Editing non-fiction (SOLD OUT)
• editing narrative non-fiction
• editing general non-fiction
• academic editing.
You can enrol in 1 topic ($220 for 2 sessions), 2 topics ($440 for 4 sessions) or the full course ($550 for all 6 sessions). To book, select the first session that you want to attend and choose a topic ticket or a ticket to the full course.
Details of how to join the Zoom sessions will be sent following registration.
Editing narrative non-fiction
Sessions 1 & 2
Mon 31 May & Mon 7 Jun, 10am – 1pm AEST
Trainer: Nadine Davidoff
These sessions will equip editors with the necessary skills to confidently assess narrative non-fiction writing.
We will examine the key concepts of successful non-fiction—such as voice, narrative propulsion, clarity, tone, structure and cohesion—and discuss how to frame your response so that a writer may develop these essential elements in their work.
We will look at instructive examples of the craft, drawn from a wide range of authors, and critique writing that falls short of these benchmarks. In formulating our responses to these texts, we will be guided by the following questions:
- What is the work about—and is this shown or told?
- Does the work convey the writer’s distinctive ethos and sensibility?
- Does the work have an emotional through-line, and what is the reader’s emotional journey through the narrative?
- Where does the tension lie?
- Does the work have a strong sense of place—how is this conveyed?
- Is there a good balance between scene and summary?
- Is the work compelling and propulsive?
- Does it make a lasting impression?
Editing general non-fiction
Sessions 3 & 4
Mon 14 & 21 Jun, 10am – 1pm AEST
Trainer: Lorna Hendry
These sessions will cover the essential skills that editors need to edit general non-fiction texts. Together, we will discuss such questions as:
- How much prior knowledge should you have about a subject before embarking on a non-fiction editing project?
- How can you help subject experts, who may not be experienced writers, make their writing engaging and intelligible for general readers?
- What should you look out for when working on a manuscript written by more than one author?
We will also cover some fundamentals of non-fiction editing:
- creating a useful editorial style sheet
- dealing with tables, figures and other forms of data
- referencing, referencing, referencing…
- creating and applying Word styles to ensure your painstaking formatting makes it all the way through the publishing process
- tips and hacks to improve your productivity and the quality of your editing
Academic editing
Sessions 5 & 6
Mon 5 & 12 Jul, 10am – 1pm AEST
Trainer: Dr Renée Otmar
These sessions will introduce editors to the wide variety of writing and publication formats produced by, and for, higher education and academic audiences.
Together, we will explore the known and untapped opportunities for editors who are interested in working with teaching and research academics, higher degree candidates, institutional administrators (research, funding corporate and marketing departments), university presses and journal publishers.
We will cover the fundamentals of academic editing, including:
- the scientific method
- dealing with differences related to disciplinary norms and academic style
- editing for education versus editing for publication
- editing crossover works
- working with academics and students from linguistic backgrounds other than English
- ethics and plagiarism.
About the trainers
Nadine Davidoff
Nadine has worked as a Senior Editor at Random House Australia and as a Commissioning Editor at Black Inc. She was also fiction editor for The Monthly magazine before starting her own freelance editing business in 2006. Her areas of interest include literary and popular fiction, general non-fiction, biography/memoir, travel narrative and health.
www.nadinedavidoff.com.au
Lorna Hendry
Lorna is a freelance editor, writer and graphic designer. She is an IPEd Accredited Editor, a Certified Member of BELS (US) and an Advanced Professional Member of CIEP (UK). Lorna teaches in RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing program. She is also the author of 20 non-fiction books for children and a travel memoir.
lornahendry.com
Dr Renée Otmar
Renée has been a professional editor since 1989 and has worked extensively as an editor, managing editor, publisher, researcher (public health) and coach. In 2000 she was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Editors Victoria, a branch of IPEd, and in 2008 became a Distinguished Editor of IPEd. Her most recent work is Editing for Sensitivity, Diversity and Inclusion: A guide for professional editors.
reneeotmar.com.au
FAQs
Who can attend?
This training is suitable for all editors at various stages of their career—from those just starting out to more experienced practitioners. All participants should have a good understanding of general editing practice and some relevant training and/or work experience. There are no prerequisites—participants need only bring their curious minds and be willing to contribute to discussions during the sessions.
Do I need to sign up for all 6 sessions?
No, you can choose to attend 1, 2 or all 3 of the topics offered. There is a discounted rate for participants who sign up for all 3 topics.
What will I receive?
All participants will receive handouts for each of the blocks before the training begins. Trainers may also supply additional material after the session, in response to questions, comments or topics discussed during the session.
Will the training be recorded?
No. Participants must make sure they can attend the scheduled online training sessions.
Location
Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser
Contact Details