Top Ten Important Things I've Learned About Revision

1. Revision occurs throughout the writing process, not just at the end.
2. Revision is not just changing a few words; it is an opportunity to change the big picture.
3. One reason to revise is to add vivid details so that the reader can "see" what's happening.
4. It can be very helpful to conference with peers and teachers during the revision process.
5. When revising, it's a good idea to look for long, boring passages that can be shrunk down to a sentence or two without losing anything (shrink a century).
6. It is also important to look for important moments in the writing that need to be emphasized more and add description (explode a moment).
7. Good revision requires deep thinking.
8. Knowing that you are going to revise allows you to get a first draft down on paper quickly, without worrying that it won't be perfect.
9. Revision is not a tedious, boring process. Instead, it is fun because you can see the improvement in the work.
10. One part of revision is moving words around, rearranging them like furniture.  by Cheryl Forster