Three reasons to revisit how you revise

If you believe that you’re already revising because you edit, then STOP now and peep my previous post on the difference between revision and editing. This was written specifically for those who already revise and believe that they’re good to go in that department. I thought I was too, but in order to adequately explain the why and how to revise, I had to go beyond my own techniques and do some research. Long story short: I revise a little differently but a lot better now. 

“When you write well, revision becomes not a chore, but the essence of the writing act itself.” –Brenda Miller

Three reasons to revisit how you revise:

1. Takes your writing from being aight to EPIC!

In the words of Anne Lamont, your first draft is “shitty.” Your second draft is better, but still lacking. Your third draft is probably pretty good, but is that what you’re going for? If epic is what you’re going for then you’ll want to revise it at least twice before submitting it to the editor (preferably three). 

Time and energy ain’t the words. That first draft took mind, body, soul, and spirit too. Consequently, we grow attached to it. You detach a little more each time you revise and this is extremely important. Detachment allows you to understand/see what’s wrong with it and how to fix it. Revise thoroughly so that your beta readers and editors won’t have unnecessary distractions in their job of taking it to the next level. 

2. Makes you a better writer.

Even the best can be made better. And when it comes to writing, it’s rewriting (also known as revising) that makes you a better writer. Revising improves your analytical skills by positioning you as the teacher and the student. You have to challenge the very ideas that you created. In turn, this strengthens your argument.

After sufficiently revising, and after revising a number of different works, you start to pick up on your habits. For instance, I’m infamous for switching between past and present tense as if that shit was a hobby. I specifically look for this problem when revising. Then my editors catches the inconsistencies that I missed and again has the space to focus on the flaws I didn’t see. Also, after realizing your habits, you’ll go into your new project less likely to make the mistake in the first draft. Thus, you’ve grown more efficient 🙂

3. Avoids unnecessary costs and rejections.

Back when I used to edit, I would frequently have to charge for additional editing rounds or even for hard edits in cases where it could have totally been avoided had the writer revised effectively. And that’s only because I was a little more lenient as an editor. Many will simply reject the manuscript, telling you that it’s not ready to be edited yet. If seeking an agent and/or publisher, than failing to revise correctly will incur more no’s on that end. Avoid unnecessary costs and rejections by reserving and taking the time to revise effectively.

Revisit how you revise by:

1. Timing it.

Revising should have its own slot in the timeline. Your feelings have everything to do with this process. Honor them by paying attention to them and responding accordingly. If necessary, after finishing the first draft, let it sit for a month versus two weeks before revising. After revising the first time, let it sit for another two weeks before revising the second time.

If you’re in a rush, then this is a little more tricky but still doable. First, evaluate the rush. Do you have an agent/publisher breathing down the back of your neck? Is this a school project or a contest? Have pre-sales? If so, cool. If not, and you’re simply feeling pressured because you told so and so that you’d be done by now, then give yourself a break.

If you’re rushing FRFR, then whip out the pen and paper and let’s determine just how much time you do have. If you don’t have the luxury of letting it sit for two weeks before revising, then go for a day or two. Though you’re not actively working on it, your mind still is. If you have to turn it in the next 24 hours, then go for a walk or do a yoga session. Give specific chapters to your beta readers versus the whole book. Under no circumstances, however, should the revision process be totally eliminated.

2. Being a beta reader.

Being a beta reader puts you in the mind of common errors and things to look for. By acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses, you’ll also do the same with your own. Being a beta reader strengthens your role as the teacher. Because revising requires that you be your own teacher, being a beta reader makes you a better writer as well.

3. Attach a purpose to each round of revision. 

Beforehand, I would revise by printing it off, reading it aloud, and fixing all the errors. I continued to do this until I didn’t see anymore errors. Needless to say, that’s tiring as shit. By attaching a purpose to each round of revision, you save yourself time and energy. It also allows for better focus.

For instance, you could divide it into macro and micro-editing. This way, you go for the big stuff first like making sure that your characters are well-developed, that there are no holes in the plot, and the writing flows well. Then your micro-level will ensure that you don’t have any grammatical errors and that you’ve styled it appropriately according to guidelines if there are any.

You’re the editor before the editor. In fact, “editing” is just another type of revision where you have a trained professional go in and look behind you. Ultimately, however, the responsibility is yours. In order to feel confident about what we put out there, we have to make sure we’re taking full responsibility. Do you have any tips or proven methods to your revision process? #SharingIsCaring #WritersUnite