Lesson 1. Transformative Editing Practices for Writers
Mastering the craft of editing--an integral step authors overlook at their peril--demands focus on grammar, structure, and narrative finesse. Whether through personal diligence or peer evaluations, it is indispensable for crafting compelling prose.
Lesson 2. Why Authors Edit: The Hidden Key to Literary Success
Editing not only sharpens writing skills and polishes narratives but also aligns with the financial interests of publishers by minimizing their need for intervention. Embracing the editing process results in a professionally crafted manuscript ready for publication.
Lesson 3. Editing Essentials for Authors
Editing involves degrees of intervention: light edits target spelling, medium edits examine content cohesion, and heavy edits reimagine plot and character traits. Each stage, with varying time investments, propels the narrative from initial drafts to polished masterpieces.
Lesson 4. Editing Essentials
Editing goes beyond spelling and grammar; it ensures the entire narrative is logical and engaging, which is paramount for comprehensibility and readability. Writers should complete their drafts before editing to prevent disrupting the creative flow and maintain the integrity of their stories.
Lesson 5. The Power of Patience in the Editing Process
Editing transforms a manuscript from mediocrity to magnificence; patience and detailed iteration yield the finished masterpiece. The process involves stepping away, light edits, feedback incorporation, and multiple revisions including verbal read-throughs to achieve a polished piece ready for publication.
Lesson 6. Mastering the Craft: Editing Secrets from Literary Greats
Published authors know the art of editing, which transforms a simple draft into a compelling narrative, proving the writer's dedication to quality and self-respect. From verb agreement to cutting unnecessary adverbs, these seasoned writers share their wisdom on how to achieve coherence and resonance in storytelling.
Lesson 7. Perfection Reconsidered: A Writer's Road to Publication
Publishers expect manuscripts that are well-edited, free from spelling and grammar mistakes, and fall within a specific word count range, typically between 35,000 and 120,000 words. Writers must ensure their work makes sense, resonates with publishers, and aligns with the typical genres a publisher accepts.
Lesson 8. How Spell Check Shapes Writing Today
Invented in the 1970s, spell checkers became widely accessible with personal computers in the 1980s, initially only detecting misspelled words without offering corrections. Advances in technology introduced context sensitivity and grammar checking, yet the necessity for human oversight remains strong.
Lesson 9. Why Distance Matters: Gaining Clarity in Your Writing
After finishing a novel, authors are advised to store the manuscript for thirty days to detach mentally and later approach it with a fresh perspective for effective editing. During this break, celebrate your achievement and engage in new writing ideas or workshops.
Lesson 10. The Art of Editing: Recognizing and Correcting Writing Errors
By diligently correcting frequent blunders such as confusing 'there' and 'their', and 'advice' versus 'advise', writers can refine their expression through thoughtful editing. Beyond technicalities, editing also incites transformative improvements in story pacing and character appeal.
Lesson 11. Illuminate and Eliminate: Editing with Find-and-Replace
Leverage the find-and-replace function as your secret weapon for editing, facilitating the identification and removal of cliche or overused language. By doing so, you refine your work, ensuring each word serves a purpose and contributes to the narrative.
Lesson 12. Beyond the Screen: The Importance of Analog Editing Tools in Manuscript Revision
Editors are encouraged to use post-it notes and highlighters to create a system that suits their editing needs, where each tool serves a specific purpose in the annotation and modification process. This lesson outlines how different colors and writing tools can increase clarity and order, ensuring an efficient transition from paper edits to digital revisions.
Lesson 13. The Art of Borrowed Vision in Editing
Fresh eyes are vital for effective editing because familiarity can blind authors to flaws in their work. A checklist for friends' and family's feedback can streamline the critique process, enhancing the quality of your manuscript.
Lesson 14. The Unsung Heroes of Publication: The Role of Copy Editors in Crafting Bestsellers
A copy editor refines a manuscript's clarity, correctness, conciseness, comprehensibility, and consistency, ensuring it says what it means and avoids legal issues. Their expertise in grammar and factual accuracy brings a writer's story to life while maintaining its original plot.
Lesson 15. Final Touch: Preparing Your Manuscript for Success
Finalize your manuscript with a light review, adhering to page numbering and a detailed title page for publisher ease, then consider a query letter and self-addressed envelope. Anticipate rejection as a norm, and remain persistent by seeking publishers who will appreciate the work, just as acclaimed authors once did.
14 Hours average completion time
1.4 CEUs
15 Lessons
31 Exams & Assignments
16 Reference Files
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Last Updated April 2022
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