Introduction to Fiction Developmental Editing

Developmental editing involves evaluating how well everything hangs together across the whole of a text to help the author deliver their message as clearly and effectively as possible. In fiction, the focus is on narrative craft and style or ‘voice’, ensuring cohesion across these in draft texts. This course is suitable for editors who are interested in introducing fiction developmental editing to their services. Weekly sessions will take place from 10.00am to 12.00pm (GMT).

About the course 

Developmental editing involves evaluating how well everything hangs together across the whole of a text to help the author deliver their message as clearly and effectively as possible. In fiction, the focus is on narrative craft and style or ‘voice’, ensuring cohesion across these in draft texts.

Introduction to Fiction Developmental Editing is suitable for editors who are interested in introducing fiction developmental editing to their services. Basic Word proficiency is essential, and fiction copyediting experience is helpful but not required. Editors who have experience in non-fiction copyediting or developmental editing and want to explore moving into fiction developmental editing are also welcome.

The course aims to help editors to: 
  • understand what is meant by ‘developmental editing’ of fiction and what the process involves
  • understand the different types of tasks that developmental editors can be asked to do if they are working for a publisher or directly for an author, including top tips on reader’s report writing and line editing
  • get a holistic view of how to edit mindfully and ethically when working with a range of fiction content
  • plan and carry out fiction developmental editing to an appropriate standard and according to good practice.
How does the course work?

This virtual learning course is delivered over four live webinars, each lasting two hours. Sessions include practical exercises and work individually, in pairs and in small groups to maximise learning. The sessions will take place as follows: 

Session 1, Thursday 5 February 10.00am-12.00pm GMT -  What fiction developmental editing involves: ways of working, good practice, and what to include in a client brief 

Session 2, Thursday 12 February 10.00am-12.00pm GMT -  Developmental Editing 101: planning and executing the edit, with top tips on how to feed back on key principles of narrative craft, and time management 

Session 3, Thursday 19 February 10.00am-12.00pm GMT -  Ethical Editing. A consideration of how to edit mindfully and consciously, including how to handle difficult or offensive content

Session 4, Thursday 26 February 10.00am-12.00pm GMT -  Editing and You: How to put your best foot forwards as a freelancer offering developmental editing, that aligns with who you are as an editor. Includes plenary and Q&A

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. 

Aki Schilz

Aki Schilz

Find out more