Introduction to Fiction Editing (e-learning)
Introduction to Fiction Editing is designed for editors who are new to fiction editing, or are thinking about adding fiction editing to their repertoire, and want to build on their existing copyediting knowledge and experience.
The course explores areas unique to fiction – plot, voice, point of view, dialogue and narrative consistency – alongside related areas such as assessing a manuscript, working effectively with a piece of text. and understanding critiques, synopses and blurbs.
Please note that, while the course introduces fiction specific concepts, it is not a general introduction to copyediting. The course assumes existing knowledge and experience of general copyediting which can be adapted for fiction work.
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About the course
By the end of the course, you’ll have a better idea of what to look out for in fiction texts, which conventions should be followed and which ones a fiction author might bend or even break. You’ll also gain an understanding of the general constraints within which a fiction copyeditor needs to work.
This course is ideal for you if:
- you have experience of copyediting but haven’t edited fiction and are considering adding it to your scope of work
- you've edited some fiction but would like some additional guidance
- you have experience of fiction editing and would like to consolidate your experience and existing knowledge and skills.
What the course will teach you
This course offers an overview of fiction copyediting. By the time you’ve completed this training, you’ll have a basic understanding of:
- the types of errors or issues to look out for in a fiction text
- the conventions that should be followed and those that a fiction author might bend or break
- the differences between copyediting and structural/developmental editing in fiction
- the areas unique to fiction – plot, voice, point of view, dialogue and narrative consistency
- how to assess a manuscript
- how to work on a text, critiques, synopses and blurbs.
What skills and tools do you need?
This course follows British English spelling, grammar and punctuation conventions in the main. You’ll also need:
- existing copyediting knowledge and experience
- fluency in English
- a knowledge of English grammar
- familiarity with the functions of word processing programs – this course assumes use of MS Word (Office 365).
Prices, timescales and upgrade points
- Member: £180 + VAT
- Non-member: £300 + VAT
- Access to course: 6 months
- Approximate study time to complete: 30–35 hours
- CIEP upgrade points: 4
Key course features
Structured training
Structured units cover a range of topics relevant to your chosen course.
Self-paced learning
With our e-learning courses, learn when you want at a pace that’s convenient for you.
Training portal
Access your course via our user-friendly online training portal. All e-learning courses are accessible through the portal for six months from the date of enrolment.
Extra help
Additional tutor support is available on our self-assessed courses for a small fee.
Self-assessed exercises
Hone your skills with self-assessed exercises and quizzes, and mark your own work against model answers.
Certificate
Introduction to Fiction Editing went deeper than I expected it to, and is a really good introduction for people who are looking to switch over, or for a more specific grounding in fiction, which is notoriously flexible when it comes to the rules.
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