Review Appeared in Booklist, 1 October 2005

Host Janet Burroway presents step-by-step guidelines to help writers improve their editing and revision skills. Eight accomplished authors (including Rosellen Brown, Robert Olen Butler and Michael Martone) reinforce Burroway’s commentary by explaining how thy handle the revision process. The five phases or rounds of the revision process are discussed; each must be negotiated successfully to improve the final product. Camera shots of the authors working on their craft combine with excerpts interviews as well as depictions of how revisions appear when performed on the computer. Images of published books and book covers serve as motivational tools. Bonus sections include excerpts from short stories and novels and follow-up suggestions for additional writing exercises. This practical guide can supplement creative-writing courses and spur classroom discussion.

— Carol Holzberg