How to confidently self-edit your writing, in a methodical manner, to turn your promising draft into a powerful one.

Self-editing can be challenging as we're often too close to our own work to see what isn't working. This practical workshop will explore how to approach a draft with fresh eyes and make purposeful decisions about what to keep, what to cut, what to clarify, and what to push further.

Drawing on experience of editing fiction as well as writing for theatre and screen, we'll look beyond proofreading and grammar to the deeper questions that can transform a piece of writing: Is the story starting in the right place? Does every scene earn its place? Are characters doing what they need to do? Where does the energy dip? What is the piece really about? And where might less actually achieve more?

We'll explore techniques for editing at different levels - from the architecture of the whole piece down to individual sentences - and develop strategies that allow writers to be both rigorous and creative when revisiting their own work.

You’ll leave with a personalised editing map for your draft, identifying what to cut, what to develop and where the real potential of the piece lies.

The workshop is 2 hours long, but there will be an (optional) half an hour extra at the end to ask any questions, or get advice about any individual projects you're working on. Please be aware that places are limited, so we recommend that you don't delay booking your place.

Description supplied by the event organiser.