In this writing craft podcast episode of the Story Savvy Series, we walk through final checks for manuscripts to get your story ready for beta readers or editors. Featuring smart steps for editing repetitive words, avoiding head-hopping, and using self editing tips for writers to refine pacing and clarity. Whether you're writing fantasy or fiction, this session offers storytelling improvement tips, developmental editing advice, and practical tools to polish your manuscript with confidence.

Hosted by Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com], a professional developmental editor, and Agnes Wolfe [agneswolfeauthor.com], an emerging middle-grade fantasy author, this episode breaks down how to wrap up your final self-edit and prep your book for outside eyes. A must-listen if you’re nearing the end of revision and want to make it count.

In this Episode

• What “final checks” cover: gaps, placeholders (TK/TBD), and last-pass polish

• Systems for flagging unknowns (unique markers + searchable notes)

• Quick wins you can make now for a visibly cleaner draft

• How much polish to do before beta readers vs. developmental editors

• What to do when decisions are still undecided—and how to brief readers

• Using lists and workspaces to remember “come back to this” items

• Deciding when this pass is truly the final edit

Resources

• Hartbound Developmental Editing - https://hartboundediting.com/

• Agnes Wolfe - agneswolfeauthor.com

• Dragonheart Academy - Dragonheartacademy.com