Revision Tips Galore from the Summer Revision Smackdown

If you missed the Summer Revision Smackdown at the blogs of Holly Cupala and Jolie Stekly, don't fret - here is the lowdown on the fabulous array of revision tips they gathered from the cream of the author and illustrator crop (plus a few publishing experts!):

• Jill S. Alexander, YA Historical Author, on revising to immerse your reader in the mosh of your story
• Molly Blaisdell*, Picture Book, Middle Grade, NF, and YA Author, on analyzing your manuscript for revision
• Nathan Bransford, Curtis Brown Agent, on his Revision Checklist
• Janet Lee Carey*, Fantasy & Middle Grade Author, on the Dream Mind and the Day Mind
• Bruce Coville, Middle Grade and YA Author, on pruning out overused words and phrases for a tighter manuscript
• Sarah Beth Durst, YA Fantasy Author, on powering through first drafts and revising one aspect at a time
• Tina Ferraro, YA Author, on organizing the revision strategy
• Liz Gallagher*, YA Author, on becoming a stranger to your work
• Stacey Goldblatt, YA Author, on revision must-haves (hint: bulletin board, playlist, time to read)
• Lorie Ann Grover*, YA Verse Novel and Board Book Author, on giving your book the gift of one day
• Brent Hartinger*, YA Author, on setting your work aside and letting the subconsious take a crack at revision problems
• Kjersten Anna Hayes*, Illustrator, on brainstorming, parachuting, and embracing the spirit of play
• Justina Chen Headley*, YA Author, on being gentle with yourself but hard on your work
• Kelly Holmes, Author and YAnnabe blogger, on creating a plot board
• Carrie Jones, YA & YA Fantasy Author, on steps to revise your Stupid Novel Masterpiece
• Beth Kephart, YA & Adult Author, on reading and rewriting for authenticity
• Kirby Larson*, YA Historical Author, on taking walks and letting your mind make unexpected connections
• Realm Lovejoy*, Graphic Novel Author/Illustrator, on writing, surfing, and "just do it" mode
• Vivian Mahoney, Writer and HipWriterMama blogger, on breaking your project down into manageable chunks
• Robin Mellom, Writer and Disco Mermaid, on notes for the second draft
• Edward Necarsulmer IV, Children's Director at McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, on how to "wow" him with a submission
• Catherine Onder, Editor at HarperCollins, on keeping your prose immediate and direct
• Darcy Pattison, Picture Book, Middle Grade, and Novel Metamorphosis Author, on making opening pages immediate and active
• Mitali Perkins, YA Author & between-cultures blogger, on BIC and other strageties to get through the very hard first draft to revision
• Paul Schmidt*, Illustrator, on striking the balance between perfection and sponteneity
• Joni Sensel*, YA and Middle Grade Fantasy Author, on creating tension by adding interruptions and diversions
• Emily Wing Smith, YA Author, on staring down self-doubt
• Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Middle Grade Author, on using Darcy Pattison's shrunken manuscript technique
• Melissa Walker, YA Author, on just saying "no" to too much revision
• Paula Yoo, YA Author, on cutting the final paragraph for a crisper manuscript
  

Other cool stuff:

The original SRS winner: Martha Brockenbrough*
CocoaStomp by Jaime Temairik*
Inspiration from around the kidlitosphere
Jolie's Monday Moments writing prompts*
Revision Conversations We Can't Afford to Miss

Hopefully these tips will tide you over until next year's Summer Revision Smackdown (begins June 1st). We hope to see you!

(*local WWA folks - our own treasure-trove of experts!)