This is a module for working out ideas through writing. These practice-led workshops will explore the process of writing and re-writing and importantly, hinge upon advanced conceptual editing, where a change of point-of-view, plot turn or timeline may completely change the emphasis and meanings of an original idea. Students will learn how to turn unexceptional sentences into fine writing, line by line and page by page. The drafting process will be discussed using a variety of texts at different stages of completion which have been selected by the module tutor. Students will also look at reshaping or modernising texts with a view to opening up new projects. Students will consider how they can balance their own sense of a text's value with the critical feedback they receive. We will look at how to source possible outlets for their work and how to market it effectively. A variety of media will be considered: Audio, Print, Performance & Internet outlets will be identified and examined.

Browne, Renni and King, David: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (Harper Resource, 2004)
Marek, Richard and Sharp, Leslie: A Concise Guide to Book Editing (Cambridge University Press, 1994)
Seidman, Michael: The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction (Writers Digest Books, 2002)
Kinzie, Mary: A Poet's Guide to Poetry (University of Chicago Press, 1999)

Library
Internet
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

This is a ten-week module consisting of two-hour workshops and one-to-one tutorials. One of the principles underlying this module is the belief that the editing of new and existing manuscripts can push a student's work towards a publishable standard. A thorough knowledge of advanced editing techniques is invaluable when dealing with all printed matter and so the skills learnt here will not only complement a student's own work but also be a useful lifelong skill in the work place.

Portfolio to a total of 2500 words
This will include pieces of original creative writing in each of the forms studied in the module, and will be assessed. Students will edit each other's work as well as their own and demonstrate the editing principles and techniques learned in the practice workshops as the primary component. The portfolio must also include a learning diary showing evidence of editing and rewriting, evidence of preparation for workshops, drafts and annotations of the editing process. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ]