Before publishing

Run a continuity check before publishing

Use a final continuity review before publication prep to catch story logic issues that proofreading is not designed to solve.

Timing

Why this moment matters

Late changes are expensive, but publication is also the point where unresolved contradictions become public reader experience.

Handoff

After continuity findings are resolved, move into final copyedit, proofreading, formatting, or ebook export with less story-level risk.

Checks

Checks to prioritize

Focus on the continuity categories that affect this handoff most.

  • Final timeline and unresolved references
  • Prop custody and location consistency
  • World terminology and style-sheet alignment
  • Character arcs, motivation, and emotional state
Steps

Suggested workflow

A simple sequence for turning continuity findings into useful revision decisions.

01

Run after major edits

Check the manuscript after the last substantial story revision.

02

Resolve public-facing contradictions

Prioritize findings readers are likely to notice.

03

Freeze decisions

Capture final facts in a style sheet or series bible before formatting.

Boundary

What this is not for

Wise Wombat is a focused diagnostic tool, so it should sit beside the right human or editorial process.

  • Replacing proofreaders
  • Verifying legal permissions
  • Checking market positioning