Important Information About Our Self-Paced Courses
Self-paced courses are undertaken by the student at their own pace. No instructor feedback is given, although models are provided in the lessons. All self-paced courses include at least one live Q&A session, held via Zoom. You will have 365 days to access the course material. To extend access beyond the initial access end date, email education@the-efa.org. More information about our courses and webinars is available here.
After you place your order, your course will be added to your personal course library on our education site. That site has different login information from the main EFA site. Please check your email for information on how to access the course.
Access to course materials will begin on February 18 and last for 365 days.
You’ve finished the first draft of your novel. Now what?
Editing, including and especially self-editing, is necessary to turn your messy first draft into a polished, publishable book. If the idea of self-editing feels overwhelming, confusing, or just plain impossible, then this class is for you. This self-paced course walks you through the process of revising a fiction manuscript, focusing on the aspects of mindset, knowledge, and tools.
The first part of the course is all about your mindset. You’ll discover:
- Why mindset is even talked about in relation to self-editing
- How to pull off a mindset shift to go into editing with a joyful rather than dreadful attitude
- Goals you can pursue and how to set a timeline and vision
Next comes a series of modules that covers the knowledge you need to tackle your self-edits with confidence in an efficient and effective manner. You’ll learn:
- What the main types of editing are and why they need to be done in a specific order
- The biggest mistakes that happen across developmental, line, and copyediting
- Ways to solve everything from plot holes to sticky sentences to errant commas
- Activities to fill any knowledge gaps left for your specific project
The last section closes out the course with a look at writing and editing tools, including using professional editors. You’ll find:
- New tools to explore for your writing and editing process
- The purpose of references, style guides, and other editing resources
- Information on generative AI and how it affects the self-editing process
- Tips for choosing and working with a professional editor
The course consists of videos, worksheets, handouts, and self-graded exercises for applying your new expertise. The pillars and modules are laid out in ways that build on each other. It’s recommended you watch all the videos in order and that you watch the entire course before starting your self-edits, but if you’ve already taken a stab at revisions, you’ll still be able to make use of everything here.
Whether you’re self-editing for the first time or looking to take control of a stuck or directionless revision process, this course is here to help you through the challenge of making your book the best it can be. You’ll leave with the know-how and the confidence to tackle any revision.
Jeanette Smith (she/her) is a copyeditor, content writer, and mermaid Instagrammer. She aims to demystify the editing process through self-editing instruction and help authors end up with the best manuscript possible. Her fiction has appeared in Glassworks, Jelly Bucket, Second Chance Lit, and others. She is an EFA and ACES member and has presented at conferences for both organizations. Jeanette is always thrilled to help editors and writers upskill, believing that we all rise when we work together.
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