Developmental Editing

WRITING X 451.2

Learn to review written works to suggest line edits and substantial thematic revisions in this introductory course.

What you can learn.

Identify what works and what needs improvement in drafts of a written work
Learn about the various roles of professional editors
Practice writing thorough editorial letters to identify revision plans

About this course:

An editor’s job includes not only improving the mechanics of writing but identifying places where content isn’t working or needs revision and development. This skill is also invaluable for writers, who can use it to shape their own work or to make extra money as they work on their own projects. Using exercises and readings, students learn how to use the elements of craft to draft editorial letters and representative line edits. Class discussions also explore the various roles of professional editors. The goal is to gain confidence as an editor by line-editing a large piece of fiction and writing a detailed editorial letter as the final class assignment. Required for the Certificate in Literary Representation and the Certificate in Editing and Publishing.