When a fiction author has a tangled draft, it's time for a developmental editor to help them untangle it. Developmental editors take the wide view, but we also peer deep into what the author is trying to accomplish and what the readers want to experience. In broad strokes, we help the author to create a visceral, immersive reading experience where every plot beat lands and every character comes to life.

This engaging 90-minute webinar introduces you to the big-picture world of fiction developmental editing, providing insights into the ways it can transform a manuscript — and a writer. With a healthy mix of morale-boosting inspiration and focused preparation, this presentation addresses common challenges for new developmental editors, such as impostor syndrome and feeling overwhelmed when tackling a delightfully messy first draft. It's for anyone who wants a sneak peek into how developmental editors help fiction authors shape their stories, improve their storytelling grit, and conquer dullness. Whether you're new to the field or have some editing experience, this webinar will shift your perspective and get you ready to make magic with your client’s work.

Val M. Mathews (she/her) teaches courses in editing for the University of California Berkeley Extension, Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, and the Editorial Freelancers Association in New York City. She also works as an editorial consultant for CRAFT Literary and Masters Review, two well-established online literary magazines, and has worked as an editor for traditional publishers. Val earned an MA in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University and a BFA from the University of Georgia. Fun fact about Val: She's been an FAA-certified flight instructor for over 25 years, and in the past, she flew Lear jets for a living.