Episode 36: Editing Pacing in Fiction: How to Balance Scene-Level and Global Pacing

In our ongoing series on self-editing strategies for writers, we take a closer look at novel structure pacing from the perspective of scene-level editing. This episode contrasts scene pacing vs global pacing, showing how writers can strengthen both big and small moments. Along the way, Rebecca offers insightful author self-editing tips in this engaging podcast for fantasy writers.

In episode 36 of the Story Savvy Self-Editing series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] dive into scene-level pacing, how to make your climaxes land, prevent overwritten details that exhaust your reader, and ensure that every scene contributes meaningfully to the story. Together, they contrast scene pacing with global pacing, discuss strategies to keep readers engaged, and explain how to identify moments that should be trimmed, cut, or expanded.

Rebecca highlights why overwriting small moments and under-writing big ones is the most common pacing issue she sees, and shares actionable tools to recalibrate your story. They cover pitfalls like underwritten climaxes, accidental big moments, and small details that pull unnecessary weight in a scene.

You’ll learn:
-The difference between scene-level and global pacing
-How to structure big moments for maximum payoff
-Practical ways to keep small moments small
-How to spot and fix accidental big moments
-Why climaxes often fail and how to prevent it