Episode at a glance:

 

[02:22] Why Your First-Read Is Important

When you’re drafting, your brain is in creation mode. You’re too close to the work to see patterns. The first read through is when you finally step back and see the whole forest you’re reading as a reader would, straight through without stopping to fix things. This is when you discover the emotional experience of your story. Does it actually feel the way you intended? Does the pacing work? Do the emotional moments really land. Do you feel emotional when you read it? What’s actually on the page? Not what’s in your head, not what you meant to write, but what a reader will actually experience.

You’re also seeing your story’s structural integrity. Does the plot hold together? Do the character arcs make sense? Are there holes you didn’t notice while drafting?

You’ll also see your book’s unique strengths. This his is just as important as finding problems in your story. You need to identify what’s working brilliantly so you don’t accidentally fix it away in revision.

[05:49] The Pre-Read Prep

To create the conditions for a productive read through, first, take a break. Ideally, at least two weeks. Six to eight weeks is ideal. When you’re too close to your work, you read what you meant to write, not what’s actually on the page. 

It also helps to print your manuscript and read it on paper, if possible. Reading on paper forces you out of editing mode. It makes your work feel more real and helps you read it differently.

Then you want to create the right environment. Treat this read through like you would reading any book you’re excited about. Find a comfortable reading spot, not your writing desk. Eliminate distractions. Set aside dedicated reading time. Have your note taking system ready. 

[08:47] Story Level 

These are the macro level structural elements that either hold your story together or cause it to fall apart. You’re looking for plot coherence. Does your plot make logical sense? Any holes or contradictions? Did your character make a choice that contradicts their earlier behavior without explanation? Does your protagonist actually change?

[10:36] Character Level 

Is it clear who the story is about? Does your protagonist drive the action? Or do things just happen to your protagonist? You also want to look for character motivation. Do your character’s choices make sense given who they are, or do they do things because the plot requires it, even if it doesn’t fit who they are, you want to watch for moments where you think, Wait, why would she do that? If you are confused about your own character’s choices and motivations, readers will be lost. You also want to look at your secondary characters and the clarity around them. Can you tell your secondary characters apart? Do they serve a clear purpose in the story, or are there characters who seem to exist just to fill space?

[11:34] Scene Level

Does each scene move the story forward? Does it reveal character? Or does it do both? Every scene should earn its place.

You also want to look at the scene entry and exit. Do you enter each scene at the right moment? Or do you spend too much time on setup before anything happens? Do you exit at the right moment? Are you exiting too late?

Is there tension or conflict in your scenes, even the quiet ones? Or are there scenes that are just characters having pleasant conversations with no obstacles or stakes? Do the emotional moments land? Do they feel earned? Or do they fall flat?

[12:38] Your Beginning and Ending

Do the first 5 to 10 pages of your book hook? Do they establish voice character and stakes?  Does the first act establish the story question and set the story in motion? Or does your real story not start until chapter five?

Look at your ending. Does the ending deliver on the story’s promise? Does it resolve the main plot and character arc? Does it feel rushed, or does it linger too long after the climax? 

[13:54] The Reader’s Experience
How did it feel to read your story? You’re looking for emotional engagement. Did you care about what happened and who it happened to? If you find yourself emotionally detached from your own story, readers will too.

And then stamina. Can you keep reading? Or did you have to force yourself to continue? Be honest, if you’re the author and you’re struggling to get through certain sections, those sections need work.

 

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