Should You Revise?

If you get an editor who asks you to revise a manuscript, especially if it's a revision without a contract, how do you know if you should revise it according to the suggestions?

Are the revisions minor? Do them.

Are they revisions that get you closer to the book you had been trying to get at, the better book you always dreamed of writing? Do them.

Are the revisions from someone who has helped you become a better writer before? Try them.

Have you heard a lot of people suggest these revisions before? Do them.

Do you feel sick when you think about making the changes, once several weeks have passed after first reading the letter? Don't do them.

Have you already considered doing these changes and couldn't make them work? Don't do them.

Are the changes going to require a complete revision, meaning more than 60% of the words will have to change? I don't recommend doing them.

Does it feel like the editor is trying to make your book into another book? Don't do them.

Does it feel like the revisions would make your book into something you have always hated writing or reading? Don't do them.

Do you initially feel upset about the suggestions, but find yourself thinking about them and being intrigued by them? Do them.