Changes in Editing?

I edit as much as is necessary. My first novel that I thought was good enough for querying went through four drafts. I proofread for gramar, spelling, and typos. I edited for continuity. And I rewrote whole scenes, added a chapter, and deleted quite abit. Then after 15 or 20 queries with no bites, I shelved it, wrote a rough draft of a different novel and came back top the original. Now with fresh eyes, I am going into another draft with the original manuscript that will probably call for large sections to be rewritten. Ideally, I'd love to get it in one or two takes, but in this case it didn't happen that way.

IF you have a genuinely great manuscript to begin with, editing and continuing to write can be a good process.

I learn through each edit and each beta session. My writing has improved, and as I write new pieces they are tighter and require FAR less editing.

I would assume that in, say ten years, the time from first draft to final draft will be very minimal for me, especially compared to now.

I think that's a good thing to remember if you're new.