Checklist for Dynamic Endings

You’ve spent months (if not years) writing and polishing your novel only to realize that the ending doesn’t quite work. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, hopefully the following questions will help you pinpoint it.

Does the ending feel rushed? Did you wrap up everything too quickly?

Is it believable?

Are there any loose ends that should be tied up or characters that should be mentioned?

Is it too predictable?
Do the characters behave how you would expect, or do they act in ways that are inauthentic?

Is there too much telling? Does the reader experience the ending with the protagonist, or is the reader told what happened?

Does it seem clichéd? For instance, does the antagonist confess everything, including his motives, to the protagonist in a long monologue?

Remember, the time you invest in revisions will be well worth it. A dynamic ending is unforgettable, and it will leave readers clamoring for your next book.