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October 3 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
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 event held in partnership with Writers & Artists, 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:
All participants of the Edit Academy are eligible to book a one-hour consultancy call with TLC’s Aki Schilz at a reduced rate of £50 (RRP £99). These one-to-one slots are modelled on TLC’s popular Power Hour, and only a limited number are available. Please email to register your interest.
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 out – how to edit at a developmental level
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.*
11:45-12:00: Break
12.00-13.00: Zooming in – how to edit at a line level
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).*
13.00-14.00: Lunch and refreshments
14.00-15.00: The author-editor relationship
In this session, an author will offer their advice on the nuances of the relationship between an author and an editor as they work on a book together. They will share insight into how editors can champion their authors, navigate difficult conversations and guide an author through the vulnerable process of editing their book to make it the very best it can be, from the perspective of an experienced author.
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)
Please be aware that this event has designed for those who are considering becoming an editor. As such, this is not a self-editing course or programme, and instead focuses on building the skills required to edit the work of others. If you are a writer exploring whether or not you might like to pursue a career as an editor, then this event will be suitable as it has been designed to be accommodating of those with no prior ‘professional’ editing skills. This extends to those who might like insight into what makes an editor-writer relationship work.
Further speakers to be announced soon!
This event is priced at £149 (incl. VAT). This fee is payable in full online, though please note that payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
It’s of real importance to TLC and Writers & Artists that our events and courses remain as accessible as possible. We have provided additional details about access at this event below.
Food 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.
This event will take place at the offices of Bloomsbury Publishing, where lift access and quiet rooms are available. If you’d like to attend but have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, then 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.
TLC has made one bursary place available for this event. To apply, please email with the subject header ‘Edit Academy October TLC BURSARY’ by no later than 3rd September 2026 with a brief outline of how you would benefit from a fully funded place.
