I am often asked to describe my writing process (or in this instance, someone queried my revision process), so here goes. Traditionally, I have worked four hours a day; these days it’s down to three or so (am I getting more efficient? Maybe). I work in public spaces, surrounded by lots of people, and prefer it that way.

When I finally send off a manuscript, it’s usually pretty clean, and here’s why. Each time I sit down to write, I begin by re-reading and editing what I wrote the last time. F...