Editing and Revision Tips

This is from my tumblr

Well I have been sidetracked and haven't done anything much original lately, so I feel like I should. I'm in the midst of revising my first novel and have run into some interesting things, though I want to withhold any plot details for the sake of my originality. Here are some tips I have acquired based on this experience:

1. Editing is more than just grammar, punctuation, and better prose. It can involve major rewriting. Don't let your family and friends tell you it was fine the way it was. It's up to you to make it the best and to feel proud of it.
2. Some things to consider are emotional and character arcs, worldbuilding, and any common criticism you can find. Do the reactions make sense? Should a scene be added so characters can explore and internal or emotional conflict? What questions might readers ask of the world and how things work in the setting, and do these things have to be explained? (This is something I'm struggling with, in that I have a unique relationship between my world and our own, and feel like I often explain so much it loses intrigue.) Are your characters fleshed out and not accidentally offensive? Do you mistakenly fall into promoting problematic ideas that you never intended? (I am not suggesting to make it tame to reach more readers, but rather making sure a disturbing subtext you do not agree with does not sneak in. Leave in your own messages.)
3. If it's part of a series, take a break and write and plan the sequels. This can help A LOT with foreshadowing and consistency. I've got half of my sequel written and while I am a bit stuck in finishing it for now, I've got the important things planned out for it and the third book. It has helped me tie the once stand-alone plot of my first into the rest of the trilogy, and it makes more sense as a result. The sequel also inspired me to flesh out my characters and setting more, because I found myself liking the sequel more!
4. Life experience. I keep a diary and journals and whatnot, but everyday experiences and musings about life are great things to add to writing. Make it personal and important.