Yea, for you! You’ve completed several drafts of your novel. You’ve already looked at the big picture. The plot is working, your characters are strong, and it’s now time to look more closely at the words on the page. “Writing is about getting down to it, about finding your way into the moment and sustaining the energy for as long as you can effectively. But the REAL writing is during revision.” – Steven Gillis
First, take a break—I suggest a couple weeks. Think about something else, read some books, enjoy the outdoors, talk with friends. This will help you be fresh when you dive into revising.
Second, prepare. You may already know some of your areas of weakness. If so, now’s a good time to read up on those subjects. If you’re not sure, read about revising in general. Here are a few posts from my archives to get you started.
General Novel Writing Revisions:
The following is a collection of posts on a variety of topics. Many will include resources to other posts or articles. Some may have similar information. I’m sure these posts aren’t all-inclusive, but many are ones I’ve struggled with or have seen in others’ writings.
Mechanics:
Do you struggle with grammar? – some helpful resources
Perfecting Dialogue Punctuation
Beats, Taglines, and Areas to Tighten:
Yes, some writers write too tersely but most of us could benefit in tightening in some area or another. And I do mention where to expand as well. See if any of these apply to your writing.
He Thought to Himself and Other Excesses
I, I, I – Writing in First Person
Check your Setting and Use of Senses:
This is an area that many writers don’t include when they are first writing a story.
Ground Me – sense of place or setting
Moment-by-Moment – being on scene
Third, make a list of the areas you need to work on. It’ll help you keep track of what needs to be done.
Fourth, get to work. You don’t have to try to edit everything at once, but focus on one weakness. Later move on to another, etc.
William Zinsser said, “Rewriting is where the game is won or lost.” Get out there and win!