This past weekend, I went to the 2010 Springmingle conference sponsored by the Southern Breeze SCBWI chapter.

On Wednesday, I shared some tips about developing your character. Today, I’m going to share some revision techniques.

For me, I love the revision process more than I do writing the draft. Revision allows me to make my characters deeper and uncover things about my novel that I couldn’t see in the draft.

These tips are that I gathered from Cheryl Klein, senior editor of Arthur A. Levine Books (a Scholastic imprint). In her workshop, she had a lot to say about revision. Here are some of the tips that were helpful for me:

  • Take time off from the project before starting revisions.

  • Compress your story into one sentence.

  • Expand that one sentence into book flap copy.

  • Reread the entire manuscript on the page (not on the computer screen) before making any revisions. Make notes on things to change.

  • List the first ten things each significant character says or does.

  • Identify the climax/point of each individual scene and how it changes what’s come before. If it doesn’t change anything, consider deleting the scene.

  • Don’t try to do everything at once.

  • Set a deadline for completing each stage of revision, and a reward for each one.

  • Keep a copy of everything.

Cheryl Klein also pointed out two references that may be helpful as you start your revision:

  1. When tracking your manuscript for overused words, check out the Word Frequency Counter. You can cut and paste your manuscript or chapters for results.

  2. For more advice on revision, especially book mapping and outlining, check out Anita Nolan’s Step-by-Step Guide to Refining Your Manuscript.

Definitely take a look at Cheryl Klein’s Plot Checklist. It’s very helpful when you have completed a draft and are ready to start revision.

Remember, revision is a process. Something to be done in iterations and in stages. Don’t get overwhelmed. Take your time. In the end, your novel will be stronger.