Revising Your Story - Do You Know What You're Doing?

Revising Your Story: Beyond Polished Prose

It has always been my intention and direction with my blogs to assist anyone coming into the industry with as much help as I can give. I have written three published fiction novels and 14 children's books as well. As a professional artist, I have illustrated several of my published children's books. Pretty sure I have made enough mistakes for an army over the past twenty years as a published author and artist - and yes, there are many things I would have done differently if I had it to do over again. I hope that if you are a writer or illustrator, my words can be of some assistance to you, as this is my intention.

So what about revisions......

Strong writing is essential—but even the most elegant sentences can’t disguise a story that isn’t working. When you step into revision, it’s crucial to look past the surface and ask whether the foundation of your story truly holds up. Here are five questions every writer should consider:

1. Is the tension carried throughout?

Conflict is the heartbeat of a story. If the central struggle fades halfway through, readers lose interest. Every chapter should contribute to the ongoing tension, steadily pulling your audience toward the conclusion.

2. Is the outcome significant enough to matter?

For a story to grip the reader, the outcome must carry weight. Stakes don’t need to be world-ending—they can be deeply personal, emotional, or moral—but they must matter profoundly to your protagonist, and by extension, to the reader.

3. Does your main character evolve?

A compelling story shows transformation. The protagonist should not return to the same place emotionally, mentally, or spiritually where they began. Growth—even if subtle—gives meaning to the journey and leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction.

4. Is the plot believable within its world?

Consistency builds trust. Even in the most imaginative settings, events need to unfold in ways that feel natural and earned. Forced plot twists or contrived solutions can break immersion. A believable chain of cause and effect keeps readers grounded in the story.

5. Does the ending fulfill the promise?

The climax is the reward for every page your reader has invested. It should feel both surprising and inevitable, resolving the central conflict in a way that satisfies. A rushed or weak conclusion can undo even the strongest opening chapters.

6. Who is giving you feedback?

Great authors know the value of trusted editorial insight—and not from friends or family who may hesitate to be completely honest, or most often, lack the education to do a proper edit. Professional editors and experienced readers within your genre bring perspective, genre knowledge, and the instincts needed to sharpen your manuscript.

You won’t always agree with their suggestions. In fact, sometimes their advice may sting. I still remember an argument I had in the early 2000s with a Toronto editor who wanted me to split my nearly 500-page psychological thriller into a trilogy. After years of work and countless edits, I refused. The book earned me just enough in royalties to buy a submarine sandwich—and now, twenty years later, I can admit the editor was probably right.

The lesson? You don’t have to accept every note you’re given. But you should take time to understand what’s behind the feedback of a professional. Often, an editor’s suggestion reveals where the story isn’t landing for readers, and grasping that can help you strengthen your book in ways you couldn’t see on your own - because you are too close to it.

The bottom line: Revision is more than polishing language—it’s about ensuring your story’s architecture can support the weight of its themes, characters, and conflicts. By tackling these core questions and welcoming outside perspectives, you move beyond simply well-written and into the realm of unforgettable storytelling.

The Gentle Pen

Liv McLean

www.livmclean.com