Fiction editing style sheet template
Copy this structure into your preferred document and adapt it to the engagement. Keep settled decisions, narrative facts, and questions awaiting the author in separate sections.
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How to use this template
Start with the engagement details, then add entries as decisions arise. Use one entry per term or fact, include a source location when it matters, and give each unresolved decision an owner. Delete sections outside the agreed scope rather than filling them for appearance.
Before handing it to the author
Verify that the sheet describes the delivered draft, remove private working notes, and distinguish recommendations from agreed changes. Keep the original manuscript and the approved sheet together in your own records. The blank structure can be reused; confidential client content should not travel into another project.
Copy and adapt the template
Replace bracketed or generic language with the facts of the engagement. Templates do not replace professional or legal advice.
Engagement and authority
Identify which draft and conventions this sheet describes.
- Manuscript title and version
- Editor and review date
- Language variety and preferred dictionary
- Agreed style guide or house preferences
- Scope and excluded checks
Approved terms and mechanical decisions
Repeat this entry for each decision; record exceptions explicitly.
- Preferred form
- Variants to check
- Category: spelling, capitals, hyphenation, numbers, or punctuation
- Source location or authority
- Approved by and date
- Exceptions and rationale
Character and world reference
Distinguish established facts from beliefs, aliases, or changes during the story.
- Name, alias, place, or world rule
- Fact and when it applies
- Supporting chapter or passage
- Intentional change or exception
- Related terms or unresolved conflict
Questions awaiting a decision
Keep proposed rules separate from approved ones.
- Query identifier and source location
- Neutral question for the author
- Proposed decision, if appropriate
- Author response
- Status and follow-up owner
Revision and handoff record
Tie the reference to the manuscript actually reviewed.
- Incoming and reviewed draft versions
- Entries changed this round
- Checks performed and coverage limits
- Remaining open decisions
- Client-safe handoff date
Continue the editor workflow
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