I bought this edition on the strength of the glowing reviews I'd read on the 1st edition (not to mention, the book cover of this edition was a whole lot more appealing).
Let me start with what this book does not do. It doesn't address the issues of grammatical errors and typos thus the "Self-Editing" in the title `Revision and Self-Editing for Publication' might be seen as a tad bit skewed. I say this because we tend to clump the issues that pertain to grammatical flaws + proofreading under that umbrella.
That said, what then does work?
Everything else.
JSB's book is divided into two parts: Part 1: Self-Editing & Part 2: Revision.
In part one JSB takes you through the rudiments of a great novel ... Exposition, Setting & Description, Dialogue, Characters, Beginnings, Middles, & Endings, POV ... et al. But this time he's "liposuctioned" the fat, giving you only the lean, most important prime parts.
In part two, the Revision process, which is covered in the final third of the book, he gives you pre-revision advice - including health tips (yeah, that too!). Let's face it, writing can be as fun as it can be stressful. He follows through on the what-to & how-to of the 1st read through of your finished (1st) draft. Then it's followed by tips on deepening your prose. He rounds this up with the Ultimate check list, taking each core element of fiction and guiding you on what (for each element) you're supposed to do/look out for, right up to the final polish.
JSB does all of the above in a simple (not dumbed-down, but neither is it highfaluting) manner. And his tone, an easy follow-along-rhythm, will keep you head nodding as you read.
I was tempted to knock off 1 star, because on the back cover there's a so-called Bonus online exclusive: A downloadable printable version of the Ultimate Revision Checklist, which, on going online (WritersDigest.com/revision-self-editing-publication) found a message that said the material had been "relocated" elsewhere on the site. Further investigation proved futile. But, hey, it's in the book, right? So I can pardon that.
And so I do. A definite 5 star recommendation.
EUR 9.34 with 42 percent savings
Print List Price: EUR 16.14 
The Print List Price is the lowest suggested retail price provided by a publisher for a print book format of this title, available on Amazon (e.g. hardcover, paperback, mass market paperback).
Learn more
Learn more
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start over
Customers also bought or read
Page 1 of 1Start over
Loading...
About the author
Customers say
Customers find the book informative, with one mentioning it helped them transform their first draft into a novel that sells. Moreover, the content is comprehensive and well-written, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced writers. Additionally, customers appreciate the editing guidance, with one noting it covers both philosophy and practical aspects of the process. The book's readability receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting its easy-to-follow rhythm.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Select to learn more
40 customers mention informative, 38 positive, 2 negative
Very useful book I had a completed manuscript when I bought this book and I made substantial modifications to it because of this book....Read more
...The book is easy to read with helpful, bullet-pointed tips that you can copy and hang on the wall of your office, to help you remember how to keep...Read more
One of the best books in editing I have read. Very helpful and contains a checklist you will use again and againRead more
I study this all the time ......James is a Great teacher/novelist I study this all the time ......James is a Great teacher/novelistRead more
23 customers mention content, 22 positive, 1 negative
Excellent book for anyone who wants to improve their writing and story telling.Read more
Great book, very hepful!Read more
This an awesome book for revising and self-editing. Clear and concise. Also walks you through what to do when you get stymied....Read more
I’ve read a number of books on writing and really enjoyed this book....Read more
21 customers mention writing quality, 19 positive, 2 negative
The book was well-written, but repeated information I've read in other books of this nature....Read more
I recommend ALL books by Mr. Bell. He is a witty writer, and explains everything thoroughly. A must if you want to submit a well-polished manuscript....Read more
...Very well written! Glad I found it.Read more
...The tips in this book will help you take that great piece of writing and make it the best it can be....Read more
14 customers mention editing, 14 positive, 0 negative
This an awesome book for revising and self-editing. Clear and concise. Also walks you through what to do when you get stymied....Read more
Great book for editing!Read more
THis book, along with other have purchased had an immediate effect of helping me edit my novel I am working on as well as previous ones....Read more
Revision and Self-Editing for Publication changed my approach to writing. My newest novel is strong and full of great twists....Read more
5 customers mention readability, 5 positive, 0 negative
...The book is easy to read with helpful, bullet-pointed tips that you can copy and hang on the wall of your office, to help you remember how to keep...Read more
Good refrenrence guide easy to folloeRead more
...JSB does all of the above in a simple (not dumbed-down, but neither is it highfaluting) manner....Read more
...of writing techniques are given in each chapter that are easy to related to and understand....Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
Top reviews from other countries
- Simon WReviewed in Australia on November 2, 2016
An essential writers reference.
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2014
Great
Format: KindleVerified Purchase -
DjGabriroReviewed in Italy on February 27, 2014
Conciso e preciso
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - Barbara SquiresReviewed in Australia on January 9, 2016
Worth a read
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
