Just heard back from a client about his project’s status. We’ve been working on revisions and his agent is sending it out to publishers now.

If you’re questioning whether your work is ready to send out, consider a few things first.

Is the opening as compelling as it could be?

Does the story have a rising action with one event leading readers forward to the next?

Are your characters developed just enough–deeply for the protagonist and antagonist, and in a well-rounded manner for secondary characters?

Does the pace rise and fall throughout to provide readers with enough time to process emotional milestones while still driving them forward to the next chapter?

Does the ending fulfill the promises made in the opening pages?

Before you even begin the editing process, be sure your storytelling aspects are honed. You’ll be much further along than if you simply copy edit the words.