10 Tips for Deep Revision of Your First Draft

What separates a decent first draft from a truly compelling novel? In this episode, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on the art of revision and explore the strategies that transform rough manuscripts into powerful stories readers can’t put down. Whether you’re tackling your first revision or your fifth, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a sharper editorial eye.SHOW NOTES:Walk Away Read ThroughIdentify your Core StoryFocus on Big Ideas FirstRevise in LayersStrengthen Character MotivationRaise the StakesCut and MoveCheck Scene Purpose Sharpen Openings and EndingsSOURCES & LINKS“How to Revise a Novel,” Holly Lisle https://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/“Novel Revision Checklist,” Nathan Bransford https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/06/revision-checklistBooks on story structure, character, motivation and stakesStory Genius, Wired for Story by Lisa KronSave the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyRelated ATB Episodes:Editing and Revision Methods, Episode 21 (backwards outline, color coding, notecards…)Editing (interview with 2 editors), Episode 51Tension and Conflict, Episode 61DO NOW: Determine where you are in your editing process and try an editing technique that you haven’t tried yetFull Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you