This workshop will explore how we as writers can employ best practices when stepping into editorial roles. Sign up here!
Please be mindful when booking. This is a workshop for Black writers and writers of colour based in Scotland (or for people who, pre-COVID, would have normally been resident in Scotland).
Join Eleanor Collins for this 1-hour, online workshop!
Writers working together are often called upon to step into an editing role. This can feel administrative and a bit of a chore, or else like doing a favour for a colleague – finding time to read someone else’s work so you can tell them what you like about it. But we should recognise editing as a specific calling, not just an adjunct to the writing process, and to give editorial skills and purposes some dedicated thought and attention.
This editing workshop will be flexible to cover participants’ experience and interests.
Topics may include:
- How to commission so writers want to write
- The editor’s role in ensuring diversity of many kinds
- Beginnings and endings: how can we help authors shape a short piece?
- How can we phrase feedback most constructively?
- Keeping the reader in mind, and saying no when you need to
- The relationship between editor and author, and between editor and reader
We’ll also brush up on a little bit of grammar and punctuation, such as:
- Using colons and semi-colons to best effect
- Hyphens, en-dashes and em-dashes – what’s the difference?
- Punctuation and consistency in lists and dot points
- The power of paragraphing
Essential items include: access to the internet, a working camera and mic, and pen and paper
The Details
- There is a max of 14 spaces.
- This seminar will be hosted online using Zoom (instructions will be sent to participants closer to the event date).
- There are two types of tickets: Free tickets for writers on low-income and Pay What You Can (Suggested £5+).
- Our free events are very popular and have a waitlist. If you have registered for a ticket but then are unable to attend please do let us know so we can offer it to another person on the waitlist. Thank you!
- If you have any accessibility needs or requirements, please do let us know by writing in at scotBAMEwriters@gmail.com at the earliest and we shall do our best to meet your requirements.
- All SBWN events will adhere to our safer spaces policy. You can learn more about our policy here.
Access & Tech
Before participating in this online event, please note the following:
- To participate you will need an internet/wi-fi connection, a desktop or mobile device to join by audio and/or video and writing materials/device.
- Events are hosted online using Zoom (instructions will be sent 2 days before each event or can be accessed via the Eventbrite Online Event page).
- Automatic live captions and transcripts are provided via Otter.ai. Please add your access requirements during registration (for example BSL/in-person captioner) and we’ll do our best to provide.
- You can also email any access requirements to us: scotbamewriters@gmail.com
About Eleanor
Eleanor Collins is one of two Editorial Directors at independent Edinburgh publisher Floris Books, which is modestly sized for the industry, yet is Scotland’s largest children’s publisher. Eleanor has many years of editorial experience, working on quality adult fiction and non-fiction, academic writing, and books for children, both freelance and from inside publishing houses, in Australia and the UK. She studied literature and narrative theory, and genuinely likes talking about grammar. She thinks punctuation can be heart-stoppingly beautiful.
