When your story has been revised and changed until it’s as good as you can make it, that’s the time to banish the writer-you and become the reader-you.
Let the story rest for a day or so, maybe even longer. Then find a time when you can begin and finish reading your story in one sitting. It’s important to absorb the experience of your story with this read-through.
Only after a complete read-through will you then take up a pen and make a few notes as you ask yourself a few questions.
Does the title suit the story’s tone and subject? Did it engage you, tease you into reading more of the story? It may be as the story evolved during the writing that a different title is needed. There could be a key phrase or passage tucked inside the story, just waiting to be discovered.
Did the story’s opening lines compel you to continue? Or is your opening too cluttered, delaying the start of the story? Search for an opening that will launch the reader directly into the story. Then keep the action in forward motion. Make sure your story takes the reader somewhere interesting.
Stories, like life, are about human problems. Characters need to struggle toward those solutions–and be changed in some way by their struggles.
A satisfying story leaves the reader reminded of their own life’s struggles and encouraged by the character’s victory.