Course Syllabus

COURSE CLOSED

We're sorry, this course is no longer open for enrollment.
 
 

Course Description

Writers are a unique breed. They spend their lives creating things that were, or never have been, and they hope to make enough money so that they can live comfortably while others read their work.

To be a successful writer, one needs to do many things. According to Stephen King, it comes down to reading a lot and writing a lot. However, there is something else that a writer must do to be successful and that is to edit as well. Too many writers choose not to edit, believing that it is something someone else will do for them; but how can you know your book if you do not go through and edit it as well?

When you edit a book, you learn more about your characters, your plot and how they all mesh together. While you edit you may think of a new plot device that will work better for the book, or you may discover that the book would be better suited in a different genre.

Editing turns a good book into a great book, and all the great writers know the power of editing.

In this course you will learn everything you need to know about editing a book. From how much of an edit you need to do, the things that need to be edited and even the tools you should employ to make your edits successful. In addition, you will learn about what you should do before sending your manuscript away for review to raise the chances of successful publication.

Throughout the lessons, tips and quotes from the immortals of literature will show you that editing and even rejection are all part of the journey when you are a successful writer.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define what is editing.
  • Describe why should you edit.
  • Describe the difference between light, medium, and heavy edits.
  • Describe the basics of editing.
  • Describe the editing process.
  • Describe what published authors say about editing and writing.
  • Summarize what publishers want.
  • Demonstrate spell checking abilities.
  • Determine stepping back and putting the manuscript away for a month.
  • Describe common writing mistakes which editing fixes.
  • Demonstrate find-and-replace as an editing tool.
  • Summarize post-it notes and highlighters to help in the editing process.
  • Describe why fresh eyes help your edit process.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
Lesson 1 Assignment 25 points
An Introduction 5 points
Lesson 1: What Is Editing? 10 points
Lesson 2 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 2: Why Should You Edit? 10 points
Lesson 3 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 3: The Difference Between Light, Medium and Heavy Edits 10 points
Lesson 4 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 4: The Basics of Editing 10 points
Lesson 5 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 5: The Editing Process 9 points
Lesson 6 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 6: What Published Authors Say About Editing and Writing 7 points
Lesson 7 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 7: What Publishers Want 10 points
Lesson 8 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 8: Spell Checking 9 points
Lesson 9 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 9: Stepping Back and Putting the Manuscript Away For a Month 10 points
Lesson 10 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 10: Common Writing Mistakes Editing Fixes 9 points
Lesson 11 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 11: Find-Replace as Editing Tool 9 points
Lesson 12 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 12: Post-It Notes And Highlighters: The Editors Best Friends 10 points
Lesson 13 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 13: Why Fresh Eyes Help Your Edit Process 8 points
Lesson 14 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 14: Copy Editors 10 points
Lesson 15 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 15: The Finished Product 8 points
The Final Exam 42 points