Developmental Editing for Fiction
When?
Nine Tuesday sessions:
June 3, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
June 10, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
June 17, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
June 24, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
July 1, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
July 8, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
July 15, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
July 22, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
July 29, 2025, 6:30–8:30pm ET
Where?
Remotely (by Zoom)
How much?
USD 423 until May 22 (20% off)
USD 147 optional feedback add-on
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Designed for anyone who wants to learn the essentials of developmental editing for fiction or who wants a comprehensive refresher and reboot for their current developmental editing process.
Starts: June 3, 2025
This 9-session class will be held by Zoom on Tuesdays (6:30 to 8:30 pm ET) from June 3 to July 29, 2025. All sessions are recorded & available within 48 hours of each class.
Price: 423 USD until May 22
20% Early-bird discount ends May 22! Save $106 by registering early. Full Cost: 529 USD. The 9 lessons in this class, along with the class library and forum, cover what you need to know to succeed as a developmental editor for commercial and literary fiction.
Remote Meetings & Office Hours
9 sessions of 2 hours each by Zoom, with a full MS to work on and additional homework to complete on your own. 24/7 access to class recordings, workbooks, and other resources.
Create a Rewarding Career as a Freelance Developmental Editor 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? Did you get Bookworm and/or Teacher in our Book Editor Profile Quiz?
If so, you might be a good developmental editor of fiction—commercial and literary, middle grade and YA, fantasy, romance, science fiction, and more. This class will teach you how!
Pat is an amazingly skilled teacher, and I’m so grateful she shared her process for completing a developmental edit. I’d taken DE classes before but never really figured out a method for working with a client on a DE. I felt like Pat was letting us look over her shoulder as she worked—that was the perfect approach. She gave such positive feedback on my work, and the exercises were just so FUN! Halfway through the course I started thinking that I just MIGHT be able to do developmental edits! By the end of the class, I was convinced!
I finally know what I want to be when I grow up! I’m so glad I decided to take this class. The in-depth study of a manuscript and learning to book map were so helpful, I intend to map on my own novels. Today is the day I hang out my shingle and call myself a Developmental Editor.
Editorial Arts Academy’s Developmental Editing for Fiction class taught by Pat Dobie was exactly what I needed to make the leap to hanging out my shingle as an editor. I am a writer and had done some editing but I lacked confidence in my skills. I wanted a clear system of working through a novel and providing useful feedback and support to the author. Pat’s generous, honest teaching gave me the tools and confidence I needed to get Soul Stories off the ground. The combination of the lectures and hands-on practical exercises was bang on for me. I learned so much and I know I will return to my class notes for years to come. Kudos to Pat and the EAA for creating a fabulous course!
Is this course for you?
Learn the essentials of developmentally editing fiction through this hands-on course.
There are more people writing fiction than ever before, and developmental editing is an integral part of helping writers create a book they can be proud of.
This course is for you if you are:
- An avid and discerning fiction reader who wants to turn your passion for novels into a rewarding income stream
- An editor working in other fields (trade nonfiction, academic, corporate, or institutional) who loves fiction and wants to learn more about it so you can expand your offerings
- A copyeditor or proofreader who wants to add big-picture developmental editing to your toolkit
Class Information
This is hands-on training in the art and craft of developmental editing for book-length fiction. We will cover how and why writers work with developmental editors and how a writer’s publishing goals will influence the type of editorial feedback they seek.
Since developmental editing is best learned by doing, you will be guided step by step through the developmental edit of an unpublished novel manuscript. You will learn:
- How to crack open the inner life of a book-length manuscript and convey your experience through the four main developmental editing tools.
- How to articulate your reading experience in a way the writer can absorb and act on.
- How to meet the book (and writer) where they’re at—not by suggesting a different book, but by showing them how to make the book they wrote fulfill its maximum potential.
- How to tailor your edit to the writer’s skill level, needs, and publication goals.
You will learn how to read analytically and deeply, how to use marginal comments to convey key aspects of your reading experience to the writer, how to deconstruct a novel and create a book map to analyze its structure, pacing, and component parts, and how to use your analysis and your reading sensibility to create the bones of your editorial feedback.
You’ll create a book map and craft an editorial letter that delivers your findings to the writer in a way that rallies their enthusiasm for the task of revision. If you choose the optional feedback add-on, you will also get personal feedback from a working developmental editor (your instructor) on your editorial letter, book map, and manuscript markup.
We will also cover the essentials of working with your first few clients, or for experienced developmental editors, refreshing how you take on clients—how to land on your ‘niche,’ convey what you offer, assess “fit” with both the client and the manuscript, and design your editorial offerings for maximum flexibility and value to you and the writer. We’ll cover how to establish and maintain strong ongoing relationships with a variety of writers, and how you can expand your offerings as you gain experience and know-how.
