Developmental Editing for Fiction

Are you an avid reader of fiction? Are you interested in dramatic structure and in unpacking how stories are told? Do you have an analytical mind and strong communication skills? Join us to learn the entire process of developmentally editing a novel (historical fiction) beginning June 3, 2025. You’ll read the MS and comment marginally, create a book map showing the novel’s structure, and write an editorial letter. Classes include modules on the publishing industry, the craft of fiction, and the course work itself. Instructor Pat Dobie, MFA, a professional developmental editor, shares her systems, processes, and time management tactics for working to deadline.

Marketing Your Freelance Book Editing Business

Do you know you need to better at marketing, but don’t know where to start? This class will help! Students learn which marketing strategies have worked for other editors and how to use them yourself. A 22-page survey report and 8 downloadable workbooks – including a marketing plan template – are part of the course. On demand and self-paced. Instructors: Pat Dobie and Susannah Noel

Running Your Editorial Business Like a Pro

As business owners, we have a lot to manage at once. This class helps you take control! Get organized and on top of your administrative side so you don’t drop any balls. Streamline your business tasks and free up your time for editing. On demand and self-paced. Instructor: Katie Chambers

Free Webinar: Developmental and Line Editing for Nonfiction

This webinar was hosted by Nancy Marriott, a veteran book editor of wellness, how-to, spirituality, memoir, and business books. Recorded June 8, 2022.

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Past Classes & Events

Presentation: Inside the Big Five: Tales from a Trade Book Production Editor
August 18, 2023
Editorial Freelancers Association Conference, Alexandria, Virginia

Marketing Your Freelance Book Editing Business (self-paced)

Since 2023

Running Your Editorial Business Like a Pro (self-paced)

Since 2023

Copyediting Group Mentorships

7 sessions, 2022-2024

Developmental Editing for Fiction
12 sessions from October 2020 to April 2024

Developmental Editing for Nonfiction Popular Books
3 sessions from March 2023 to October 2023

Freelance Book Editing 101: How to Make a Living Editing Fiction and Nonfiction Books

2020–2023

Free Webinar: Developmental and Line Editing for Nonfiction

Held June 2022

Marketing Your Freelance Book Editing Business (live version)
2 sessions in 2022

Copyediting Fiction and Nonfiction Books: Principles & Mechanics
8 sessions from September 2020 to April 2024

Presentation: Line Editing, Copyediting, or Proofreading? Defining the Book Editor’s Roles
September 22, 2022
ACES: The Society for Editing Virtual Conference – ACES Accelerate

Developmental and Line Editing of Popular Nonfiction Books
September – November 2020

Online Mentoring Group for Copyediting and Proofreading
September 2018 – April 2019

In-person Class Series on Copyediting & Proofreading
2 sessions, 2018, 2019
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Montpelier, VT

In-person Class Series on Developmental & Line Editing
January 23 – February 20, 2019
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Montpelier, VT

Sponsor, Burlington Book Festival 2018
October 12–14, 2018
Burlington, VT

Special Session: Beyond Copyediting: Expanding Your Business to Include Developmental and Line Editing
September 23, 2018
Communication Central’s 13th Annual “Be a Better Freelancer” Conference
Rochester, NY

One-day Workshop: Getting Started as Freelance Book Editor
2 sessions, 2018
Hampton Inn, Colchester, VT