This writing course, Online: Edit Your Manuscript for Success with Pamela Hewitt, takes place online.

You’ve written the end on the last page of your manuscript. Now what?

In this online editing course for writers, Pamela Hewitt walks you through the next part of the journey. We go behind the scenes, demystifying the editing process and providing practical techniques for taking your text to the next stage of writing quality. We investigate the levels of editing, and how to identify and deal with common issues in unpublished manuscripts. We also take a realistic look at trends in editing for digital publishing. You will return to your manuscript with new eyes and fresh ideas.

This practical course is designed for writers who want to improve their manuscripts with an aim to secure a publishing contract or self-publish. Using relevant examples and sample texts, participants will learn what is needed to present a professional manuscript in a competitive and globalised publishing industry. Participants will receive resources for further skill development and weekly feedback on course topics.

Week-by-Week Course Breakdown

Week 1: Structural editing

When you restructure a piece of writing, the whole text is up for grabs. Structural editing is a creative means of reimagining the shape, balance and flow of a text. We look at where to start and where to end, characterisation and perspective.

Week 2: Style and line editing

This week covers matters of style. We identify words and phrases that lift a text and those the manuscript is better off without. We also introduce the fundamentals of copyediting and proofreading to tighten language and eliminate errors and inconsistencies. A well presented manuscript increases your chances of finding a publisher and delighting readers.

Week 3: Plain and simple

Like food, language appeals most when it’s fresh and varied. Whatever the writing technique, there is a relationship between clear writing and clear thinking. We also look at brilliant exceptions to the precepts of plain English approaches.

Week 4: Brave new world of digital media

The screen is different from the page and so editing techniques need to be targeted to both format and device. We look at ground-breaking writing using digital techniques, including large language Artificial Intelligence models like ChatGPT, and the skills writers need to keep up with digital media and publishing developments.

Week 5: Grammar and punctuation for writers

This lesson takes the anxiety out of grammar and punctuation and provides the tools and confidence to avoid common mistakes. We also consider ways grammar is evolving and analyse contemporary trends in punctuation and presentation of manuscripts.

Week 6: Edit your story

The final week ties together all that we’ve learnt using excerpts from various genres. Participants will also receive tailored feedback on editing solutions. They can choose an excerpt of their own writing or a sample text to identify problems and find ways to improve the draft.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Develop the skills to approach fiction and non-fiction texts with the eye of a professional editor, including differentiating the three main levels of structural editing, copyediting and proofreading
2. Identify the flaws most commonly encountered in unpublished texts and develop techniques to improve them, enhancing readability and publishability
3. Enhance skills as writers operating in a globalised, digital media environment. 

Participant Requirements

• Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.
• Participants should have a high level of language skills and basic competency in word processing.
• Participants would benefit from having a finished manuscript, however this is not essential.

Is this course right for you? Please read our FAQ> for important information before enrolling. 

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

Reviews

‘Pamela is an engaging, knowledgeable tutor who made what could have been a dry subject fun. Her comments throughout the course were insightful and added to the course content, and her critiquing was invaluable. I would encourage any writer who is serious about publishing or self-publishing to undertake the course.’ — Therese, 2024

‘Pamela Hewitt was gracious in her feedback, as were the other participants.’ — Harold, 2023

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online and in-person writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our prizes and opportunities, writing spaces, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.