How many rounds of editing do you usually complete before submitting a manuscript? Is there an ideal number, or is more revision generally better?

The number of rounds of editing a manuscript undergoes before submission can vary widely depending on the author, the nature of the manuscript, and the specific requirements of the publication.

However, here are some general guidelines that can help:

Typical Editing Rounds

Initial Drafting -- Complete draft, then pause.

First Revision -- Ensure logical progression and clear argument.

Second Revision -- Refine arguments, details, and fill gaps.

Third Revision -- Refine language, style, clarity.

Peer Review/Feedback -- Seek peer feedback, revise thoroughly.

Fourth Revision -- Revise based on feedback.

Copy Editing -- Refine grammar, punctuation, syntax; ensure technical accuracy.

Final Proofreading -- Final review for submission.

Initial Drafting: After the initial draft is complete, take a break before revisiting the manuscript with fresh eyes.

First Revision: Focus on structural issues, coherence, and overall flow. Ensure that the manuscript follows a logical progression and that the argument or narrative is clear.

Second Revision: Address content-specific issues, such as strengthening arguments, refining descriptions, and filling in gaps in research or narrative.

Third Revision: Concentrate on language, style, and readability. This includes improving sentence structure, ensuring consistency in tone, and enhancing clarity.

Peer Review/Feedback: If possible, get feedback from peers, mentors, or beta readers. Incorporate their suggestions and address any concerns they raise.

Fourth Revision: Implement feedback and perform another thorough review. This step may involve several sub-rounds depending on the extent of the feedback received.

Copy Editing: Focus on grammar, punctuation, and syntax. This step ensures the manuscript is free of technical errors.

Final Proofreading: Check for any remaining typos, formatting issues, and minor errors. This is the final polish before submission.

Is More Revision Better?

• Quality Over Quantity: The goal is to improve the manuscript with each revision. More revisions are beneficial if they add value and enhance the quality of the manuscript.
• Diminishing Returns: After a certain point, additional revisions might yield diminishing returns. Over-revising can lead to overthinking and second-guessing decisions, potentially harming the manuscript.

• External Feedback: Incorporating feedback from others can be more valuable than endless self-revisions, as fresh perspectives often identify issues the author might overlook.

Ideal Number of Revisions

There is no universal "ideal" number of revisions, as it varies with each project. However, a structured approach with multiple focused revisions (as outlined above) is generally effective. The key is to ensure each round of editing has a clear purpose and that the manuscript significantly improves with each pass.

Final Thoughts

• Balance: Strive for a balance between thoroughness and efficiency. Aim to submit the manuscript when it is polished, coherent, and free of major issues.
• Deadlines: If there is a submission deadline, plan the editing process to ensure adequate time for each revision round.

• Professional Help: For critical manuscripts, consider hiring a professional editor for the final stages to ensure a high level of polish.

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