Bardsy - Publishability Index ™

2 min read Original article ↗

DESCRIPTION

Identifiable and plausible actors, human or not Authentic characters who come to imagined life

BACKSTORY

Main characters with pasts that inform their identities Relevant histories that spur individual change and action

AGENCY

Characters who manifest through thoughts and choices Clear, cumulative character development

PHYSICALITY

Descriptive details that create a complete setting A world that readers can imagine being within

CULTURE

A defined society A social environment with key features fully realized

CONTINUITY

No unintended anomalies Intentional inconsistencies that enrich the setting

GOAL-STAKE

Discernible motivations for all actions Friction that steadily intensifies stakes

OPPOSITION

Obstacles that impede goals Situations that make discord inevitable

CLARITY

Some recognizable message An organic, overarching message

RELEVANCE

A relatable message A profound impact

INCITING

A specific incident that tees up events An initial event that sets expectations and creates momentum

RISING

A logical sequence of events tied to an advancing narrative Compounding events that compel engagement

CLIMAX

An obvious emotional peak A culmination of tension realized in a defining moment

FALLING

No unintended loose ends A managed moment that allows readers to recover

RESOLUTION

A clear ending, whether open or closed A satisfying and impactful conclusion

EXPRESSION

Apt word choice and syntax Stimulating vocabulary and phrasing

VOICE

A consistent style A distinctive, evocative style

MECHANICS

No mistakes in grammar, punctuation, etc. Purposeful and impactful construction throughout

ENVIRONMENT

Characters who fit world and vice versa A synergistic interaction between characters and world

VERACITY

A solid connection between conflict and theme Conflict and theme locked into a mutually reinforcing spiral

INTEGRATION

No incompatibility between elements A productive orchestration of all elements

DYNAMICS

No unintended discontinuities between events Unfolding events that exert a magnetic push or pull

RESONANCE

Events that correspond with conflict and theme Sufficient impetus from events to deliver a powerful message

Self Evaluation (Updated Aug 13, 2026) 1945

Show element(s):

All

Character

World

Conflict

Theme

Plot

Language

Cohesion

OPEN PRINT VIEW ABOUT BARDSY'S PI SEE STAFF FEEDBACK BACK TO STORY

CLICK A TAB TO USE WILL.POWER

TO DO LIST:
Add tasks to your sortable list, then revel in checking them off.

SCRATCHPAD:
Cache your gems as they fall in this always accessible place.

PRIVATE JOURNAL:
Reflect on your process — good, bad and ugly — in your dated diary.

TRACKING:
Measure your progress with key writing metrics, automatically,

Click anywhere to close / cancel