13 Must-Have Tools for Editing and Revision

Editing and revision can be incredibly hard work, but useful tools can help make the process easier. Over the past few months, I've been keeping a list of my favorite items I use to pour over manuscripts. Everything listed below is something I have in my house and am giving first-hand recommendations for. Hopefully you will find something that helps you be a little more productive so you can reach your editing and revision goals. 

1. These red pens are great for marking up printed pages. The thicker tip is perfect for making those added commas stand out. Plus, I get a whole box so I can always grab a new pen when I leave the other one in some mystery place in the house. 

Get a pack of 12 on Amazon, $14.99.
​
2. This might be one of my favorite purchases of all time for my home office: a coffee warmer. How did I ever live my life without one?! My kids always want 10,000 things in the mornings and I used to microwave my coffee at least three times every morning. Not anymore! I make my cup and set it on this warmer and it's just the right temperature whenever I can manage to take my next sip.

Mr. Coffee coffee warmer, $11.99 on Amazon.

3. Sitting in a chair all day can be hard for your back and bum, but I love this super-comfy chair cushion you can pop on any desk chair. Memory foam and cooling gel? Yes, please!  

Get it on Amazon for $33.95. Your bum will thank you.  

​4. Staring at a screen for a long period of time can be really hard on your eyes. That's why I like to put on these stylish blue light blocking glasses. They have ten different styles to choose from and keep the headaches at bay.

​They are only $19.95 on Amazon, which is cheaper than a visit to the eye doctor!

5. Here is an item I use every. single. day: ​a portable laptop desk.  You can use this bad boy while working on the couch, in bed, or as a standing desk. It's so versatile, I use it more than my regular desk!

It's worth the investment; $49.99 on Amazon.

6. Sometimes it takes me a while to get focused, or to stay focused on editing. That's why I like to light up my lavender Yankee Candle. It makes me calm and relaxed so that I can let go of distracting thoughts and focus on my work. 

I love this candle brand because they last a long time and the scent carries well. $22.99 on Amazon. 

​7. You know, I used to tease people who had wireless mice. Why do you need an extra mouse when you have one right there on your laptop? Then I was gifted one. So. Much. Easier. I get it now, and not only that, I'm a huge fan. I love how this cute wireless mouse has so many color choices. 

And for only $11.99 on Amazon, it's a steal. (Can you tell I love purple??)

​8. There's nothing better for bringing attention to a part of your manuscript than a great highlighter. ​What I love about these highlighters is the quality of the ink and how you can see how much you have before it goes out.

Plus they have great precision tips. Get them on Amazon for $9.97.

​9. I don't mess around when it comes to being comfortable. Cozy slippers are definitely a must-have for me to get any work done at home. These ones are my tried-and-true brand that I can also run outside in to roll the garbage can down when I hear the truck coming. They also have cute colors. 

I already had a purple pair, so the current ones are pink. $24.99 on Amazon. Guys, I asked my husband for his slipper recommendation. He likes this shoe-looking style slipper. 

10. Let's face it. Editing and revision can be boring. So boring that you might start to nod off. I have a trick to wake myself up and get refocused: chewing on crushed ice. I am kind of picky about the size of the crunched up ice chips. This ice crusher makes the PERFECT SIZE ice chips to munch on and wake yourself up. 

For $36.47 on Amazon, it's worth every penny for each hour it buys me. 

​11. I will confess, my husband teases me about this one, but I do not care. This sleek plastic ruler makes me slow down and focus on a manuscript line-by-line. 

​The transparency allows me to see the next line if I need to, while keeping my eyes on the current one. It's only $2.69 on Amazon and a cheap, easy tool to stay on task. 

​12. Ginseng is a wonderful supplement for brain health. I asked my doctor what brand of vitamins she recommends, and her answer was Now brand. This ginseng supplement can help boost your brain power. 

Get a bottle of 250 capsules on Amazon for $18.33.

​13. If you get nothing else on this list, GET THIS. The Chicago Manual of Style is the number one tool I use while editing, personally and professionally. ​

There is nothing like being able to go straight to the rule book to answer your grammar and convention questions. This book is HUGE, 1146 pages, which is why it costs $29.62 on Amazon. BUT, you will use it over and over and over again, and have the satisfaction of knowing you've gotten it right. 

​Well, there you have it. Those are my must-have favorite tools for editing and revision. Now get that manuscript and get to work!

*Note: I signed up for an Amazon affiliate account after I made my list, so if you make a purchase, I may get a small commission...so I can buy more slippers! 

---

You’ve finished your draft, now what? Maybe this is your first time and you have no idea how to tackle the revision process. Or maybe you already started and became lost or overwhelmed. You may be on your tenth book but something about this one in particular is causing you trouble. Whatever the project, The Complete Revision Workbook for Writers by Arielle Haughee has the tools you need to go from messy draft to polished novel. ​