Class Breakdown
Week 1: Who Are Developmental Editors, Anyway? | The Publishing Landscape | A Sample Trajectory
| Self-Assessment | Making Space
for the Project
Week 2: What to Learn Before You Start | Fundamental Tools of a Developmental Edit | The Novel MS | How to Capture Your Reading Experience Effectively
Week 3: Reading the Course Manuscript | Principles of Developmental Commentary | Time Managment Tricks | Craft Elements #1
Week 4: MS Eval vs. Dev Edit | Fiction Craft Elements #2
| The Book Map: A Preview |
Office Hour #1
Week 5: Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool | Book Mapping, Step by Step | Fiction Craft Elements #3
Week 6: Making Sense of Your Findings | Why the Editorial Letter is Crucial | Fiction Craft
Elements #4
Week 7: Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses | The Editorial Letter, Step by Step | Fiction Craft Elements #5
Week 8: Finalizing the Deliverables | Managing Scope Creep | Post-Edit Services | Office Hour #2
Week 9: Planning Your Trajectory
| Professionalism & Systems | Onboarding Clients Effectively |
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Class Curriculum
Week 1 – Who Are Developmental Editors, Anyway?
- 1.1: A Short Tour of The Publishing Landscape
- 1.2: What to Expect, Assignments, Deadlines
- 1.3: Your Reading History & Why it Matters
Homework: Self-Assessment Questionnaire & Making Space
Week 2 – The Project & the Tools
- 2.1: The Developmental Edit Scope of Work
- 2.2: Fundamental Tools of a Developmental Edit
- 2.3: How to Capture Your Reading Experience
Homework: Prepare Manuscript for Edit, Read & Comment on first 20 pages
Week 3 – Capturing Your Reading Experience
- 3.1: Active Reading & Time Management
- 3.2: Principles of Developmental Commentary
- 3.3: Fiction Craft Elements #1
Homework: Get halfway through MS with marginal comments
Week 4 – Gathering Context As You Work
- 4.1: MS. Evaluation vs. Developmental Edit
- 4.2: Fiction Craft Elements #2
- 4.3: The Book Map: A Preview
- 4.4: Office Hour #1 (bring your questions, problems, & situation reports!)
Homework: Complete reading MS w/ comments
[optional add-on: submit comments on MS for instructor feedback]
Week 5 – Creating a Book Map
- 5.1: Book Mapping, Step by Step
- 5.2: How to Analyze Book Maps
- 5.3: Examples of Book Maps
- 5.4: Fiction Craft Elements #3
Homework: Create a Book Map
[optional add-on: submit book map for feedback]
Week 6 – Making Sense of Your Findings
- 6.1: Why the Editorial Letter is Crucial
- 6.2: Making Sense of Your Findings
- 6.3: Fiction Craft Elements #4
Homework: Begin Identifying the Novel’s Strengths & Weaknesses
Week 7 – Writing the Editorial Letter
- 7.1: Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses
- 7.2: The Editorial Letter, Step by Step
- 7.3: Various Editorial Letters
- 7.4: Fiction Craft Elements #5
Homework: Write the Editorial Letter
[optional add-on: submit editorial letter for feedback]
Week 8 – Finalizing the Deliverables
- 8.1: The Must-Haves for a Professional Edit
- 8.2: Scope Creep & How to Manage It
- 8.3: Post-Edit Services
- 8.4: Office Hour #2 (bring your questions, problems, & situation reports)
Homework: Email Your Work to the Writer (note: not for feedback)
Week 9 – Hanging Out Your Shingle
- 9.1: Plan Your Trajectory
- 9.2: Onboard Clients Effectively
- 9.3: Professionalism & Systems
- 9.4: Set Yourself Up for Success / Final Sit-Reps
This is the only course we are aware of (outside of M.A. in Publishing programs) that takes you step by step through the developmental edit of a full-length novel manuscript, from receiving the MS to delivering the edit to the writer. An unparalleled opportunity to learn by doing!
What Students Are Saying…
“Wow, what a fantastic class! I’m still on a high. I loved everything about it and am completely convinced I can really do this. For me, Pat’s teaching style, tons of experience, and genuine kindness wrapped it all up in a big colorful bow.”
“A really informative course! I loved the learn-by-doing aspect, and got a lot out of the craft lectures and the resources provided. Pat is a great instructor!“
“Pat is an encouraging editing instructor. She clearly knows her trade and enjoys it. It was fun to edit a real live novella with a group of other editors and receive feedback on my work. It was insightful to see the work of my editing peers and compare process notes. I don’t know of any editing courses outside EAA that provide personalized instructor critique on an active edit. It is a unique opportunity.“
“I went into the course with no professional experience and little understanding of how developmental editing works, and I emerged with a strong sense that I want to develop this into a career!”
