FREE QUIZ

Story
Self-Assessment

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STEP 1
Let’s assess how you’re feeling #1 - not con dent at all
aout your story. #2 - not very con dent
Rank your confidence in the following
statements according to the key on the right: #3 - neutral
#4 - somewhat con dent
1 2 3 4 5 #5 - totally con dent

Character Development
My readers will connect with my protagonist and feel invested in their journey.

Every named character is memorable and distinctive, and the reader

can easily differentiate between them.

All of my characters are multidimensional, each illustrating both positive and negative traits.

The protagonist’s and antagonist’s motivations are clear to the reader.

The protagonist exhibits some kind of personal growth or transformation.

TOTAL

Plot Development
The beginning of the story quickly establishes a point of tension or
conflict that intrigues the reader.

The story does not rely on too many conveniences or coincidences to progress.

The ending provides a sense of resolution that will satisfy the reader.

The story does not have any unbelievable plot twists or plot holes.

The subplots do not detract from the main storyline.

TOTAL

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Structure/Organization
My chapter/section breaks are logical and do not disrupt the flow of the narrative.

I establish the narrative point(s) of view early in the manuscript and stay
consistent to the end.

The passage of time between sections/scenes follows a logical cadence.

The story effectively balances scene action and narrative reflection.

The story’s length is appropriate for the genre.

TOTAL

Writingraft
My formatting (line breaks, indentations, dialogue, etc.) is standardized and consistent

The voice and tone of the narrative is appropriate for the story’s content.

I weave in descriptions of the story’s setting so the reader feels its sense of place.

Each sentence is purposeful and clear, without weak adverbs, unnecessary adjectives,
redundant phrasing, or disorienting imagery.

My writing includes minimal grammatical and spelling errors.

TOTAL

Your assessment is complete!

Head to the next page to compare your totals and set a

game plan for taking your story to the next level.

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STEP 2
Figure out what you’re doing great and where you could improve.
Compare your totals for each of the four sections. The highest number indicates the
manuscript’s strongest area; the lowest number indicates the biggest area for improvement.

FILL OUT THE STATEMENT BELOW:

My story’s is strong, but its [highest

HIGHEST SCORING SECTION

scoring section] needs some work.

LOWEST SCORING SECTION

TIP TIP

Give this quiz to a trusted Tae this quiz again after

friend or beta reader who has you’ve revised your story
read your story and see if their and see if any of your
answers align with yours. answers have changed!

STEP 3

Craft an action plan to take your story to the next level.

Check out my free writing resources: Request a quote for a 1:1 collaboration:

VIEW RESOURCES ⟶ VIEW SERVICES ⟶

Don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone.

I’m lyssa, developmental book editor and your biggest
story supporter. I help writers just like you feel more
confident in their stories and get one step closer to their
dream of seeing it published.

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