Make a living editing crime fiction, mysteries and thrillers

Become a crime fiction editor

This self-paced foundation course prepares you for editing crime fiction. 

​You'll learn about the genre, the stylistic tools that support it, the common problems you'll encounter and the pithy edits that can transform a manuscript from mundane to magic.

​You’ll also get easy-to-action guidance on providing submission support, business planning and marketing.

What you’ll learn

After completing this course, you'll understand:
  • THE GENRE: What’s distinctive about crime fiction, and the historical traditions and contemporary movements associated with it.
  • WHAT EDITING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED: Which editing skills are relevant, how narrative viewpoint works, common problems you might encounter, and the literary devices you can use to line edit.
  • SYNOPSES, QUERY LETTERS AND BLURBS: How to offer structured editorial support to your authors using the editing tip sheets and spreadsheet provided.
  • BUSINESS ESSENTIALS: How to make your crime fiction specialism globally visible and how to get organized using the course workbook.

Order now and start learning today

WHAT YOU PAY ...
69.99
+ tax
No time limits on access

The learning process

Video tutorials

Watch the videos and prepare for the workbook exercises.

Workbook

Plan your crime editing business administration and marketing.

Booklets

Download supporting resources and guidance. 

Ebook version of the course

Download a PDF ebook featuring all the video content.

Synopses, query letters and blurbs

Provide your authors with structured submission support.

English closed captions

Deaf students can access a live transcript of the audiovisual content.

Course resources

In addition to the video tutorials, there's a wealth of supplementary resources – a course workbook, booklets, templates and checklists – all designed to help you develop your crime fiction editing craft and build your business skills.

Your crime fiction editing curriculum

  • Module 1: Learning outcomes (free video preview available)
  • Module 2: What’s distinctive about crime fiction?
  • Module 3: The genre – past and present
  • Module 4: How to develop relevant editing skills
  • Module 5: Narrative viewpoint in crime fiction
  • Module 6: Common problems in crime fiction
  • Module 7: Literary devices for line editing crime fiction
  • Module 8: Synopses, query letters and blurbs
  • Module 9: Style guides and other resources
  • Module 10: Making your crime fiction specialism globally visible
  • Module 11: Getting your business organized

Who is this course suitable for?
​

FICTION BEGINNERS
 Beginner fiction editors and proofreaders who want to learn the foundations of crime fiction editing.
FICTION IMPROVERS
​Intermediate fiction editors and proofreaders who are adding crime fiction to their portfolio.
SPECIALISM SWITCHERS
Experienced non-fiction editors who want to add crime fiction to their practice.

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