Introduction to Fiction Editing (e-learning)
Introduction to Fiction Editing provides the novice fiction editor with a departure point to embark on the adventure of copyediting fiction. It discusses areas unique to fiction – plot, voice, point of view, dialogue and narrative consistency – alongside the general but associated topics of how to assess a manuscript and work on a text, plus critiques, synopses and blurbs.
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About the course
After working through this course, you should have a better idea of what to look out for in fiction texts, which rules should be enforced and which ones a fiction author might bend or even break, and the general constraints within which a fiction copyeditor needs to work.
This course is ideal for you if:
- you have never edited fiction but are considering adding it to your scope of work
- you have edited a little fiction but would like some additional guidance
- you have edited some fiction and would like to consolidate your experience and existing knowledge and skills.
What the course will teach you
This introductory course offers an overview of fiction copyediting. By the time you’ve completed this training, you’ll have a basic understanding of:
- what to look out for
- what rules should be enforced and what rules a fiction author might bend or break
- the differences between copyediting and substantive editing 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:
- basic copyediting knowledge
- 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: £175 + VAT
- Non-member: £290 + 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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