From Martha Brockenbrough’s interview with Scholastic editor Cheryl Klein:
How do you know when a revision is working? Is it hard for you, as an editor, to retain enough distance?
A revision is working when I don’t notice the issues anymore — or when I notice myself not noticing them, when I see a new clue laid in or plot development and think “Ah, nice work.” Generally, though, after a good revision, the manuscript just feels better, and makes me feel more, and more deeply.
I’m just starting revisions on my novel and keeping Klein’s comment in mind. I actually really enjoy the revision process–it can be hard work, but it’s so satisfying to discover new depth to characters or find a more exciting plot arch.
If you like Cheryl Klein’s interview, she will be leading a workshop on revision at the upcoming SCBWI conference in New York. So excited for the conference!
I like the revision process as well, especially if I’ve been able to write the firest draft without being too uptight about it. Good luck with your revisions!
Thanks Anamaria!
I usually love revision but it greatly depends on the complexity of the work and the critique that I’ve received on it. Line editing is therapeutic but developmental revisions break my heart nearly all the time. I hope your revisions go smoothly and make you even more confident in your work.