Tag: revision

Let It Stand

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Yesterday, fellow 2014 debut author Michelle Schusterman posted some editorial trivia on Twitter:

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So of course I needed to write a stet parody song based on the Beatles’ “Let It Be.” I would sing it for you, but a) I currently have bronchitis and b) I have a terrible singing voice even when I don’t have bronchitis. So for your reading pleasure:

Let It Stand 

When I find my draft in times of trouble, my editor will take my hand,
Speaking words of edits, let it stand.
And in my draft’s revision, she decides against her first demand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, let it stand
Write down words of edits, let it stand.

And when the copyedits come in, asking me to please expand
There will be a respite, let it stand.
For though there may be edits, my draft still shows what I had planned.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, let it stand.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah, let it stand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah, let it stand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand.

And when my draft is choppy, there is still a phrase that sounds so grand.
Say again in Latin, let it stand.
When I read through my copyedits, there’s a word I understand.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah let it stand.
There it is on paper—let it stand.
Let it stand, let it stand, let it stand, yeah, let it stand.
Write down words of edits, let it stand.

I know. Paul McCartney is really worried that I’m going to surpass him as a songwriter. (Also, they say “let it be” a LOT in this song.)

Revision Feels Better

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From Martha Brockenbrough’s interview with Scholastic editor Cheryl Klein:

How do you know when a revision is working? Is it hard for you, as an editor, to retain enough distance?

A revision is working when I don’t notice the issues anymore — or when I notice myself not noticing them, when I see a new clue laid in or plot development and think “Ah, nice work.” Generally, though, after a good revision, the manuscript just feels better, and makes me feel more, and more deeply.

I’m just starting revisions on my novel and keeping Klein’s comment in mind. I actually really enjoy the revision process–it can be hard work, but it’s so satisfying to discover new depth to characters or find a more exciting plot arch.

If you like Cheryl Klein’s interview, she will be leading a workshop on revision at the upcoming SCBWI conference in New York. So excited for the conference!