What is the difference between revision and editing in the writing process?

Question

Accepted Answer

Revision focuses on content and organization while editing focuses on grammar and mechanics. Revision focuses on content, argument, and organization - the "big picture" elements of a piece of writing - while editing focuses on grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and sentence-level clarity. Revision may involve rethinking the thesis, reorganizing paragraphs, adding or removing sections, and strengthening evidence, whereas editing polishes the surface of the text.

The claim that revision is done by the writer while editing is done by a teacher incorrectly assigns these tasks to specific people; both revision and editing can be performed by the writer, peers, tutors, or instructors. The idea that revision happens before drafting while editing happens after misrepresents the writing process; revision occurs after an initial draft is completed, not before drafting begins. Treating revision and editing as interchangeable terms ignores the meaningful distinction between substantive changes to content and surface-level corrections.

The DSST exam expects students to understand the stages of the writing process, including the distinction between revision and editing. Recognizing that revision addresses deeper concerns while editing addresses surface concerns helps writers prioritize their efforts and produce more effective academic texts.

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