Description

Fiction copyeditors not only look for misspellings and punctuation errors, but edit for voice and technique. This five-week class will explore:

• the differences between fiction and nonfiction editing
• where copyediting ends and developmental editing begins
• common manuscript errors, as well as style issues particular to fiction
• what to include on style sheets
• the mechanics of dialogue and interior monologue
• narration flaws
• authorial voice
• copyright concerns
• breaking into fiction editing
• working with indie authors or new writers

You will have a short piece of fiction to edit each week. The instructor will give individual feedback.

To take this course, you will need:

• Microsoft Word (you will need to be comfortable working with Track Changes)
• Access to at least one print or online dictionary, preferably Merriam-Webster

Class textbooks:

• The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition
• Self-editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King

Instructor Lourdes Venard, owner of Comma Sense Editing, LLC, turned to fiction editing after 30 years of newspaper experience. She has edited hundreds of manuscripts, mostly crime fiction, science fiction/fantasy, and works with cultural/ethnic themes. She also teaches copyediting through an online certificate course at the University of California, San Diego.