“I loved how interactive the lectures were! And getting to know other editors is huge. I’m looking forward to staying in touch with everyone!”
“I think the most valuable part for me was how to read a manuscript with a critical eye. It helped me understand the craft of writing better, especially since I’m a writer myself.”
“The pandemic pushed me off course from the industry I was in to the point where I had no idea what I should do or what I wanted to do. Taking this course re-invigorated my confidence in making a freelance career for myself, and I’m looking forward to the road ahead. Pat is a marvelously charismatic instructor and gives extraordinarily helpful advice and encouragement in her notes.”
Your Instructor — Pat Dobie, MFA
Pat Dobie edits literary and commercial fiction across genres, including speculative, historical, mystery, and romance. Her clients have gone on to get agents, achieve traditional publication, self-publish successfully, and win awards. As a fiction writer herself, Pat has been on both sides of the editorial exchange and knows that good editing can make a profound difference to a writer’s life. She has an MFA in Writing from Pacific University and has been editing professionally since 2010. She’s the author of FICTION EDITING: A Writer’s Roadmap and the novellas Pawn to Queen and The Tenants. Learn more about Pat at LucidEdit.com.
FAQs
Who should take this course?
The class is designed for avid readers, writers, and editors who want training in the skills and principles of developmentally editing book-length fiction.
If I have experience as an editor, is this the right course for me?
Yes. Both experienced and new editors will learn valuable skills and receive support by taking this class. Experienced editors will particularly benefit if they have worked in other types of editing and are relatively new to developmentally editing fiction.
How is the course delivered?
This is a virtual, remote-only, live class delivered through Zoom, a video-conferencing platform. Shortly before the class begins, we will email you the link to enter the classroom at the designated time. If you’re in a time zone that would make the class hard to attend, you can watch the playbacks and ask your questions by email.
What equipment and software will I need to participate?
You’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a webcam, speakers, and a microphone (all either built-in or external). You’ll also need a reliable Internet connection.
Am I responsible for buying additional materials?
Yes, students need to purchase The Editor’s Lexicon, by Sarah Cypher, and What Editors Do, ed. by Peter Ginna. An additional “suggested reading” list will be provided, but is optional.
Will the classes be recorded for viewing at a different time?
Yes, we’ll load the class playbacks into our class platform on Circle.
Will the lectures be transcribed?
Yes, each participant will receive a transcript of the lectures and slides from each of the six lectures.
Who is the teacher?
Pat Dobie, MFA, will be your instructor. Pat is a working professional freelance book editor who’s been developmentally editing fiction for more than a decade. Find out more on her editing services website, Lucid Edit.
Will there be a chance to interact with students and teachers?
Yes, you can ask questions during class, attend the two office hours, and participate in the Circle forum.
Will there be homework/exercises?
Yes, this is an experiential learning class in which you will be taught how to do a developmental edit, using an unpublished novel manuscript as your text. You will also have short reading assignments on aspects of craft.
Will I get feedback on the editing exercises?
Feedback will be made available as an optional add-on available for 147 USD. You’ll get detailed, personalized feedback on your manuscript markup, editorial letter, and book map.
Will the class be an opportunity to practice editing?
You will not edit during the class meetings, but will be expected to apply the step-by-step instruction in your homework assignments and will deliver a full developmental edit (with book map) to the writer in the final week of the class.
How much time does the class take per week?
Including class time, students should expect to devote eight to twelve hours per week to the course.
Does the class cover marketing and finding work?
Not formally, but students are encouraged to ask any marketing-related questions they have, either during class or in the forum. See our Classes & Events page for our stand-alone marketing class.
Can I expect to get jobs editing books as a result of this class?
Yes, getting editing jobs requires the technical training that is offered in this class.
What is the cost of the class?
Registration is 529 USD (Or 423 UDS until May 22: save $106!) and includes the lecture content, supporting materials and resources, and a forum. Personalized feedback on your completed edits can be purchased for an additional 147 USD after the course begins.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. If for any reason you find the content and delivery of Developmental Editing for Fiction less than satisfactory, we will refund your class fee.
How can I sign up?
Easy! Just scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the form.
The Countdown Begins!
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Register for the Course
Dates: June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:30–8:30pm Eastern
Pay by PayPal
Note: Optional Feedback Addon will open for registration once course begins
Email us with questions: info@editorialartsacademy.com
Developmental Editing for Fiction (Jun-July 2025)
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