An introductory course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
About the course
This 4-session course offers an introduction to all aspects of fiction editing. Many of the principles and practices covered can also be applied to narrative non-fiction.
It would appeal to editors and writers who are:
- working in-house or freelance
- new to editing or writing fiction
- keen to develop their skills in editing or writing fiction or non-fiction
- interested in a range of narrative fiction genres – historical fiction, contemporary fiction, science fiction, crime fiction, horror, romance, flash fiction and more
- interested in narrative non-fiction genres such as biography, memoir, creative nonfiction and autofiction.
Each session will be 3 hours in duration, delivered live and online, via Zoom.
To check the course start time against your local time, go to timeanddate.com
For example: 1:30 pm AEDT on Wednesday 1 February is Wednesday 10:30 am WST (Perth time); Wednesday 3:30 pm NZT (Auckland/Wellington time); and in North America, Tuesday 4:00 pm PT, Tuesday 5:00 pm MT, Tuesday 6:00 pm CT and 9:30 pm EST.
About your trainers
Pamela Hewitt AE
Pamela is an accredited editor who has worked in editing and publishing for over 30 years. After an in-house career in educational and academic editing, she established a freelance practice specialising in fiction, memoir and narrative non-fiction. Pamela has taught editing in universities, colleges and for writers’ and editors’ organisations in Australia and internationally.
SESSION OVERVIEW
1: An introduction to fiction editing
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm AEDT
Wednesday, 1 February 2023
In this session, Renée Otmar will introduce the professional and business aspects of fiction editing that are essential in developing a career in fiction, including:
- Where and how to start building your knowledge of fiction, genres and conventions, and looking at changing shapes, forms and platforms in fiction
- Similarities and differences between editing fiction and editing non-fiction, such as structural, narrative, linguistic, grammatical and other elements
- The nuances and complexities in managing the editor–client relationship
- How to establish strong and ethical business practices, including service types, fee structures, quoting and marketing yourself as a fiction editor.
Outcomes
You will come away from this session with a clear understanding of the types of fiction editing and/or writing you wish to do; the values and principles that govern your personal approach; and a plan for kickstarting or reinvigorating your career in fiction.
2: Developmental and structural editing
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm AEDT
Wednesday, 8 February 2023
In this session, Nadine Davidoff will explore the role of the structural editor and analyse the key elements in an approach to structural editing in fiction, including:
- Moving from diagnosing a manuscript’s weaknesses to offering clear solutions
- Narrative choices such as vantage point, voice and tense
- Openings, endings and transitions
- Tense, pace and the interplay between exposition and dramatisation
- Setting, characterisation and dialogue.
Nadine will draw on examples of published and unpublished ficiton to exemplify the above topics.
Outcomes
You will come away from this session with a clear sense of how to write a detailed structural report advising the author on the strengths and shortfalls of a fiction manuscript and providing an essential roadmap for how to proceed to the next draft.
3: Editing and writing style in fiction
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm AEDT
Wednesday, 15 February 2023
In this session, Pamela Hewitt will cover strengths and weaknesses in style that fiction editors often encounter in texts by experienced fiction writers and those newer to the editing process. Combining copyediting with writing style and expression, we will focus on the sentence level to explore how to identify and edit:
- Repetition, redundancy and style mannerisms
- Common flaws in manuscripts such as overwriting, sentimentality , dated and overly formal expression, jargon, euphemism, moralising and cliché in all its manifestations
- Language choices, considering matters of stereotyping, and sensitivity and style decisions for different English-speaking fiction markets
- Technical and presentational issues – tense and tense shifts, contractions, writing dialogue and presenting a professional manuscript.
Outcomes
You will analyse problems and discuss options for improvement, bringing out the inherent potential in the narrative by building on and enhancing the manuscript’s strengths.
4: Putting it all together
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm AEDT
Wednesday, 22 February 2023
How might this all this work in practice?
All three trainers will be present to lead a discussion on a nominated short story, which participants will have read and assessed over the previous fortnight. Together, we will explore a range of approaches and responses.
In this concluding session, we will also reflect on what we have learned and revisit personal goals for developing a career in fiction editing, including:
- Points of transition from other areas and types of editing to fiction editing
- Ideas for continuing your professional development
- How to strike the right tone in your relationship with fiction authors.
Outcomes
You will come away from this final session with enhanced knowledge and expertise in professional fiction editing and writing, and a renewed sense of confidence in writing and editing fiction.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now closed.
Please send us an email if you would like to be included on the waiting list (for cancellations or for next time).
FULL COURSE: $770.00
All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and include 10% GST.
Terms and conditions
- Registration is for the full course – note that registration is not available for single sessions.
- Full payment is required upon registration.
- Payment options include Direct bank deposit, Debit Card and Credit Card options.
- You will receive an email to confirm your payment and registration. (Check your spam/junkmail folder.)
- Class notes, reading lists and instructions for joining the Zoom sessions will be sent to you by email in the week prior to each session.
- For any enquiries, or to put your name on the waiting list, please send an email through our contact page: click here.
Cancellation policy
Sometimes life gets in the way of the best-laid plans. We will do our best, where possible, to accommodate your changing needs, within reason.
- If we postpone a session, we will be in touch with all registrants to reschedule.
- If we cancel the course, you will receive a full refund.
If you wish to cancel, a refund, less a 10% administration fee ($77.00, inclusive of GST), may be possible with more than 7 days’ notice and if a replacement can be found to take your place. If a replacement is not possible, a refund may be available, on a case-by-case basis:
- up to 14 days prior to commencement, full refund less 10% administration fee;
- 7–13 days prior to commencement, 50% refund;
- less than 7 days prior to commencement, no refund.
Transfer of registration
- Registration is not transferable. Please contact us if you need to cancel and you know of someone who is on the waiting list.
