The first draft usually contains too much explanation and too little precision. Revision is where you make the book feel inevitable rather than merely complete.
Start by reading for structure. Does the story or argument move clearly from opening to conclusion? Are there sections that repeat points that could be merged or cut?
Then read for voice. Keep the sentences that carry emotional texture, rhythm, and specificity. Remove generic phrasing that weakens the prose.
Finally, revise for the reader's experience. Each chapter should move the book forward, sharpen the stakes, or deepen the emotional payoff.
