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In partnership with Writers & Artists
Are you an aspiring editor? Do you want to learn how to shape a writer’s manuscript?
In the role of Editor, you have the privilege of playing a key part in a book’s development. You are an integral part in the creative process, helping authors transform their work from manuscript to published book.
Edit Academy, an intimate full-day in person event held in partnership with Writers & Artists (W&A), presents an unmissable chance to learn from industry professionals and focus on the core skills required to take a book from first to final draft. Attendees will also benefit from guidance on author management and the opportunities (and pitfalls) that come associated with stepping out as freelance editor.
The day includes:
9.30: Registration and refreshments
10:00: Welcome and orientation
10.10-10.45: Editing 101 – what are the different forms of editing? From line-editing to developmental editing, different writers want and need different things from their editors. In this session we will define the different ways you can work editorially with writers, and the key skills you need to develop.
10:45-11:45: Zooming in – how to edit at a line level with Sara Grant: How a story is written is important. In this workshop we will explore how to edit at paragraph and sentence level, offering attendees the tools to approach the voice, style and language of a piece (whether a short story or a novel).*
11:45-12:00: Break
12.00-13.00: Zooming out – how to edit at a developmental level with Sara Grant: Getting the structure, plot, and through lines of a character right requires stepping back and taking in the whole manuscript. In this session we will tackle how to shape a story, how to identify issues with structure, character and pace, and how to fix them. *
13.00-14.00: Lunch and refreshments
14.00-15.00: The author-editor relationship with Kasim Ali: In this session, a commissioning editor will offer their advice on the nuances of working with authors across a range of genres, how to champion them, how to navigate difficult conversations, and how to guide an author through the vulnerable process of editing their book to make it the very best it can be.
15.00-16.00: Building a career as an editor with Aki Schilz: For our final session of the day, we will discuss how to find your niche as an editor, and how to approach career options, from working in-house for a publisher or building a portfolio to go freelance.
16.00-16.30: Delegate networking
(*each of these sessions will discuss editing from both a fiction and non-fiction perspective)
This event is priced at £149 (incl. VAT). This includes all refreshments and a buffet style lunch. This fee is payable in full online. Being A Writer members get a 10% discount on tickets. Please check Circle for the coupon code.
It’s of real importance to Writers & Artists and to TLC that events and courses remain accessible, whether in person or online. This event will be held in person at the offices of Bloomsbury Publishing, where wheelchair access (and lift) and quiet rooms are available. If you’d like to attend but have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, then please email
Food and refreshments will be provided at this event. Please be sure to respond to the joining instruction emails from W&A Admin if you have any dietary requirements.
TLC has made one bursary place available for this event as part of our commitment to inclusivity, to allow a low or lower-income aspiring editor to attend. To apply, please send an email explaining why you would benefit from a place at the Edit Academy to
If you are able to pay for a full price ticket but require a payment instalment plan, please email .
Joining instructions and full guidance will be circulated by W&A Admin in the days leading up to the date of the event.
Supplementary materials will be made available to all participants on the day of the event. This will include written text and visuals. Please contact us in advance so that we can make arrangements to be sure all documents appear in a format that works for you.
There will be no recording of this event, so please be sure to bring a notebook or laptop to make the notes you need.
