Magic Systems Analysis: Making It Make Sense
It’s been a busy week at Ivatt Editorial. Not only have I been preparing for World Fantasy Con in Brighton but I’ve also been finalising two key services I offer! The first I’d like to hard launch here is my Magic Systems Analysis, which has two distinct offerings: a high-level assessment at one price with no extra costs; and a more detailed, intricate and defined analysis that can be added on as part of the developmental editing service (see my Fees page for more information on packages). Both involve my unique editorial approach where I combine change management with editing expertise, but they are also based upon my academic and independent research into strong magic systems in fantasy fiction.
So, what exactly is this analysis I’m waffling on about and why should you care?
What is it?
Magic systems in fantasy fiction should be as logical as they are entertaining, integrate effectively into the world and its characters, play its part in the plot, and not only have rules but stick to them. A Magic Systems Analysis is about:
assessing the strengths of the system’s structure and components
identifying what is working and what is not
analysing magic in relation to the world, its characters and the plot
reviewing the source, consequences and manifestations of the magic
ensuring that it all makes sense as a system and as part of the manuscript.
Why do it?
Why should you care about assessing your magic system?
Because your readers will.
Most fantasy fiction novels have magic systems. Some may be obvious and pivotal to the story, whereas others may just be a normal part of the world that takes a backseat to the action. There can be characters whose identity and abilities are intricately tied to magic, or magic can be the highest stake in the novel and the cause and/or solution to the ultimate problem the characters are facing.
If your magic systems aren’t logical, if they have holes and weaknesses, then they can fall down. Like a house of cards, all it takes is one weak link to destroy it all. If that happens, readers will be kicked out of their immersive experience. They’ll ask questions, post reviews, and may even refuse to read other works by that author.
Having your magic system assessed in the developmental stage of your novel means that you are proactively identifying what needs to be addressed, what needs to be celebrated, and whether characters or plot are impacted.
When to do it?
As early as possible! The service I offer can be done when you’re planning your novel, writing your first draft, or as part of your developmental editing process. The earlier you do it, the easier it is to identify those areas needing improving and also the actions that need taking, the impacts on other elements of your work, and can even spark inspiration that elevates your writing to a whole new level!
Why choose Ivatt Editorial?
Magic systems are intricate and deserve special attention. It’s why I studied Creative Writing as an undergraduate, and why I chose to pursue investigation of a particular magic system (Shamanism) and its representation in fantasy fiction as a Masters by Research student. I’ve pursued this research ever since and now, almost ten years later, I have a breadth of knowledge and expertise on what makes a logical, entertaining magic system that can complement your work and strengthen the chances of positive reviews.
What do you get?
If you choose a high-level analysis, you’ll complete a questionnaire about your magic system and then will receive a high-level report detailing key strengths, the main areas to improve, a high-level assessment of magic in relation to character and plot, and a list of suggestions for next steps and possible reading materials to help with any revisions.
If you choose an analysis as part of your developmental edit, you’ll receive an in-depth assessment of every component, as well as suggestions for plot, character and structural elements to ensure that you are getting the best out of the magic you’ve created. You’ll receive a reading list of both craft and fiction examples, if applicable. You’ll also have specific comments within your manuscript to help you identify and address critical elements of your magic system that need attention, and smaller elements such as dialogue and individual character interactions and motivations.
Let’s make magic make sense!
Heather x