Revision
Best Order to Revise Your Novel
It’s completely normal to feel stuck or uncertain about where to begin revising a novel. Crafting a story is complex, and knowing what to tackle first can make all the difference in moving forward confidently. Many writers face this challenge and benefit from a clear, structured approach.
Direct answer
Start your revision by focusing on the big picture: story structure, plot arcs, and pacing. Look at your manuscript as a whole and identify where the story drags, where key turning points land, and if your narrative keeps momentum. Fixing structural issues first lays a solid foundation for everything else to build on.
Next, dive into character development and consistency. Make sure your characters’ motivations are clear, their arcs feel earned, and their actions align with who they are. This stage is about deepening emotional impact and making sure readers can connect with your cast authentically throughout the story.
Finally, polish your prose, dialogue, and scene details. This includes tightening language, clarifying descriptions, and fixing any continuity errors. This layer of revision refines your voice and style, making your story smooth and immersive without the distraction of bigger story problems.
What this looks like in practice
Early draft stage
You’ve finished a rough draft and feel overwhelmed by the messiness.
Unsure where to start revising, you jump around trying to fix random sections.
You gain clarity to focus first on big-picture story structure, creating a roadmap for deeper revision.
Revision stage
You know your story needs work, but aren’t sure what order to tackle problems.
You edit line-by-line without addressing major plot or character issues, leading to frustration.
You systematically revise plot and character arcs before polishing prose, making each pass more effective.
Before querying or publishing
You want your manuscript to be as strong as possible before sharing it with agents or readers.
You focus on grammar and typos but overlook unresolved story or character weaknesses.
You prioritize story and character revisions first, ensuring your manuscript shines on all levels before final polish.
How Story Salon helps
At Story Salon, I help writers break down the revision process into manageable, prioritized steps, offering guidance tailored to their unique story’s needs. Together, we focus on what moves their novel forward most effectively, cutting through overwhelm and self-doubt.