Consisting of craft lectures, workshops and one-to-one tutorials, this practice-based module will support your development as a writer from first draft to final publication. One of the principles underlying this module is the belief that the editing of new and existing manuscripts can elevate and transform work towards a publishable standard. A thorough knowledge of advanced editing techniques in invaluable when dealing with all printed matter and so the skills learnt here will not only compliment your own work but also be a useful lifelong skill in the work place.

Library and VLE

1. Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.
2. Evaluate different approaches to solving problems in professional writing.
3. Demonstrate application of editorial techniques.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and competency of the skills necessary for working in publishing.

The digital artifact (2000 words) can be a website, e-zine, podcast, youtube channel or something similar that gives you the chance to present your creative/critical writing to a larger audience and curate a professional writerly/critical identity. It will assess, Learning Outcomes 1, 3 and 4.

The Portfolio will include 3500 words (or equivalent) of your writing. This could be one long piece or up to three shorter pieces. It will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3.

The Editorial Report (1500 words) will provide a critical commentary on your editorial practice. (Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4)

Through practice-led workshops we will explore the process of writing and re-writing and advanced editing techniques in the forms of creative writing and literary journalism. You 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 various stages of completion which have been selected by the module tutor. We will look at how to source outlets for publication and how to market your work effectively. A variety of media will be considered: such as Print, Performance & Digital outlets.

Gain experience in real-world publishing in the exciting, practice-led module which walks you through the editorial process from first draft to final publication. Work on live, authentic projects and learn what it takes to publish either your own work or the work of others.

Browne, Renni and King, David: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (Harper Collins, 2006)
Keeble, R.: 'The Newspaper Handbook' (London Routledge, 1994)
Marek, Richard and Gunther, Irene. Editing Fact and Fiction: A Concise Guide to Book Editing (Cambridge University Press, 1994)
Seidman, Michael: The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction (Writers Digest Books, 2002)
Truss, Lynne: 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' (Harper Collins, 2009)
Wood, James. How Fiction Works (Vintage, 2009)