3 Helpful Tips for How to Rewrite a Novel
I actually made a post before about how rewriting a book doesn’t mean your idea is bad, nor does it mean your original writing is bad; it just means there’s a better way to show readers the essence of what you’re trying to tell them.
Now that we understand the value of rewriting, I want to return to this topic and give three helpful tips on how to rewrite a novel!
How to Rewrite a Novel
Start with a blank page.
Know why you’re rewriting.
Take it one piece at a time.
Embrace new beginnings …
Wherever you are in your writing journey—from an initial outline to a draft to pitching your project—the experienced team at Good Story Editing can take your work to the next level.
Tip One: Start with a Blank Page
Typing on a blank page is rewriting in its basic form. It’s easy to slip into revising or get hung up on reworking sentences and scenes – especially if you’re having trouble letting go of that original draft.
By forcing yourself to type from scratch on a blank paper, you’re less likely to waste time retyping the same thing and you have the free creative space to tease out sentences and create new ones without trying to make them a part of something else.
So, split your screen and start where you feel comfortable or most excited. And it’s okay if you end up copying and pasting some stuff. Ideally, not every word has to be rewritten. As long as you’re rewriting so that the goal of your rewrite is achieved you’re on track for success!
Tip Two: Know Why You’re Rewriting
If you’re rewriting your novel, that means some larger element of your story has to change. Have a clear understanding of what that change is so as you go from scene to scene and chapter to chapter you can rewrite with focus and intention.
Start with where the desire or need for a rewrite came from. Did you recognize something as you were writing or on your first read through of your completed manuscript? Have you been to a workshop or had a second set of eyes (friend, editor, or agent) give you feedback? (If you haven’t, I highly recommend this! It’s hard for us to see or accept certain revisions in our own writing.)
If you want to know how to rewrite a novel efficiently, start from a place of confidence. Feel empowered by the revelation that there’s a better way to tell your story. If the decision to rewrite comes from a place of insecurity then your new writing will carry that aimless anxious energy.
Anxiety is chaos, confidence is focused. Which do you want your manuscript to be?
Tip Three: One Piece at a Time
Even though we’re talking about how to rewrite a novel, it might be easier to think about your rewrite in chunks. This can be one page at a time, one scene, one chapter, etc. Once you have an overall understanding of why you’re rewriting your novel, bite off chunks and consider how each piece can be rewritten in pursuit of your goal. Most likely, you’ll find that some of your writing is fine as is.
Now That You Know How to Rewrite a Novel
The way I see it, the hardest part of the writing process is creating the body of work in the first place. Finding the words – those 50-100 thousand words – is a challenging painful triumph.
Even if you’re rewriting the entire novel from start to finish, you still have an entire manuscript-worth knowledge base on your idea. You’re not starting from scratch, so you’re already that many steps ahead.
Remember That Second Set of Eyes I Mentioned…
If you need help, guidance, or just a motivational push, you can reach out to editors like me! I’m part of a team at Good Story Editing, and our goal is to help your manuscript achieve its fullest potential. Sometimes, that means revision. Other times, that means we help you come up with a plan to rewrite your novel so you can express yourself in the best way possible!
Let author and editor Rhiannon Richardson help you take your writing to the next level.
