Diving into Development: Introduction to the Developmental Editing of Fiction

with Jennifer Lawler

When: Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, 2022, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm PDT

Where: Online via Zoom

“Diving into Development” will discuss the basics of developmental editing and how it is performed by freelance editors. We’ll look at how to spot common developmental problems in fiction, using the fundamentals of storytelling (from a Western perspective) as the lens through which we evaluate fiction manuscripts.

The seminar will cover the following:

•        how narrative drive is typically achieved through goal–motivation–conflict
•        types of story structures/plots
•        how to edit for character development
•        the importance of genre in editing fiction

At the conclusion of the seminar, you will be able to identify the differences between developmental editing, copy editing, line editing, critique/evaluation, and coaching. You will understand the basic methods of developmental editing (writing effective editorial queries and thorough but not overwhelming revision letters). You will understand how to set expectations in a developmental edit, including differences in working with independent authors and publisher clients. You will also have a basic idea of how to find developmental editing clients. 

Participants will need an Internet connection and access to Microsoft Word or Google Docs in order to read the provided supplemental materials (a sample edited manuscript and revision letter). No previous editorial experience is required, although it will be helpful. 

Jennifer Lawler is the founder of Club Ed (www.ClubEdFreelancers.com), an online education company for developmental editors. If you’re an aspiring, new, or established book editor or story coach, she can probably help you learn how to do the work better and more profitably. Through Club Ed, she offers developmental editing classes, a freelance editor support group, and a slightly bony shoulder to cry on.

Jennifer has worked as an editor for more than 20 years. She learned how to edit in the trenches of traditional publishing with its intense deadlines, pitiless competition, and crushing bureaucracy. To that she added a PhD in English literature with a specialization in medieval literature. Jennifer’s past editorial clients have included Simon & Schuster, Girl Friday Productions, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, Barnes and Noble Custom Publishing, and others, along with many independent authors.

Seminar Recording Notice:
Editors BC will be recording these sessions using Zoom’s record feature. The data captured may include your image (including your name if it appears in your video image) and voice recordings. The Zoom recordings will be made available to registered seminar participants for a period of two weeks following the session. After that time, the recording will no longer be available to participants. If you have any questions or concerns about the recording, please contact Kim Harbridge at pd@editorsbc.ca. Session participants are not permitted to make their own recordings, by any means, and are forbidden from distributing the recording they receive from the session.