Editing Without an Editor
Westport, CT: June 30, 2013 at Write Yourself Free(sm)Do you have a manuscript--picture book, novel, or nonfiction--that needs work? Do you wish you could learn techniques that would help you revise not only this manuscript, but future ones?
Then come to the KBR "Editing without an Editor" workshop. Learn how to revise like an editor by working with two experienced editors. We have distilled the methods we've used in editing manuscripts with individual clients and in the online Kid's Book Revisions class. To create a framework, we'll compare "reader response" theory and the lit. crit. approach, and explore ways to gain objectivity and to focus on different aspects of manuscripts. You will pick up and try out methods for making critique groups work better. After lunch, you will learn and try out a variety of techniques for self-editing, from big picture revision down to detailed editing, working on your own or with a partner.
For those who also want to receive personal feedback from us, we have also set aside time for individual sessions after the main program, when those not meeting with us can write or revise on their own, or try out some recommended creativity exercises. This means we have reduced the price of the workshop itself, but those who want to get a critique can do so.
The workshop will run from 9 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, June 30, at the workshop space, Write Yourself Free/The Editing Company, 252 Post Road East, Westport, Connecticut, (the little red schoolhouse).
Schedule:
In advance: Student preparation: You will need to bring copies of up to 5 pages of your manuscript for use in model critique groups and hands-on work. We will tell you how many copies are needed ahead of time.
If you want a critique, submit manuscript when you register but no later than two weeks before the workshop, to allow ER or HU time to review and comment. See details following the schedule.
- Class "textbook": Writing It Right!, Sandy Asher. We will give copies of this to all students.
- Also useful: A Family of Readers, ed. by Roger Sutton and Martha Parravano. Find it at your local library.
9:00 Welcome, introductions, and review of schedule.
9:15 Introduction: Reader Response vs. Lit. Crit--different ways to respond to a manuscript and what you get from them.
10:00 How Critique Groups Work and Don't Work--introduction and discussion.
10:30 Critique Group Practice and Feedback. Break into critique groups to dive into "what lies underneath." Focus on trying out a specific technique and getting peer critiques and editor feedback. (Eileen and Harold will lead and take part in a group.)
12:00 Lunch: Sign-up sheet available at lunchtime for impromptu critique groups or work with partners, etc., during 3:30 to 4:30 individual meeting time.
1:30 Big Picture Revising – Some techniques and what they do for you. Hands-on practice with your manuscript.
2:45 Sweating the Small Stuff – Yes, the details matter! Again, techniques and what they do for you. Hands-on work.
3:30 Individual meeting with editors for those students who signed up for them. When not in meetings, students can write, revise, meet with a reading partner or impromptu crit. group, or do creativity exercises we provide.
4:30 Lessons Learned—what you've learned about yourself and your manuscript, and what do you do next? Discussion. Final questions.
Who the workshop is for: If you are a writer with a completed manuscript in need of revision and/or a fresh approach, you will learn from this workshop. Do not bring an incomplete draft or a fully polished draft. Do bring a story you have been working on for some time, perhaps one that has been through your critique group, perhaps one that got some feedback in a conference critique. What matters is that you know it still needs significant work, even though you may not yet know what that is.
Practical Details: Basic details on a PDF
Payment information: The cost of the workshop is $225--early bird registration is over. The optional critique is $40 for up to 15 pages of a manuscript plus a synopsis of the entire manuscript; we can also work with longer manuscripts at additional cost, and will provide feedback later, by arrangement.
Registration: A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration; if you are getting an optional critique, include the additional $40 when you register. To register, please contact Tish Fried of WYF (tishpatrick@gmail.com) or 203-557-4614 or www.writeyourselffree.com regarding paying online, use this registration page, or mail check made out to:
The Editing Company
252 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880All checks must be made out to The Editing Company.
Optional critique: If you want a critique, at the same time as you register, please send the manuscript on which you would like to work directly to Eileen Robinson, via email, as an attachment. (We prefer to receive your submission by email; if you prefer to mail it, simply contact Eileen for a mailing address.) All manuscripts submitted will be critiqued, and we will meet with the first 8 individuals to submit manuscripts one-on-one during the workshop for discussion and written comments. If your manuscript or partial manuscript is longer than 15 pages, we will contact you to set up a time after the workshop for feedback.
Balance of $125 is due by June 18th.
Deposits and the waiting list: The workshop is limited to 20 people, and you must make your deposit to be considered registered. That deposit is non-refundable but may be applied to a future workshop. If we have reached our limit of 20, you will be placed on our waiting list; we will tell you if you are on the waiting list. To stay on it, you must leave your deposit with us, but will receive it back promptly if you decide to leave the waiting list before the workshop or if you do not get off the waiting list into the workshop. People on the waiting list will be offered spaces in the workshop if and when they become available.
Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson teamed up in 2008 to bring something different to aspiring authors. And since then they have created online classes and tutorials and in-person workshops, presenting and working with writers at SCBWI conferences, a recent workshop at Write Yourself Free, and a week-long retreat at Highlights.