Miranda Lukatch
This course is a deeper dive into how developmental editing for fiction manuscripts differs from that of nonfiction manuscripts. Students are introduced to the elements of fiction that inform every work of fiction, regardless of the genre, and how developmental editors work with authors to strengthen a manuscript. Each element of fiction must be identified and understood in the context of a given manuscript. Students will have the opportunity to work on portions of real fiction manuscripts to practice identifying potential issues, as well as the manuscripts' strengths. The final assignment will be to read a short novel and complete a manuscript evaluation that covers all the elements of fiction and gives the author solid advice and recommendations for improvements.
Skills / Knowledge
- Identify and assess all of the elements of fiction in any fiction manuscript and gain a working knowledge of and practice using the elements of fiction for developmental editing purposes.
- Identify and map out a plot diagram/story arc for any fiction manuscript.
- Determine how well the author has used conflict and tension to "hook" the readers in the first ten pages.
- Make specific recommendations on how to address and fix any identified issues to improve a fiction manuscript.
- Create a full manuscript evaluation that identifies a fiction book's strengths and weaknesses.
Issued on
July 12, 2024
Expires on
Does not expire