I enjoyed the Author–Editor Clinic on several levels. It was an easy course to take online. The interaction with the students added to Barbara's informative discussions and assignments. And in the end, I feel I'm not only a better editor of novels and scripts, but can better edit my own work with an objective eye.”
—Diane Mettler, writer & editor, www.spilledinkstudio.com Washington state

I think the Clinic’s classes are more personal than other online classes. The dedicated Group area allows you to connect more with the instructor and your peers and to review materials and discussions more thoughtfully. I also like the convenience of being able to attend remotely, since I’ve been unable to find comparable classes locally. It allows me to improve my skills without spending money on plane fare and hotel rooms the way a traditional—even intensive—course might.”
—Elizabeth Stokes, freelance editor Massachusetts

I would tell people, don’t be shy to ask the teacher direct questions. (They will respond!)”
—CK, freelance editor

The Author–Editor Clinic offers continuing education online for editors of varied backgrounds. Our focus is on instruction in developmental editing of fiction and creative nonfiction. Our classes are small and emphasize a structured approach to learning how to analyze manuscripts and to communicate with writers. Although we're based in Seattle, we've had participants from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond.
(Click here to jump to our current class schedule.)

About our participants

Some editors take our classes after completing an editing certificate through one of the university extension programs. Some participants want to explore the essentials of developmental editing to see if it’s a good fit for them; others wish to learn more about working with clients or to pick up business tips. Some have been editing straight nonfiction and are curious about working with novelists and memoirists. Some are writers themselves, hoping to see their literary efforts from an editor’s perspective or to build new skills that translate into editing work. Our classes have included copyeditors looking to expand their services and long-time editors looking to network, share experiences, and ask questions in a supportive environment.

Here are a few reasons some recent participants signed up for our classes:

My reason for taking this course is to develop a skill that cannot be easily replaced by the right app and to (hopefully) ensure many more years of editing work to come.
—Freelance proofreader and copyeditor, Virginia

I recently received my copyediting certificate from UCSD Extension and I am just starting out as a freelance copyeditor. I am looking forward to approaching an entire book from an editorial perspective. —Freelance copyeditor, Chicago

The writing communities I’m involved in give me ample opportunity to read and comment on in-progress manuscripts and I’m interested in developing a more structured approach to responding and in pursuing professionally the developmental side of the process.
—Poet and freelance editor, Seattle

Understanding the editing process can be really helpful to writing as well. It's tricky because you don't want your editor mind to turn on too soon in the creative process, but it's also helpful to have some of that knowledge in the background just to kind of keep things on track. —Author of a published memoir, now working on a novel

About our classes

Our introductory online classes are offered regularly throughout the year. The eight-week online class Introduction to Developmental Editing addresses both fiction and nonfiction and prepares editors to analyze full-length manuscripts and practice the art of communicating with writers. The four-week class on The Business of Freelance Developmental Editing is helpful for editors currently freelancing or considering opening a freelance business.

We also offer frequent online Focus classes on particular topics. Recent topics have included “Character and Point of View” and “Young Adult Fiction.” These classes can be taken by any writer or editor with an interest in the subject. In spring 2012, we’re also introducing an advanced online Fiction Editing Workshop directed to editors with developmental fiction projects in hand. If there’s a class you’re interested in taking but don’t see it here, please feel free to write with suggestions. We’re interested in expanding our offerings.

2012 Online Class Schedule

Introductory Classes

Introduction to Developmental Editing:
Book-Length Fiction and Creative Nonfiction (8 weeks)
Instructor: Barbara Sjoholm [read bio]
Dates: March 7 – April 25, 2012
Cost: $299
To register: classes@authoreditorclinic.com, by March 2, 2012

This in-depth introductory course focuses on learning to analyze the structure of book-length manuscripts and to communicate your analysis to the author. Weekly online lectures address elements of fiction and memoir that overlap: Theme, storyline, characters, scene and summary, dialog, and narrative shape. Weekly written assignments build on the lectures. Participants will read two published or self-published works of fiction and narrative nonfiction (suggested titles provided on request) and practice looking at them from a variety of angles, taking notes in a systematic fashion, and crafting sections of an editorial letter that deals with the big picture. For additional information, please see our FAQ (pdf download).

The Business of Freelance Developmental Editing: An Overview (4 weeks)
Instructor: Karalynn Ott [read bio]
Dates: March 20 – April 10, 2012
Cost: $159
To register: classes@authoreditorclinic.com, by March 16, 2012

It takes more than just editing skills to run a successful developmental editing practice! This introductory course is for those who would like to know more about how to set up and steer a freelance developmental editing business of their own. We’ll cover some important basics, including how to get your business started and let others know about it; how and where to look for projects; how to estimate time and develop your rates; how to communicate and cultivate relationships with authors/clients; and how to continue your professional development. The class consists of online lectures, weekly written assignments, and group discussion. Class size is small, and participants receive focused feedback from the instructor. The course content focuses on the business aspects of developmental editing specifically, but much of the material can be applied to other types of editing as well. For more information, please see our FAQ (pdf download).

Focus Classes

SPRING 2012: Focus on Working with Self-Publishing Authors (4 weeks)
Instructor: Waverly Fitzgerald [read bio]
Dates: April 3 – April 24, 2012
Cost: $159
To register: classes@authoreditorclinic.com, by March 30, 2012

Thanks to the new publishing options available for authors, more writers are deciding to self-publish. How can an editor help these authors achieve the goal of successful publication? This class offers lectures and assignments on:

• Orienting authors to self-publishing, establishing goals, and clarifying expectations.
• Reviewing options for self-publishing, including the Espresso Book Machine, print-on-demand publishing, and e-publishing.
• Managing the project and finding subcontractors who can provide services.
• Formatting the book, choosing the right title and cover art, finding a profitable price point, and developing a promotion plan.

Fiction Editing Workshop

Advanced Workshop in Editing Fiction Manuscripts (5 weeks)
Instructor: Barbara Sjoholm [read bio]
Dates: April 12 – May 10, 2012
Cost: $299
To register: classes@authoreditorclinic.com, by April 6, 2012

This workshop is for editors with some experience in the developmental editing of long projects. The five-week session focuses on the elements of fiction and applies weekly lectures to the unpublished novel manuscripts supplied by each participant. Over the course of the workshop you’ll read your manuscript, take notes, and write an editorial letter. Lecture topics include characterization, point of view, plot and pacing, dialog and inner monolog, and scene and summary. You may work on a manuscript written by a friend, fellow writer, or a past client. (Manuscripts may not be your own writing or written by a current client.) Written permission from the author is required. Class size is small, and participants receive focused feedback from the instructor. This is a great opportunity to network with other editors, hone your analytic and communication skills, and receive detailed feedback from an editor with many years' experience. For additional information, please email classes@authoreditorclinic.com.

Class Cancellation Policy

Student cancellation: Full refund given for cancellations prior to the day of the first class, minus PayPal fees if applicable. Partial refund given for cancellations during the first week of class (20% deduction), minus PayPal fees if applicable. No refunds for cancellations after the first week of class.

Clinic cancellation: Full refund for classes cancelled by the Clinic or the instructor for any reason.

For questions, or to be notified of future classes and topics, please contact administrator Kyra Freestar at classes@authoreditorclinic.com.

Individual Consulting and Mentoring

If you’re stuck on a project or simply want to talk over aspects of developmental editing, Barbara Sjoholm offers consulting on an hourly basis. Please contact her directly at seaisland@seanet.com.

 

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