It’s one thing to know you need to make changes to your story, it’s another to figure out how to go about implementing those changes. Trying to wrap your head around the logistics of doing a BIG revision can be downright overwhelming. Where do you even begin? I got a question about that at DearEditor.com, and I knew author Carter Higgins had a brilliant take on how to tackle such a revision. Carter is the author of the middle grade novel A Rambler Steals Home and the picture book Everything You Need for a Treehouse (2017). She agreed to share her smart insights today as Guest Editor at DearEditor.com. Her advice begins with allowing yourself to acknowledge those feelings of being overwhelmed (which, yes, may involve tears…and for me, chocolate) and ends with the word “done.” Spot on!
Here’s the question. For Carter’s answer, pop over to DearEditor.com.
Dear Editor…
From a practical (logistical) standpoint, do you have any advice for how to tackle a large revision of a manuscript I haven’t read in over a year? I’ve just had it professionally edited. I’m thinking I’ll read through those edits, then print out the manuscript and read the whole thing. And make changes as I go? Or read it through once and then go through again and make changes? Or read it electronically and then make changes and then print it out? I just can’t decide quite how to approach it.
Sincerely,
J.