About the course 

This course is designed for experienced editors who want to add romance to their existing repertoire or newly qualified editors who either want to specialise in romance or want to generalise and include romance. It is intended for those who have previously completed general editorial training.

Over the four weeks, you’ll learn all you need to know about the romance genre so you can deliver the best possible editing service to your clients. Sessions will be interactive and fun, including practical exercises and group work to strengthen understanding. There will be a short, unmarked exercise to complete ahead of each session to aid discussion.

By the end of the course, you will: 

• Understand how romance differs from other genres and how that impacts your approach to editing
• Know about key elements of romantic fiction and how to deal with common issues
• Be confident about adding romance editing to your services

How does the course work?

This virtual learning course is delivered over four live sessions, each lasting one and a half hours. Delegates are required to attend all sessions as follows: 

Session 1, 13 November, 10-11.30am GMT - And they lived happily ever after: is it a romance?

• Romance conventions; reader expectations; romance or women's fiction; subgenres; structure/romance beats

Session 2, 20 November, 10-11.30am GMT - From Mr Darcy to Mr Gray: characters in romance

• Character tropes/archetypes; wounds and flaws; goal, motivation, conflict (GMC); the miscommunication problem

Session 3, 27 November, 10-11.30am GMT - It's getting hot in here...

• Editing sex scenes; heat levels; romance or erotica; emotional scenes

Session 4, 4 December, 10-11.30am GMT - Modern romance: romance in the 21st century

• Subverting tropes; sexist or problematic premises; and keeping an open mind!

Places on our virtual learning courses are limited and sell out quickly. If your chosen course is already fully booked, please email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list. 

Please note that we use Zoom for our online courses. Please ensure that you are able to access this system where you are based before booking your place. Please note the CIEP's terms and conditions before booking your place. 

Aimee Walker

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