rewrite or revise? a new perspective

I read somewhere (but alas cannot remember where) that you have to fall in love with the tinkering as much as the writing because so much of the process is tinkering. Revising, rewriting, brainstorming, changing things around. And, two books in, I totally agree.

My first pandemic book has been a process in endlessly changing things. Then, when I thought it was finally in great shape, I began the querying process. And, I've been really lucky to get some feedback that is super helpful for future querying on this book: The writing is good, but the book doesn't stand apart from other similar genre books.

Which kinda brings me back to tinkering, but with a new focus. What could I change to give this book a different hook/spin on a pretty classic fantasy trope?

I wasn't sure if this would be something I'd want to revisit, but since I was lucky enough to get some amazing ideas from two amazing people on how to revive this book, I'm super excited to dive back into tinkering to see where it takes the story. I think it also helps that when I stepped away, I wrote NIGHT SOIREE and put Luna and the Protectresses from my mind.

But, now that I'm ready to delve back in, I think there's so much more to the story. Have you had success finishing a book, and then deciding to try something new with it? Do you think it's worth it?? I'd love to hear your thoughts.