Many writers struggle with revision because of ingrained mindsets that make it feel overwhelming or unnecessary. Recognizing these mental roadblocks is the first step to overcoming them. When writers resist revision, their work remains underdeveloped and fails to reach its full potential. By shifting perspective, revision can be seen not as a chore but as a powerful tool for improvement.
Harmful mindsets and solutions
- “I don’t have time to revise.”
- Solution: Break revision into small, manageable steps rather than tackling everything at once. Set aside dedicated time for revision just as you would for writing. Even 10-minute revision sessions can lead to significant improvements over time.
- “Revision will take away my unique voice.”
- Solution: Revision enhances clarity while maintaining your style—focus on refining, not rewriting. Look for ways to strengthen your voice by making your language more precise and impactful rather than diluting it.
- “I can’t cut anything else.”
- Solution: Be ruthless. If a sentence doesn’t serve your main point, let it go. Overwriting can lead to reader fatigue, while concise, well-structured writing keeps your audience engaged. Ask yourself, “Does this sentence add value?” If not, remove it.
- “That’s the editor’s job.”
- Solution: Strong self-editing improves writing skills and makes the editorial process smoother. Writers who take responsibility for their own revisions develop a sharper eye for detail and become more independent in crafting polished work.
By shifting your mindset, you can embrace revision as an opportunity rather than a burden. Great writing is not written—it’s rewritten. Once you let go of the fear of revision and see it as a creative process, your writing will improve dramatically. Approach revision with curiosity, patience, and a willingness to make changes, and you will see noticeable growth as a writer.
**This is based on the workshop “Revision Strategies That Work” presented by Lisa Crayton. You can watch the full workshop on-demand for free.**
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