Survive the Revision Process

Excerpt from The Writer Magazine, October 2008

Revision is the dirty little secret of freelancers. We all do it, we all know about it, but we never share the grisly details. I set out to ask other freelancers about their revision nightmares and to share their tales of editing woes so others might be better informed, better prepared.
 
STRAIGHT UP ADVICE

Ask questions!
Clarify details as much as possible
Get everything in writing (if possible)
Don’t fall in love with your own words
Don’t lose sight of your job. Your job is to please the editor
Be an expert on your topic. Research thoroughly
Be a professional
Try and learn something from each editor
Stay competitive
Make good business decisions
Listen
Meet your deadline – no excuses

Not all revisions turn into nightmares. Most are simple and reasonable and satisfying. In fact, perhaps this article ends best with a description of the ideal revision scenario:
You work with a very sharp editor who is persistent and patient, focused on the constituent parts of the story, knowledgeable as to what needs to be emphasized and de-emphasized, able to steer the work toward a clearly identified audience. The editor articulates the goals and desires of the publication with conciseness and accuracy. The deadline is reasonable. Only one word needs to be changed in revision. The pay is excellent, arriving within the week.
Don’t laugh. It could happen.