When I talk about revision, one of the most common questions is: How do you know when you’re done? That’s a tricky one, but here’s my take.
Are you improving the manuscript or changing it? Are you making it better or just making it different?
Are you focusing on big-picture problems or fussing with small details? If most of your revision has whittled down to small, fairly insignificant changes, it might be time to call it done.
What kind of feedback are you getting from beta readers? Are they raving about it? If their feedback has shifted from developmental to nit-picky, that’s a good indicator that your work is done (for now).
Similarly, if your beta readers all have something different to say in response to your latest revision (rather than echoing the same issues) that can be a sign that you’re near the finish line. For example: If four beta readers say your main character is underdeveloped, that’s clear revision focus. After revision, if two say the character is developed but unlikable and the other two say the character is developed and likable, that feedback is clearly more subjective to the reader and less about a developmental problem.
Sometimes, it’s all about intuition. Do you feel like you’ve done all you can do? What does your gut say? I know not everyone has a talkative gut. But if you do, listen to it.
Are you at peace with your final draft? (Or as relatively peaceful as a self-critical writer can be?) Would you be comfortable sending it into the world?
Are you at a loss on how to make improvements? That’s often a good indicator that your most recent round of revisions are done.
Have you streamlined everything? Can you summarize the book in a few sentences or are you still unclear on what you’re trying to say?
How do you measure “doneness”? Share below!