The Art of Rewriting

Do you like revisions or do you resist them like you would a pushy used car salesman? The truth of the matter is, if you want to be published, you are going to have to learn not only how to revise your manuscript, but how to self edit.

In this competitive publishing business, authors are having to sharpen their editing skills. Here are a few tips that might help you along the way.

• Be open to critiques. Try not to fall into a defensive mode about your writing. If more than one person from your critique group is pointing out an area that could improve...take notice!
• Acquire a book on revising and self editing. The libraries and book stores are full of books on this subject. Devour the book, then apply what you've learned to your manuscript.
• If finances permit, hire a good copy editor to give your manuscript a thorough editing.

Those are just a few suggestions to help make your manuscript shine. Once you have your manuscript in tip-top shape, you'll feel more confident submitting it to agents and editors.

Happy writing!