quotes on revising a novel

One quote could be 'Revising a novel is like polishing a diamond; each pass reveals more facets of its brilliance.' It emphasizes that through revising, the hidden beauty and depth of the novel are brought out.

Quotes can inspire writers by providing motivation. For example, if a writer reads 'Revision is the path to perfection in novel - writing', it can encourage them to keep working on their manuscript.

Qing Yuannian's revised version was the revised version of Qing Yuannian's original novel. The revised version made many changes in details and character creation, making the story more compact and smooth. The revised version also added new content to meet the needs of the latest readers. The first and second volumes of the revised edition had been published, and the last volume of the revised edition," Courting the Emperor," had also been published. The specific content of the changes was not mentioned, so the specific content of the revised version of the novel was still unknown.

First, read through the entire novel to get a general sense of the story. Then, make a list of the main issues you notice, like plot holes or character inconsistencies.

When revising realistic fiction, pay attention to the dialogue. It should sound natural, like real people talking. Avoid overly formal or stilted language. Also, look at the setting. It should be described vividly enough to help the reader visualize the story's world. You can add small details like the smell of a room or the sound of traffic outside.

It really varies. Sometimes it can take a few weeks, while for more complex novels or if you want a really polished result, it could take several months.

The first key step is to check the plot. Make sure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Also, look for any plot holes. Another step is to review the characters. Ensure they are well - developed and their actions are consistent. Grammar and punctuation are also important. Check for any mistakes in these areas.

One of the great books on revising fiction is 'Self - Editing for Fiction Writers' by Renni Browne and Dave King. It offers practical advice on various aspects like dialogue, point of view, and showing vs. telling.

The key in revising a first - draft novel is to be ruthless. You need to be able to step back and see what's really working and what's not. For example, if a sub - plot isn't adding anything to the main story, it might be time to cut it. Another important aspect is pacing. If some parts feel too rushed or too slow, you'll need to adjust. And the voice of the narrator should be consistent. It should feel like the same person is telling the story all the way through.

You know it's time to stop when you feel the story flows smoothly and there are no major plot holes or grammar mistakes that stand out.