Thread by @AlyssaMatesic

As a book editor, I truly believe revisions are where the magic happens and the story blossoms. But many authors get overwhelmed by the process.

If revisions give you the heebie-jeebies, here are 3 methods you can use to get started (an #amediting 🧵):

1. Big to small: My rec! Start w/ big changes, like rearranging scenes, & then work through sentence-level revisions.

This requires more work upfront but can be efficient b/c once you get to the smaller edits, you’ll already have those bigger changes taken care of.

2. Small to big: Some authors prefer editing at the scene level 1st.

This can be an easier way to get started & pare down your editor’s comments (low hanging fruit). But some edits may become irrelevant when you move to bigger changes (ex: cutting a scene you already edited).

3. Chronological: Tackle ALL edits, big & small, chronologically as they appear in the story.

This helps ensure continuity between scenes, but it can be easy to fall down rabbit holes & get lost in revisions. It requires organization & discipline to keep the MS organized.

3 ways to revise your novel:
1. Big to small
2. Small to big
3. Chronologically

Or, you could use a combo of these! Each technique has pros & cons, so check out my YouTube channel for more details (link in bio).

How do you like to tackle novel revisions? #writingcommunity