The most important work on a novel is done during the editing stage, where plots are sharpened, characters fleshed out and language refined. This interactive course with Roz Morris will help you to think like an editor and assess your own writing more critically. You’ll learn the most important skills of the editor’s job, and finish the day with an arsenal of techniques to help you turn your first draft into a polished manuscript.
Course description
- Essential editing skills for authors
- The creative approach to self-editing – how to make it more than just reworking your sentences
- Mapping your weak spots – identifying particular issues and problems with your manuscript
- How to create a structural survey of your novel – and a master plan for change
- Balancing your characters – too many? Too few? Do they do enough?
- Varying structure – beginnings, middles, ends, subplots and the placing of crescendos to keep readers gripped
- Using themes to maintain coherence and create a slick, satisfying experience for the reader
- How to decide if an abandoned book has potential – and how to get it started again
- Polishing your style – tips and suggestions to keep a consistent voice
- Q&A and group discussion
This course is for you if...
- You’re a writer who wants to improve your novel before submission to a publisher, editor, agent, critique group or readers
- You’ve abandoned a draft or manuscript in progress and would like to resurrect and complete it
- You’re a committed writer who wants to learn self-editing skills
Tutor profile
Roz Morris is a writer, fiction editor, journalist and the author of the Nail Your Novel series for writers. Her fiction has sold more than four million copies worldwide. Roz has worked as a writers’ mentor for Cornerstones Literary Consultancy. Find out more on her website.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
