When it comes to writing projects, finishing your first draft is only half the battle. Then you need to revise and edit. Revising is a reconsideration of what you’re saying as a whole, and where you’re saying it. As a reviser, you’re asking questions such as: Have I been utterly truthful? Have I said all that I need to say? Have I been appropriately diplomatic and fair? Do that first. Then move on to editing, which is more a matter of fine-tuning sentences and paragraphs. As you read through, ask yourself: Can I save some words here? Is there a better way of phrasing this idea? The key is to allow ample time to do both.
Adapted from the HBR Guide to Better Business Writing.