The writing process is made up of these repeatable steps:
Revision is the process of re-visioning a written work — that is, the process of looking at it again. It involves evaluation of the ideas, supporting information and organization of a work, and changes required as a result of that evaluation.
It's important to understand the difference between revision and editing. Editing focuses on improving language, clarity, and style at the sentence and word levels. Revision is a look at the entire draft. Revision is also different from proofreading, in which mistakes in grammar, mechanics, and spelling are identified and corrected.
Editing and proofreading are the final steps in the writing process. Before editing or proofreading a written work, you must first revise to ensure that the goals of the work have been accomplished. Although beginning writers sometimes overlook revision, subsequent steps in the process (i.e., editing and proofreading) will not correct errors that must be addressed during revision.
Revision enables writers to assess and improve their work at the "big picture" level. During the revision step, writers take stock of their entire project. They confirm that the thesis is well-supported, and that the structure enhances a smooth, logical presentation of ideas.
Because the revision step, like the other steps in the writing process, is repeatable, you should revise as many times as necessary to improve your work. Revision is also a good way to overcome writer's block. Experienced writers know that they must revise, usually more than once, to realize the potential value of their work.
Source: Adapted from Sophia Instructor Gavin McCall