Edit and Revise (Step 8 of 11)
After completing the initial draft, set it aside and return to it with fresh eyes. Editing and revising are critical steps to refine your literary fiction piece. Look for areas where you can enhance character development, tighten the plot, clarify themes, and polish the prose.
How to Edit and Revise a Work of Fiction
Editing and revising your original fictional story is an essential part of the writing process. It’s your chance to polish your work, fix any mistakes, and make sure your story is the best it can be. Here are some tips on how to edit and revise your fictional story:
- Take a break. Once you’ve finished writing your first draft, put it away for a few days or even weeks. This will give you some distance from your work, which will help you to see it with fresh eyes.
- Read your story aloud. This is a great way to identify any awkward or unnatural-sounding passages. You can also listen for areas where the pacing is slow or the dialogue is weak.
- Review the plot and pacing. Examine the plot’s structure to ensure it follows a logical progression. Look for any plot holes, inconsistencies, or unresolved subplots that may distract readers. Assess the pacing of the story; scenes should flow naturally, building tension and keeping readers engaged. Remove any unnecessary or redundant sections that do not contribute significantly to the plot’s development.
- Check for consistency and continuity. Consistency is key to a well-crafted story. Review the manuscript for continuity in plot points, character traits, and the timeline of events. Keep a keen eye out for any discrepancies or contradictions that might have arisen during the writing process. A coherent and cohesive story ensures a satisfying reading experience for your audience.
- Pay attention to grammar and mechanics. This is where you’ll fix any typos, grammatical errors, or punctuation mistakes. You may also want to consider hiring a professional editor to help you with this step.
- Fine-tune dialogue. Dialogue plays a critical role in fiction, shaping character interactions and revealing emotions. During the revision process, read through the dialogue and ensure it sounds natural and authentic. Trim unnecessary exposition and ensure that each line contributes to character development or plot advancement. Consider if the dialogue effectively conveys subtext and enhances the story’s overall depth.
- Get feedback from others. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or writing group to read your story and give you feedback. This can be invaluable in helping you to identify areas that need improvement.
- Revise your story. Once you’ve addressed any major issues, you can start to revise your story. This is where you’ll make smaller changes to the text, such as tightening up the dialogue or adding more description.
Editing and revising your fictional story can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it. By taking the time to polish your work, you’ll create a story that is more enjoyable to read and that will leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some additional tips for editing and revising your fictional story:
- Use a checklist. There are many different checklists available online that can help you to track your progress as you edit and revise your story.
- Set deadlines for yourself. This will help you to stay on track and avoid procrastination.
- Reward yourself for your hard work. When you reach a milestone, such as finishing your first draft or completing a round of edits, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment.
Editing and revising your fictional story is a process, not an event. It takes time, effort, and patience. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll be rewarded with a story that you’re proud of.
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Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
