line

Focus on character interiority

Map goals, conflicts, and outcomes

Evaluate cause-and-effect across chapters

Question 7

Which statement feels most accurate? *

If I improve the prose, the manuscript improves.

If I deepen emotion, the story strengthens.

If I clarify structure, the story gains momentum.

If I understand narrative function, revisions become easier.

Question 8

Which shift would improve your revision process the most? *

Stronger sentence-level writing

Clearer emotional arcs

Stronger scene-level structure

A consistent manuscript-wide framework

Full Name *

Email *

ALMOST THERE

Ready to see your results? *

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Clarity Check Total Score

Take a moment to note your number.

This score reflects how you currently approach revisions.

Click submit to see what that means.

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