WRITING
Anatomy of Successful Editing
TERM 3: FOCUS ON WN334
Wednesdays
Patricia O'Reilly
In order to bring your writing or anyone else’s writing to a professional standard and particularly if you are aiming for publication of a potential bestseller, you need to acquire the ability to objectively overview and edit or re-write proficiently. While it can be difficult for writers to do a final edit on their own work, they are advised never to send out their manuscript until it is as good as they can make it. Editing is a skill that can and should be part of every writer’s talent bank
Professional editing is divided into:
(i) Structural Editing: As well as over-view of whole, structural editing ensures structure of story, point of entry, arc of plot and development of characters with regard to plot and timescale maximising and enhancing the story. Structural Editing also makes sure loose-ends are drawn together before the resolution, and that the story throughout is in keeping with the mood of genre and era.
(ii) Copy Editing: frequently emerging writers consider copy editing to be the only type of editing. It involves syntax, grammar, punctuation, style, technique, as well as analyzing choice of words, phrases and dialogue.
During this 4-week course we de-mystify the process of editing. The course is suitable for writers who have a body of work for editing or people interested in acquiring editing skills.
|
BLACKROCK |
|
|
|
4 Wednesdays |
April 17, 24, May 1, 8 |
10.00am - 12.00pm |
|
FEE €90 |
Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
|
Tutor Bio:
Patricia O’Reilly, author and lecturer, draws on her writing experiences to convene writing workshops, run On-Line Writing Courses, Editing Services and Blog. Her work includes: How-to manuals for writers: Latest Ebook: Writing Successful Fiction; Writing for Success; Writing for the Market. Novels: A Type of Beauty, the story of Kathleen Newton (1854-1882); Time & Destiny; Felicity’s Wedding and Once upon a Summer. Short stories: magazines and anthologies.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
Structural Editing:
Clarification for Editing purposes of:
- Clear, believable main plot?
- Resolution of main plot with sequencing of events which led to resolution?
- Characters seeing consequences of the plot-line
- Subplots that advance the story
- Subplots reaching individual conclusions
- Editing differences between short story and full novel
- Locations that optimise storyline
Copy Editing:
Ensuring for Editing purposes:
- Correct syntax, grammar, punctuation
- Good sense of style and technique
Who is the course for?
Anyone from the beginner to the more experienced writer interested in producing professional copy for today’s market and who wishes to be part of a dynamic group creating keenly plotted fiction. For those who wish, publication/awards can be ultimate aim, as has been the case with many participants.
