What’s that? You finished your book! Yay!!! Congratulations. Take a minute to enjoy this feeling. You earned it.
Okay, now it’s time to get back to work! You didn’t think you were done, did you? Get ready, pour yourself a new drink, and prepare to enter the next stage of writing: Revision. You do not need a red pen, but you definitely need to take off those rose-tinted glasses. It’s time to get serious about your writing.
To make this process a bit easier, we’re going to break it into three separate stages: Revision, Editing, and Final Review. Let’s start with Revision.
First things first: settle back and re-read your book–the whole thing. Yes, the entire book, from start to finish, preferably with as few breaks as possible so the story stays fresh in your mind. Use this read-through to experience the story you want readers to.
Also, while you’re here, ask yourself a few questions:
- Does this story make sense? Do the events make logical and chronological sense to happen this way?
- Are the characters consistent to themselves (and also show growth in an arc as the story progresses)?
- Does the pacing feel right when the story is read straight through? Do certain parts drag or seem too rushed?
- Do you need to add more scenes or remove others?
Now, here’s the trick: don’t stop in the middle of your read-through to address any issues. Take notes, and when you have finished that last page, take a breath (maybe cry a little because the beauty of your writing has moved your soul), and then settle down to add/remove/tweak whatever story elements, character details, or other issues you saw on your way through. Cross off or delete your notes as you accomplish each change–trust me, this part feels so satisfying.
When you have finished, if you are motivated, give it another read-through (or send it to your best–and super generous with their time–beta reader for a final round of feedback). Congratulations–part one is done! You have finished Revision. Now, it’s time to start Editing.
Stay tuned for part two of this series for Editing Tips and Tricks!
