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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Self-editing skills for novelists

Ring Binder.
Ring Binder. Photograph: mpclemens/Flickr

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.

Content

  • Essential editing skills for authors
  • The creative approach to self-editing – how to make it more than just reworking your sentences
  • Polishing your style – tips and suggestions to keep a consistent voice
  • Mapping your weak spots – identifying particular issues and problems with your manuscript
  • How to improve structure and characters
  • 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
  • Q&A and group discussion

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.

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Details

Date: Saturday 2 April 2016
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £249 (includes VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 16

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.

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