2.3 The Revising Mindset

Your role as a revising author is to assess the current state of the textbook, create a plan for revising the text to meet the goals of the Targeted Pathways Project, and address feedback from peers and pilot instructors. The Targeted Pathways team will help you develop and implement a revision plan, but you can facilitate this process by embracing the revising mindset.

Strategies for Maintaining a Revising Mindset

Here are example strategies for getting into the revising mindset:

1. Cultivate creative distance: The most valuable tool for a revising author is to take a step back from the text, either literally or figuratively. Sometimes, when you’re stuck, a walk around the block is all it takes to get some distance between you and what you’ve written. The more you can let go of all the work you’ve done so far, the more you’ll be able to see what is actually on the page, what’s missing, and what needs to change.
2. Prepare for change: It’s natural to resist feedback that asks you to change something that you worked hard to create. It’s much easier to justify why the text is fine the way it is. Ready yourself to be open to the feedback you will receive so you can use your creative energy to move forward rather than rationalize the status quo.
3. Look at the big picture: Revision requires you to be familiar with the entire text, not just the part you’re responsible for writing. Get acquainted with the book from start to finish, and take notes as you go. This is what you’ve been doing as part of your manuscript self-assessment.
4. Read like a student: Imagine what it’s like to read your text after working the night shift while caring for a sick child or parent. Try reading the textbook on your phone while riding the bus. What can you do for this student to make the concepts more relevant, accessible, and manageable? Start your revisions by cutting everything that doesn’t absolutely need to be a part of the text.
5. Switch formats: If you are one of the original authors of the text, try reading your book in a format other than the one you used to create it. For instance, if you composed chapters on your laptop, print out the chapters and read them in hard copy. Sometimes changing the font or format is all it takes to make the text feel new again.

Start with CARE

At every step as you’re reading the text, take notes and challenge yourself using the CARE model of revising developed by your Instructional Editor Stephanie Lenox.