What I’ve Learned About Revision (Part 1)

Since Stones is back in the hands of my editor for the third (and maybe final?) time, I figured I would let y’all know what I’ve learned (if anything) so far, as a first-time indie author.

I’ve titled this “part 1” just in case I think of any more gems of wisdom later on. 🙂

Trust Your Editor

Hopefully, since you’ve hired them, you trust them…but this point goes further than that. You have to trust that they understand your vision. You have to trust that they know what they’re talking about, as a professional and as a reader.  Which is why I would recommend that you ALWAYS find someone who either reads or writes in your genre. And LOVES every minute of it.

When I first get something back from my lovely editor, I read through all her comments first…and then go complain about her to anyone who will listen. I bitch and moan for a couple days and then go back and read her comments again. And begrudgingly admit that she might be right about a few things.

Buuutttt…

Trust Yourself Too

Only you know what’s at the heart of your story; an editor only helps you get there in a clear and concise and grammatically correct way.

The Littlest Fixes Are Buggers

Okay, so this one might just be relevant to me because I’m a tad special. I had the hardest trouble doing line edits and addressing comments like “need tag”, “need to see a reaction”, “needs to be reacting”, “why isn’t she reacting???”

Clarifying character motivations and fixing plot problems were a piece of cake compared to fixing the little inconsistencies.

 

What have you learned about yourself or your writing through the revision process?

 

Related Links:

15 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Editor Before Hiring Them