To Rewrite or Not to Rewrite? That is the Flowchart.
Filed Under: My Writing, SF Business, Speculative Fiction, Writing Process, creativity
I recently received a rewrite request for a story I had submitted. Over my time as a writer, I’ve received rewrite requests that I’ve accepted, and rewrite requests I have turned down–for a lot of different reasons. I realized that my thinking that goes into the decision of whether or not to do so is somewhat complex, and I got to wondering if it was something that a flowchart could describe. After a little bit of playing around this morning, I have created just such a flowchart.
Click on the thumbnail image to view the full size chart. Did I miss any steps that you would have considered? Do you think I am insane for drawing up a flowchart for something like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Comments
08-17-2009
Hysterical! And useful. I confess I have some similar flowcharts and Excel sheets–how would we make decisions without them?!
08-17-2009
For me, there are two decisions after the rewrite. If I decide to do a rewrite, I’ll save the original and do the rewrite as another document. Once the rewrite is done, I’ll ask myself “Do I like the story now?” and “Did I pull off the change that the editor is looking for?”
Sometimes you get a story that you like even more. Sometimes you find that you’ve broken or watered down your original intent.
08-17-2009
Good points, Matt.
08-17-2009
I think it’s helpful.
08-19-2009
Printed out a copy (hope that’s okay…) to keep near my desk so I will remember that sometimes a rewrite just doesn’t help. :)
And other times, it is just what you need to move forward.
08-19-2009
Sure, of course it’s okay! Glad it’s helpful :)
08-21-2009
Great chart, thanks for sharing!
08-22-2009
I’ve saved a copy of this, after being referred to it by Flash Me Magazine’s blog.
I love having things laid out like that — so helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make the flowchart and sharing it.
08-22-2009
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