You don’t need to revise chronologically

Our brain is conditioned to read stories in the beginning, middle, and end frame. However, some writers find it easier to revise if they start working in the middle or at the end of their manuscript. Revising from the middle or the end allows you to see the bigger picture in your story arc. You tend to question why a certain character did this or why this event happened.

Outlining helps

Many writers claim that they read their full manuscript and write outlines on areas for revision. Doing this helps them prepare an organized revision, making the process smoother. Some writers claim to keep a mental note on where to put revisions after reading their draft. In my case, memories are mighty short, so I prefer to outline my revisions.

Revise per chapter

Some writers work on a chapter and then revise it immediately before moving on. Provided that you have an outline, this method can prove beneficial as it eliminates excessive errors and loopholes that you have tightened up before moving on. Depending on how many revisions you plan on doing, revising per chapter cuts down your revision time, as you handled the big issues beforehand. Should you do another revision, it will come easier as you might only deal with minor tweaks in the elements of your story.

Think of yourself as an omnipotent creator

Writing fiction makes you a world builder. Only you can decide what’s best for the characters and the world that you have built. In revising your draft, immerse yourself in the drama and struggles that you put your characters into. Along the way, you cultivate a habit for a critical analysis of plot and characterization. Is it realistic for this character to stick with the person she loves even if he’s irresponsible? What did she see in him? You might find yourself rechecking your outline and see where the flow of your story has issues in consistency. Put yourself in the position of your characters. Is it practical for you to make the choices that you made for your characters? When you establish a connection with your characters, you give them credibility and consistency.

Make notes as you re-read your first draft

The first draft is that part of your writing where you initially put down your thoughts about your story based on your plot without much attention to detail and loopholes. You’ll find that a lot of elements in your story don’t work because in beginning a novel, it’s more satisfying to see that you have written something. Before you move further with your story, re-read the draft that you’ve written and made notes of what needs re-working. It will serve as your reminder of what to revise when you get back to it.

Use index cards

You can use index cards to mark specific sections or chapters with problems. For example, you can use a set of index cards per chapter. You can use one index card to note problems on characters, one for the plot, one for setting, and one for dialogue. This will streamline your approach to fixing each problem, making it easier for you to work back once your first draft is finished.

Revision is painful only if you let it be. If you develop your own method for easy revision coupled with commitment and discipline, you’ll find that the process is fun and engaging. Think of how your finished manuscript would read after it undergoes a thorough revision process. You’ll pat yourself on the back.