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Editing Fiction

This course builds on Introduction to Editorial Skills and focuses on the specialised skills needed for editing fiction. It explores copy-editing and structural issues unique to fiction and introduces practical tools for editors. The course is taught in modules with short polls, quizzes, and longer consolidation exercises. Participants will workshop their edits together to learn from each other, guided by the tutor.

Who is it for?

Editors who are moving into or taking on a fiction list, or have recently started working with fiction and would like to learn how it differs from other disciplines. Freelancers who want to offer fiction editing and need more formal training. This includes:

  • commissioning editors
  • copy-editors
  • assistant editors, desk editors, editorial assistants, editors 
  • freelance copy-editors, editors and proofreaders
  • in-house proofreaders

What will you achieve?

On completing this course you will:

  • understand how fiction differs from non-fiction and other types of publishing
  • know how to approach a fiction text with confidence
  • edit fiction with attention to narrative structure, plot, characterisation, pacing, dialogue and voice
  • work effectively with authors to provide constructive editorial feedback.

Programme

Day 1 

Plot

  • Beginning: creating a striking start and setting the scene
  • Middle: maintaining momentum and avoiding sag
  • End: ensuring resolution and coherence
  • Detail: tenses and continuity
  • Toolbox 1: Timeline

Characters

  • Identifying and tracking characters
  • Ensuring consistency in personality and description
  • Toolbox 2: Character organogram for relationships

Place

  • Exploring geography and setting contributions
  • Balancing real and imagined worlds
  • Toolbox 3: Maps and diagrams as editorial aids



Day 2 

Voice and Style

  • Exploring points of view: first person, third person limited, omniscient
  • Examining narrative and dialogue style, punctuation and layout
  • Applying 'Show, don’t tell' principles
  • Toolbox 4: Using a style sheet

Putting It All Together

  • Framing author queries effectively
  • Balancing structural and detailed feedback
  • Understanding author-editor collaboration roles
  • Workshop: final exercise and reflection on learning

 

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Enrol on this course

Next session

19 & 20 October

Price

£375 + VAT

A number of discounts are available

Course format

  • Virtual classroom
  • 9.00am to 12.30pm 
  • 4 x 1 ½-hour sessions, split across 2 half days

Enrol on this course

What you will need

To join the course, you will need access to a computer, tablet or laptop with a camera and microphone. The course will be delivered via Zoom Pro with attendant security levels.

You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes two minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.