When you find your most promising manuscript back in your mailbox -- your expectations fall flatter than a first attempt at soufflé. But, since hope lives in words you can't resist opening it -- just to see how Perfect Publishing, Inc. is phrasing their rejections these days. That's when you realize… it's not a rejection. It's that wished for, more illusive than guilt-free chocolate, long envisioned Revision Letter! You leap. You dance. You laugh and cry at the same time…until your dog starts to howl. Then you sink down onto the couch and read the letter again and again and again.

For most writers, a revision letter is almost as welcome as a contract. It's likely to contain some kernel of praise acknowledging that the project we're neck deep in has some merit. But often it holds specific comments from a real live editor on what is and isn't working in your manuscript's present state. After stacks of rejection slips and several revision letters, I've come up with a few rules that might be of help to anyone lucky enough to receive such a missive.

Rule number one: This is a choice. After reading the editor's comments and suggestions, you may think she is perceptive, insightful and the literary genius of the century. Or, you may assume she just doesn't get your book. You must decide if you share the same vision as this editor. If not, you can continue to submit your manuscript as is to the next name on your list.

Rule number two: Step away from the letter. Give yourself time to digest the editor's comments after that initial high. An editor's suggested changes can seem overwhelming, even paralyzing at first. Take a week or longer to think about how you might go about polishing your project. Your story may have to be altered, sometimes drastically. You'll probably have to add layers to the plot and depth to your characters. Does your dialogue need some tweaking? Are you game for a complete re-write? Ask yourself, will these proposed changes make my book better?

Rule number three: Make the revision yours. No two people will approach a revision in exactly the same way. Allow yourself to go back to where the book began in your head. Inhabit your characters. Then begin writing the story that makes the most sense to you, otherwise there's a chance your words may not ring true. Remember that if this book makes it to publication it will carry your name on the cover forever.

Rule number four: Take your time. Don't worry that your editor-to-be is marking off the days on her calendar, or waiting by her mailbox for your new and improved manuscript. Editors are very busy people. She thought enough of your work to put time and effort into her comments. She expects you to do the same. Give your revisions space to grow and jell. You'll need to make sure that you've addressed any new transitions problems that will arise as your newly revised manuscript evolves. And here's the hardest part. When you think you're done, put the manuscript away for a month before you even imagine re-submitting. And no peeking!

Rule number five: Share it with a trusted writer. There's no substitute for objectivity. By sharing your revision with your critique group, a fellow writer, or a mentor you will usually gain helpful advice, keen suggestions, and validation of your efforts. Sometime we write around what we're trying to say. A fresh pair of eyes will see weaknesses and even strengths that may be invisible to you.

Rule number six: Re-read the revision letter for the 100th time. Make sure you've addressed all the editor's points, both large and small. If you think you have, kiss your baby goodbye and send it off into the arms of your dream editor. And don't forget to write Requested Revision on the front of your envelope.

Rule number seven: Get started on something new. Checking your email every five minutes, and accosting the mailman can be hazardous to your health. By this time you're probably sick of the manuscript anyway. Hopefully, you've submitted your best work. Now, it's all in the editor's hands.

And this brings me back to the beginning. Remember…hope lives in words. And you need to come up with some more. It can be tough to get going on a new project. When that happens try writing in a different genre, like a short story, poem or an article for a magazine. A trip to the library or book store is often just what I need to jump start a new project. And when that fails, walking my dog always seems to lead me to a new trail.

However you get there, pay close attention to those first few sparks of genius that let a new project steal your attention. Encourage those embers to grow larger even if they get a bit messy. (First drafts are usually more potential than perfection.) Get as much down on paper before they die out and you'll be on your way again. With any luck, it won't be too long before you'll be shopping for just the right match for your newest offspring. And maybe by then, your other babies will be sending good news home.