Editing vs. Revising: What Every Author Should Know

Finishing a first draft is an enormous achievement. But for most writers, it’s only the beginning. Once the words are on the page, the real work begins: shaping the story into its best possible form. That’s where editing and revising come in—but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference can make the process less intimidating and more productive.

Revising: Big Picture Changes

Revision is about the structure, story, and characters. It’s the step where you address the “why” and “how” of your narrative rather than the “what” of individual words.

Key Elements of Revision:

1. Plot and Structure: Does your story arc make sense? Are there loose threads or pacing issues?

2. Character Development: Are your characters consistent, believable, and compelling? Do their actions feel motivated?

3. Point of View and Voice: Is the perspective consistent? Does the narrative voice feel authentic and engaging?

4. Theme and Meaning: Does the story convey the ideas or emotions you intended?

Revision often requires multiple passes. Some writers tackle plot issues first, then focus on character arcs, and finally address pacing or world-building. Think of it as sculpting: you’re shaping the story before you polish the surface.

Editing: Polishing the Details

Editing comes after revision and focuses on language, clarity, and mechanics. It’s about making your story readable, smooth, and professional.

Key Elements of Editing:

1. Line Edits: Refining sentences for clarity, rhythm, and style.

2. Proofreading: Correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors.

3. Consistency Checks: Ensuring names, timelines, and details remain consistent throughout the manuscript.

While revision is creative and expansive, editing is meticulous and precise. Both are essential, and skipping one step can undermine the other.

Tips for Managing Revision and Editing

• Separate the Phases: Focus on revision first. Don’t try to fix grammar while restructuring chapters.

• Take Breaks: Distance helps you see issues more clearly. Step away for a few days or weeks before revising.

• Seek Feedback: Beta readers or editors can help identify areas that need both structural and stylistic attention.

• Be Patient: Both processes take time. Good writing is rarely finished in a single pass.

Understanding the difference between revising and editing transforms the daunting task of refining a manuscript into a structured, achievable process. By giving your story both the big-picture reshaping and the careful polishing it needs, you increase the chance that readers will experience your work as you intended.

At Astralumen Press, we know that every manuscript deserves attention at both levels. Revising and editing are part of the journey from first draft to the story that finally reaches the shelf.