Revision: Ways to Renew, Refresh & Rework Your Manuscript

October 8th, 2018 - December 10th, 2018

with Brooke McIntyre

Group started
GROUP COMPLETE 
Revision literally means “to see again,” to look at something from a fresh, critical perspective and from a different point of view.  It’s an ongoing process for any writer of rethinking, retooling, reconsidering, reviewing, refining, reorganizing, revitalizing, and reviving their work.

In this two-part online workshop for novel and picture book writers, renowned children’s book editor and consultant Emma D. Dryden will lead attendees on a deep-dive exploration of an array of revision techniques and tools.  

Emma will cover:
  • Why it’s a bad idea to fall in love with a first draft
  • Using at least four of the five senses to experience a manuscript
  • How to see a manuscript in new ways
  • The revision method authors hate the most
  • Why the character interview is critical
  • Ways to world build
  • How to look at a manuscript scene by scene
  • Identifying a story’s action plot and emotional plot
  • How to nail down what a story is really about (and perfect your pitch!)

Attendees will receive handouts and worksheets prior to the first webinar session. Emma will refer to these worksheets over the course of the two webinars, and will guide attendees through writing exercises. 
After each webinar session, attendees will have the opportunity to apply various revision techniques in small groups. Attendees will be placed into 3-4 person groups by genre, or can elect to work with their pre-existing group. Emma will be available for questions as attendees work through the techniques.

Deliverables:
  • Three hours of intensive instruction, over two hour-and-a-half sessions. Sessions will be recorded and available for 60 days after the live sessions.
  • Opportunity to practice revision techniques on their own manuscripts, and in peer groups, which will help attendees sharpen their editorial eye, and get actionable feedback on their work
  • Office hours sessions for questions on applying revision techniques
  • Over a dozen handouts for continued reference after the workshop

Inked Voices, drydenbks, and KidLit411 are pleased to collaborate to bring you this revision intensive.

Notes

Who this workshop is for: This workshop is for fiction and creative nonfiction writers of all stripes, from picture book writers to novelists.

Focus:

Group size: 8 writers

Submissions: Emma will not critique submissions in this workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to practice revision techniques on their own work and in peer groups. Emma will be available for questions as participants apply the techniques. The webinar recording will be posted to the workshop group the morning after each session. Recordings will be available for replay through December 31st.

Fee

Members: $40; Non-members: $75

About Brooke McIntyre

Emma D. Dryden is the owner of drydenbks LLC (www.drydenbks.com), a premier children’s editorial and publishing consultancy firm she founded after twenty-five years as a highly regarded editor and publisher. She consults with authors, illustrators, agents, editors, publishers, start-ups, and app developers. Emma has edited over 1,000 books for children and young readers, many of which hit national and international bestseller lists and received numerous awards and medals, including the Newbery Medal, Newbery Honor, and Caldecott Honor. Emma is the co-author of the award-winning picture book What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur? (Little Pickle Press/Sourcebooks) and is on the Advisory Board of SCBWI. She is a sought-after teacher of writing craft, revision, the art and business of children’s books, and all aspects of children’s book writing and publishing. Her popular blog “Our Stories, Ourselves” explores the intertwined themes of life and writing. Follow Emma and drydenbks online on Twitter @drydenbks and on Facebook at Facebook.com/drydenbks.

Schedule:

Thurs, Oct 4th: Last day to register in order to be placed with a revision workgroup

Mon, Oct 8th: Workshop starts

Tues, Oct 9th, 8-9:30pm ET: Webinar Workshop, Part I

Thurs, Oct 11th: Office Hours*

Mon, Oct 15th : Office Hours*

Tues, Oct 16th, 8-9:30pm ET: Webinar Workshop, Part II

Thurs, Oct 18th: Office Hours*

Mon, Oct 22nd: Office Hours*

Thurs, Oct 25th: Office Hours*

October 26th: Workshop ends**

December 10th: Group workspace closes

*Office hours sessions are 12-1pm ET. Participants will post questions in advance and Emma will answer during this time. You do not need to be present for her to answer your question.

**Emma will pop in for occasional questions between the workshop end and the close of the group.