Self-Editing for Writers: 7 Steps to a Better Manuscript

Elevate Your Story: A 7-Step Guide to Powerful Writing & Self-Editing

Unlock your writing potential and transform your stories from good to exceptional in this comprehensive course! If you're struggling to refine your prose or structure your narrative, this class is designed for you. We'll explore seven simple steps to significantly improve your writing, every single time you sit down to write.

Mastering Line-by-Line Editing:

Learn the art of line-by-line editing to ensure every word contributes to your story. We'll focus on eliminating wasted words, tightening your manuscript for a more engaging and satisfying read. This process is crucial for increasing your chances of publication.

Story Structure Essentials:

We'll delve into key story structure elements to ensure your narrative has a strong foundation. You'll discover how to:

• Cut unnecessary wordage: Eliminate filler and tighten your prose.
• Build tension: Keep readers hooked and invested in your story.
• Show, don't tell: Master the techniques for vivid storytelling.
• Pacing: Learn when to summarize for optimal flow.

Prose Enhancement Techniques:

Enhance your writing with these powerful techniques:

• Subtext: Add layers of meaning and nuance to your dialogue and descriptions.
• Backstory: Understand when and how to incorporate relevant backstory (and avoid common pitfalls!).
• Theme: Identify and strengthen your story's central theme to create a resonant and satisfying ending.

Identifying & Eliminating "Danger" Words:

Learn to recognize and eliminate "danger words" – common phrases that weaken your writing. Removing these can often condense a manuscript by hundreds of words! Becoming aware of these words is a powerful tool for improving your storytelling.

Expert Insights & Practical Application:

Benefit from three decades of writing experience! I'll share valuable recommendations for books and workshops, along with examples from my own published work (including a debut novel launched in 2019 and a sequel coming this Fall). We'll conclude with a live demonstration applying all seven steps to a sample piece of writing.

Your Project:

Apply these techniques to your own manuscript and watch your writing transform!

About the Instructor:

I hold an Honours degree in Journalism and have had my writing published across various platforms, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and marketing copy. My passion is empowering writers to create compelling stories ready for publication.

The Writing Process:

Good writing is a process of refinement. Expect to rework your manuscripts multiple times to achieve a polished, impactful final product. This course provides the framework for that essential process.

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Let's unlock your storytelling potential and create manuscripts you're proud to submit!