I Hate Revising. I Love Revising.

Why Revision is So Important in the Writing Process

Photo by Simon on Unsplash

Revision is incredibly important and way different from editing.

Before I dive into why my love-hate relationship with revising, let’s make a clear distinction between editing and revising:

Editing:

• Checking grammar and punctuation
• Spelling
• Word choice
• Line editing
• Proper linking and sourcing
• Rewriting for clarity

Revision:

• Story structure
• Expressing key details
• Consistent style
• Great detail and supporting points
• Sentence flow
• Rewriting for the intended purpose: (i.e., narrative storytelling, sales page, short story, argument)

Why I Hate Revising

1. It feels like my first thought was wrong
2. It’s too much work to move stuff around
3. I don’t want to think critically

Why I Love Revising

1. It improves my writing