Rewriting/Editing

Alright, you're done with your book or story. Now what? Do you go straight to editing?

You can do that, but I recommend doing some rewriting. Take a good look at the entire manuscript, and think of ways you can make it better.

"Can I punch up this scene?"

"Can I make this part more subtle?"

"Should I speed up this area or slow it down?"

"Would this part be more dramatic from another character's point of view?"

I also use it to refine all the details. You'd be surprised how many times characters change eye colors or lose their weapons between scenes! Have you noticed how actors in movies heal from their scratches pretty quick? You're checking for the same sort of thing.



Rewriting and editing are completely different. Rewriting is ripping entire sections out of your house, whereas editing is the finer part where you polish and organize the interior.

How many details do you think escape you when you're writing?