Navigating the Revision Spectrum: Finding Your Balance as a Fiction Writer

Gina Kammer Author

You just pounded out a whole novel in record time. You know you can’t just hit the “publish” button yet. But what exactly are those next steps?

Navigating the Revision Spectrum: Finding Your Balance as a Fiction Writer

As NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) comes to a close, hundreds of thousands of writers wrap up their first drafts. If you were one of those writers, you might be in that uncomfortable “Now what?!” stage of the manuscript process. You just pounded out a whole novel in record time. You know you can’t just hit the “publish” button yet. But what exactly are those next steps? What do you need to do before you can hit publish or submit?

Revising a manuscript can be a daunting task for any writer — NaNo-er or not — and finding the right approach can often feel swampy. With lots of weeds to push through. And honestly, you’re navigating a whole spectrum of possibilities. I really do see a spectrum with the authors I coach! But they tend toward one extreme or the other.

On one end, some authors opt for surface-level edits, making easy fixes that might not truly unlock the full potential of their work. On the other, writers undertake complete rewrites with every change. They chase after perfection but potentially neglect the story's core essence.

As you might already see, neither extreme is usually the best approach. They each play host to really large pitfalls. Writers who fall into them miss out on making sure their stories are as strong as they can possibly be.

Let’s explore the nuances of the revision process and how finding a balanced approach can lead to a stronger, more compelling manuscript. Whether you find yourself leaning toward the "low-hanging fruit" or the "start from scratch" end of the spectrum, there's a way to hone your revision skills and breathe life into your narrative.

What Kind of Reviser Are You?

The revision spectrum encompasses two extreme approaches — the “Surface-Level Editor” and the “Perpetual Rewriter.” Recognizing where you fall on this spectrum is the first step towards refining your revision process. 

The Surface-Level Editor:

• These writers tend to opt for quick fixes, shying away from deeper, potentially impactful changes.
• Fear of “breaking” the manuscript or of the daunting work that follows often hinders their progress.
• This approach can lead to manuscripts that fall short of their full potential. Not much changes.

The Perpetual Rewriter:

• These writers have a tendency to rewrite the entire manuscript at the first sign of imperfection.
• They may struggle to see the story's strengths and weaknesses on the page, constantly chasing new ideas.
• This can result in an endless loop of writing new drafts without truly improving the core narrative.

Since neither approach taken to the extreme is ideal, where did they come from? Why do writers skew so far to one side or the other?

My theory is that it’s because revising a project the size of a novel (Yes, they’re absolutely huge projects! Don’t sell yourself short!) is something almost none of us were ever prepared for. At least not with any real, practical guidance. Revision is usually more of a sink-or-swim approach in school, for example. Beyond moving a few sentences around or correcting grammar and other surface-level edits, most of us didn’t have great models for tackling large-scale revisions. If bigger content changes were needed? Then the default was to scrap and start over, more or less.

Traditional education often focuses on academic writing, which differs significantly from the nuanced process of revising a novel for marketability. As a result, many writers find themselves unsure of how to effectively revise their work for a wider audience. So if this is you, you’re not alone! And it’s not your fault school only taught you how to write for…well…school. But even if you’re out of school, that doesn’t mean you can’t still learn a better process for revision now.

The Power of Book Coaching

For writers on either end of the revision spectrum, book coaching can be a game-changer. A book coach provides a structured process for revision and a method for implementing changes that enhance the story's impact.

In my own coaching program, Enchant Your Readers, I walk science fiction and fantasy authors through each step of that shaky “Now what?!” phase. The program combines the craft instruction, insights of a developmental editor and publishing professional, and individualized live coaching so that you know exactly which next steps to take on your journey to publication.

You’ll learn how to strike a balance between starting over and correcting grammar to give your manuscript the content reinforcements for a truly enchanting reader experience. Through a tried-and-true method for self-assessment to practicing effective critique partnering — and knowing what to do with the feedback you receive — you don’t have to stay lost in the weeds.

Embracing True Revision

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, it's possible to learn the art of true revision. This involves honing your understanding of story craft and following a method that ties everything together, providing clarity and certainty in the revision process.

Breaking free from the cycle of over or under-revising is a crucial step towards producing a manuscript you can be proud of. By understanding your place on the revision spectrum and embracing the power of true revision, you can uncover the heart of your story and present it in the way you've always imagined.

Don't let your NaNo draft or other abandoned drafts languish in the shadows. With the right approach, you can bring them to life and share your unique narrative with the world. Remember, all writers have a reason for starting their draft — now it's time to make that fantasy a reality. Start your journey towards a finished, polished manuscript. Get started for free by signing up for the Inky Bookwyrm Conservatory where you’ll find writing resources and downloads to take the next steps toward a stronger manuscript.

Categories: editing, manuscript stages, novel drafting, novel planning, writer mindset