Learn about becoming a fiction editor

Learn about how to become a fiction editor with this library of multimedia resources. For more guidance on line-editing craft, return to the main menu.
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RETURN TO LIBRARY
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BOOKS
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FREE BOOKLETS
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FREE WEBINARS
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COURSES
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PODCASTS

Read articles about line craft
Read the blog articles dedicated to various aspects of line craft by visiting the various topics pages in the writing and editing solutions section of the library.

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> ​Start learning!

Learn how to line edit fiction for sense and sensibility

Editing Fiction at Sentence Level

Fiction is about flow, rhythm, mood, voice and style. But mostly it’s about story. When writers self-edit at line level with confidence, story is elevated by the sentence, rather than buried beneath it.

Editing Fiction at Sentence Level shows you how to hone your line craft so that the narrative and dialogue compel readers to turn the page.

Dig into specific aspects of fiction writing

These fiction guides help editors and writers dig deep into specific aspects of line craft. I'll show you how to hone your stylistic skills so that the prose pops off the page.

Andy Maslen, bestselling crime author

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FANTASTIC PRESENTER AND THE WEBINAR IS CLEAR AND INSIGHTFUL
Switching to Fiction is a great resource. Louise isn’t prescriptive; instead she radiates a cheerful, pragmatic sense of what works in fiction at sentence-level [and] gives you a range of tools to help you understand how to elevate your writing and editing. Louise is a fantastic presenter and the webinar is clear and insightful. I love the accompanying book, too, which provides even more detail and backs up the messages from the webinar.

Course: Switching to Fiction

Jenny Williamson
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Proofreader, Editor & Writer

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Free webinars for fiction editors

How to Start a Fiction Editing Business

This webinar introduces you to the different types of fiction editing, the types of clients you're most likely to be working with, the language they'll use when searching for editorial support, finding work, and some suggestions for training and skills development.

Talking dialogue with Keystroke Medium

I join the team at Keystroke Medium, The Writer's Journey, and talk about the goals of dialogue in a scene, how to use it to keep story pace on track, how to create unique character voices, and using punctuation, tags, actions beats effectively.

Click the play button to watch right here!

Free booklets for fiction editors

Guidance on inclusive and respectful writing

Explore resources that help editors and writers work to actively consider whether the words in a novel are driving story forward and enriching readers, or causing unintended harm. 

​The tools linked to in this booklet aim to help you apply good editorial judgement to fiction from a conscious-language perspective.

How to use apostrophes in fiction writing

This booklet shows editors, proofreaders and writers how use apostrophes in fiction so that readers aren't distracted from the story. Click on the cover to access your copy.

How to query effectively

This free booklet for editors and proofreaders offers five tips on how to query effectively, when to change, and when to leave well enough alone. Click on the cover to access your copy.

Courses to help you get your business off to a flying start

Start Crime Fiction Editing

Learn about the genre, the stylistic tools that support it, common problems, and the pithy edits that can transform a manuscript from mundane to magic. You’ll also get actionable advice on how to edit synopses, query letters and blurbs, and how to get your business organized and visible. Visit the course page.

Style Sheets for Fiction Editing

Learn how to how to create and use branded style sheets that improve efficiency and consistency, and demonstrate professionalism. Includes a style-sheet template that's ready to go. Visit the course page.

How to Line Edit for Suspense

Learn how to identify suspense in a novel and evaluate its effectiveness. Then use the trifecta to edit for improved reader experience and communicate your revisions with confidence. Visit the course page.

How to Edit Slurs in Dialogue

​This self-paced course teaches editors about six adaptable tools that can be used when line editing dialogue containing discriminatory language.​ Visit the course page.

How to Write the Perfect Fiction Editorial Report

Learn how to craft engaging sentence-level editorial reports – feedback that demonstrates editorial excellence and builds trust. Listen to the free taster below or visit the course page.

Switching to Fiction

Move from non-fiction to fiction, and edit at sentence level with confidence. Visit the course page to find out more about what's included. It comes with a copy of Editing Fiction at Sentence Level too! Listen to the taster below.

Get my best advice straight into your inbox

The Editorial Letter comes out once a month. Get my best advice on fiction editing and editorial business building.
Sign up and you'll get my 
​free proofreading checklist – a one-stop resource for reviewing designed page proofs!

Authors and editors discuss fiction

Listen to these episodes to learn more about fiction writing and editing.

Louise talks fiction editing with Tim Lewis

Find your national editorial society

There are national and regional editorial societies all over the globe! To find one that fits your journey, and discover what it has to offer in terms of resources, community and training, click on the button below.