How to Check and Improve Your Subplots & Plot Threads (Tips from a Developmental Editor)

Feeling tangled in too many storylines? Wondering if your subplot is helping—or hurting—your novel? You’re not alone.
Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, how to structure a story plot, and book editing hacks. This week’s focus: plot threads and subplots.
In this week’s episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] unravel the confusion around subplots vs. plot threads. You’ll learn how to identify your main plot, what subplots are worth keeping, and how to revise your story so it most satisfies your reader.
If you've ever forgotten to tie up a subplot, or tried to juggle too many plotlines and lost your readers along the way—this one's for you.
This episode covers:
How to figure out which plot is your novel’s backbone–main plot
The difference between plot threads and subplots
Why less (subplots) is sometimes more
How to check if a subplot is actually landing with your audience
When a subplot might need to be cut altogether
Whether you're editing your manuscript or plotting your next draft, this episode will give you tools to create tighter, more powerful fiction—without sacrificing depth.
Recommended Resources:
Need a Developmental Editor? Hart Bound Editing
Author’ Alcove Membership: http://authrosalcove.com
Fantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.org
Chapters
[00:00] Intro
[01:11] Understanding Main Plots vs. Subplots
[04:32] The Importance of Knowing Your Primary Plot
[06:04] Defining Plot Threads and Subplots
[09:05] Balancing Subplots: Too Many or Too Few?
[11:00] Evaluating Subplots During Revision
[14:12] Connecting Subplots to the Main Plot
[16:05] Common Mistakes in Subplot Integration
[20:33] Wrapping Up Subplots, Is It a Must?