Revision Tips for Writers

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My Editing Assistant, Disney

My Editing Assistant, Disney

Every author has a different process or style for writing, revising, editing, and proofreading. You need to find what works for you. Try a technique, and if it doesn’t match your style, do something else. Here’s how I do it.

Writing Drafts 1-6-ish

  1. I try to write every day, but sometimes life gets in the way. Do the best you can, but don’t beat yourself up. I find if I skip too many days, I lose my momentum and train of thought. I have to go over my outline again and read what I wrote recently.

  2. I do write down my word count totals at the end of each session to keep track of my progress.

  3. I start plotting on my big white board. Then, I create a Word document with a few sentences for each chapter. I color code clues, romantic elements, and humor. This helps me see visually where things fall in the story. I update the outline as the story changes. I also use this later to help me with my synopsis.

  4. I start writing. I usually type directly into my computer, but sometimes, I do handwrite chapters.

  5. I make sure that I start the book in the template that my agent prefers, so I don’t have to reformat later. This makes the cover page, chapter headings, indents, and footers consistent.

  6. After I have a few chapters, I print the draft and do a quick reread. I make changes, and then I return to writing.

  7. I repeat this for multiple drafts of the book.

  8. I also keep a master character list for each book in the series. It has basic facts and what books the character or location appears in. I use this as I’m writing to make sure I don’t repeat character names and that I keep the facts straight.

  9. When I think I’m done, I print out the whole WIP (Work in Progress) and do some editing and proofreading. My friend, Mary Burton, calls this the “sloppy copy. I break out the red (or pink or purple) pen and look for plot holes and typos.

Revision

  1. I run a spell/grammar check to look for typos.

  2. I keep a list of crutch words (overused words) or ones that should be consistent through out the book. My editor has a list, I have one, and so does my agent. I keep adding to my list. I use the find/replace feature in Word to hunt out the problem words and remove them.

  3. When I think I’m done with the draft (I’m really not), I send it to an editor that I pay to do her magic. When I get her feedback, I update the WIP and print it again. I do another reread to look for any boo boos I made while making changes.

  4. Then I submit it to my critique group. Sometimes, I do this before the independent editor. It just depends on the timing and what projects are going. My group reads 50 pages a month and provides feedback. I make any changes to my WIP and then print another copy and check for typos.

  5. I have a small group of beta readers that I send the entire manuscript to for feedback. They read the book like a reader would and provide suggestions and changes.

  6. I then send it to my agent who is also a great editor/proofreader. Your publisher will also have editors and/or proofreaders. (There are multiple rounds to the revision process.)

  7. I make sure to print a copy of the manuscript after each major revision to ensure that I catch any issues I created while making changes.

When the ARCs Arrive

  1. When you get through all the changes, the book will be formatted, and the publisher usually sends a draft or an ARC (Advance Review Copy) for review. Read it carefully. This is usually your last chance to change anything.

  2. Check everything on the front and back covers.

  3. Check all of the headers and footers.

  4. Check the chapter numbering.

  5. Read the book again.

It is such a good feeling to type “The End,” but it really isn’t. The work begins with the revision part.

Riley providing feedback

Riley providing feedback