Editing Revision Pass Guide

Workflow

1. 1

   Assess the Manuscript

   3-5 days

   Read the full draft without editing to identify structural and pacing issues.

   Editing Pass EstimatorMarkdown Preview

   Show tips (2)
2. 2

   Plan Revision Passes

   1 day

   Estimate time for structural, line, and proof passes based on manuscript length.

   Editing Pass EstimatorDialog-to-Narrative Ratio

   Show tips (2)
3. 3

   Execute Revision Passes

   4-10 weeks

   Work through structural fixes, then line edits, then final proofread.

   Editing Pass EstimatorDialog-to-Narrative RatioChapter Length Optimizer

   Show tips (2)
4. 4

   Final Proof and Beta

   1-2 weeks

   Run spell-check, send to beta readers, and incorporate final feedback.

   Dialog-to-Narrative RatioWord Count to Read Time

   Show tips (2)

Tools Used

• Editing Pass Estimator
  Primary

  Estimate total revision time based on word count and pass type.

• Dialog-to-Narrative Ratio
  Primary

  Check dialog balance during line editing passes.

• Chapter Length Optimizer
  Supporting

  Verify chapter pacing after structural revisions.

• Word Count to Read Time
  Reference

  Confirm trimmed word count still meets genre expectations.

Reference Materials

• Structure Before Style

  Fixing prose in a scene you will cut is wasted effort — structural pass always comes first.

• Track Changes

  Use revision mode or save dated versions so you can recover cut material if needed.

• Swap Beta Readers

  Trade manuscript critiques with other writers — free professional-quality feedback.

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