Month/Year of Graduation

12-2019

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa Knopp

Abstract

Revision is necessary in the writing process; it is the creative stepping-stone towards a finished product. Throughout all stages in writing, revision exists. From the entry point of writing – after words meet the page – to submission, it is essential. Determining how to revise as a self-editor as well as receiving critiques and comments from others can be a difficult. Even understanding what constitutes revision can be unclear. In this thesis, understanding what revision is from its origin to application in writing today will be explored. Revision is a subjective process; it varies from person to person. In order to understand individuals’ personal interpretation and application, interviews were a crucial step in the methodology in understanding the research on revision. Since revision is subjective and intimately interpreted, the best generalizable understanding comes from professionals in the field of literary writing. The sample interviewees included University of Nebraska at Omaha professors, several that I had taken courses from in the English department, as well as literary magazine editors and freelance authors. From these sources, information was gathered based on a series of questioning on the central idea of study – revision in literary writing. After conducting interviews, the subjectivity and personality of revision was highlighted. Revision is a concept that really cannot be generalized. Individuals have their personal standard for the process. However, similar threads within the writing process will be further discussed in this thesis. Conclusions can be drawn from where to start with revision and how to apply the framework for what constitutes ‘effective’ revision.

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