Introduction to Line Editing Fiction and Creative Nonfiction
September 23 -- October 27, 2024
What is line editing? What will I learn?
If developmental editing helps shape a story and copyediting polishes it, line editing is what makes the writing come alive. Line editors listen to the music behind each written word. They consider the rhythm and cadence of a sentence or paragraph and ask how it meshes with the mood and tone of a scene or story. They look out for an author’s stylistic weaknesses but never override an author’s style.
In this class, you will begin developing your editorial eye to bring out the best in your clients’ fiction and creative nonfiction writing. We’ll cover recognizing authorial voice, tackling weak writing and pet phrases, and learning to listen to the flow of the narrative and dialogue in the context of structure and story. This is a highly interactive class in which you will work with real authors' writing and receive feedback on your editing and editorial approach.
Intro to Line Editing is a four-week class but scheduled over five weeks to allow for flexibility in student schedules (life happens!). Please plan to allot 4-6 hours per active week for reading the material, participating in discussions, and completing the editing assignments.
Christina M. Frey, Line Editing Instructor
Christina M. Frey is co-executive of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a developmental/line editor and literary coach with Page Two Editorial (www.pagetwoeditorial.com), and a traditionally published graphic novelist.
With over 20 years of experience in writing, editing, and publishing, she now works with select authors and small presses on full-length fiction and creative nonfiction. Christina coaches both authors and editors. She specializes in helping both novice and experienced writers and editors to develop and refine their authorial or editorial voice.
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