Teach on Udemy

Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.

Learn More

Your cart is empty.

Keep shopping

Edit Your Novel the Right Way!

Name: Edit Your Novel the Right Way!
Rating: 4.3 (117 reviews)

Learn the tricks and techniques to turning your rough draft into a thing of beauty.

Created byCarl Plumer

Last updated 4/2016

English

What you'll learn

Understand the components of a good novel
Learn to self-edit your work like an editing SUPERSTAR!
Understand and find online tools to assist in self-editing
Know the value of editing and proofreading
Know which software to leverage, and which to avoid
Learn about the best places on the web to get feedback from other writers
Discover how to grow a protective shell and protect yourself from critics and hurtful comments
Learn to be smart about finding and choosing the best editors for YOUR work
Discover how to have fun editing your novel or story (yes, it really CAN be fun)

Course content

12 sections • 35 lectures • 57m total length

What You'll Learn1:46
A quick introduction to what you'll learn by taking this course. Good luck!
7 Steps to the Perfect Story
A image and PDF file on how to create the perfect story. This is a download for you.

Printing it out3:07
Your first step to a successful edit is to print out your manuscript. Yes, you must leave the digital realm for awhile!
First Pass: Read it Out Loud0:55
Reading out loud is the secret "killer" method to revealing the best — and worst — of your story.
Make Big, High-level Changes1:02
Start with the big stuff! Don't make the mistake that so many writers make and start by editing sentences and words, no no!
Using Index Cards: Oh, it's Magic!1:31
Index cards are old school, but do they work to help you organize your story!
What you've learned so far

Full Sweep: Cut Out Overused Conversation Markers1:43
In this lesson, you'll learn how to remove unnecessary and distracting conversation "tags."
Add Tension — EVERYWHERE!1:20
In this lesson, you'll learn how to add tension to every scene and conversation in your novel -- and why this is a critical element to your book's success.
Enhance Descriptions: Use all of the Five Senses1:03
In this lesson, you'll learn how to apply the five senses to your work.

Subplots: You need at least one1:07
In this lesson, you'll learn the importance of having a subplot to complement your main story.
Subplots: Make that two1:48
In this lesson, you'll learn the importance of having TWO subplots to complement your main story.
Subplots: Okay, you need three, but seriously, that's it1:53
In this lesson, you'll learn the importance of having THREE subplots to complement your main story. But stop there. Seriously. Unless you're George RR Martin.

Enlisting Friends0:42
In this lesson, you'll learn the importance of having the input of friends, and how to ask for their help the right way.
Interacting on Writer’s Café0:54
In this lesson, you're introduced to the Writer's Cafe on the web.
Interacting on Wattpad0:42
In this lesson, you're introduced to WattPad on the web.
Interacting on Scribophile0:48
In this lesson, you're introduced to the Scribophile site on the web.
What you've learned so far, part deux

AutoCrit1:22
In this lesson, you learn about a great self-editing tool — in my opinion, the best one.
AutoCrit Demo15:46
In this lesson, you'll learn the in's and out's of one of the best self-editing system available, and perhaps decide for yourself if it's right for you.
ProWriting Aid0:45
In this lesson, you learn about another great self-editing tool.
Hemingway0:48
In this lesson, you learn about the Hemingway app for self-editing (Mac only, for now).
Editminion0:55
In this lesson, you learn about a cool little self-editing tool.
Editing Software to Avoid1:36
In this lesson, I tell you about a couple of self-editing tools you should be wary of, for one reason or another. Caveat emptor, as they say.
What you've learned so far, final deux

Requirements

Have written a novel
Understand basic novel concepts such as story arc and subplot
Understand story structure

Description

I know how hard it is to edit your first draft.

I know how hard it is to WRITE your first draft, to begin with!

I've been where you are.

Perhaps you're disappointed by what you've written.

Perhaps you're feeling that it's not QUITE what you had in mind.

Well, this is the right course for you.

First, I take a POSITIVE and FUN approach to editing.

Nothing to be dreaded or afraid of.

I've written a dozen novels and a bucket load of short stories.

Ten of my novels are published (most under pen names), as is my collection of short stories.

Now here's the thing.

My novels were TERRIBLE when I finished writing them.

Really, really awful.

So, I got help. I learned everything I could about editing your novel from some great books and some great online courses, including those by the wonderful Holly Lisle and the amazing Shawn Coyne and the brilliant James Scott Bell, among many, many other great writers and editors.

I also worked with genius editors through draft after draft and learned from what they told me about my writing (some of it eye opening).

And I discovered online resources you won't believe exist -- they are that good!

This course can be finished in an hour, but in my opinion it should ideally be used this way:

1. After the intro lessons, take ONE lesson, learn from it.

2. Then, APPLY it to your current manuscript.

3. When you're done, come back and take the next lesson.

4. Apply what you've learned to your manuscript AGAIN.

5. Rinse and repeat.

In this manner, make your way through the course.

When you are done with the course — whether it takes you hours, days, weeks, or months -- so, too, your manuscript will be done!

So don't delay. I promise it's painless. You'll learn a lot and have fun doing it.

And remember, this course, like all the courses on Udemy, is yours to access forever.

That's really good for two reasons:

You can retake the course every time you have a new novel or short story to edit

The course will increase in content over time, and will always be up-to-date, because I will be adding new courses and refreshing existing courses all the time.

So sign up, and best of luck.

And remember, you can always ask me questions right in the course.

This course — again, like all of Udemy's courses — are personal. They aren't just posted here and forgotten. Letting you sink or swim on your own.

I'll be here to offer advice, answer questions, and guide you through the rough spots.

Aren't you excited to get started? I am eager to have you jump in with both feet!

Let's do this!

Best,

Carl

Who this course is for:

Any writer at any stage of their career
This is NOT for writers who have not yet completed a first draft of a novel
This is NOT for nonfiction ("true") book writers, although some of the material does apply to all writing in general

Edit Your Novel the Right Way!

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 2min

Your First Pass: The Heavy Lifting of Making High-Level Changes to Your Draft4 lectures • 7min

Fine Tuning and Tightening UP3 lectures • 4min

Character Fixes3 lectures • 7min

Time Travel3 lectures • 4min

The Plot Thickens: Adding or Enhancing Subplots3 lectures • 5min

Gathering Feedback4 lectures • 3min

What to do with Feedback3 lectures • 4min

Automated Editing6 lectures • 21min

Time to Get Professional Help2 lectures • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: