Self-Editing for Book Writers
with ...
May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern (Noon to 1:30 p.m. Pacific)
The difference between a good draft and one that keeps the pages turning isn’t talent. It’s the writer’s ability to revise with a clear and intentional strategy.
In fact, most authors will tell you their best books have been rewritten multiple times.
In this four-session live workshop, you’ll learn to approach self-editing like a professional. You’ll develop a structured revision process that strengthens your manuscript at every level—from big-picture story architecture to sentence-level precision.
This course is designed for writers working on novels, memoirs, or narrative nonfiction who are ready to take control of their editing process. Instead of guessing what to fix, you’ll learn how to diagnose problems in a tactical way, revising your manuscript with a solid plan and a clear purpose.
Course Goals & Objectives
Throughout this workshop, you will:
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Develop a clear, repeatable self-editing system
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Learn how to evaluate structure, pacing, character arcs, and stakes
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Identify weak or unclear passages with confidence
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Strengthen dialogue, scene construction, and narrative momentum
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Sharpen prose for clarity, voice, rhythm, and impact
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Build the critical distance necessary to edit your own work effectively
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Leave with a concrete revision plan for your current manuscript and future projects
Faculty
Julie Cantrell, Story Summit's managing director, is a New York Times bestselling author and editor. A gifted teacher, she’s known for her generous, insightful guidance. She brings both editorial expertise and deep respect for the creative process, helping writers grow while staying true to their voice.
Here's how the class will unfold.
May 6: The Big Picture: Structural & Story-Level Editing
We begin by zooming out.
You’ll learn how to evaluate your manuscript from a macro perspective, as we identify structural gaps, pacing issues, weak stakes, and unclear character motivations.
We'll address:
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Reverse-outlining your draft
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Diagnosing sagging middles
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Strengthening openings and endings
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Tracking character arcs
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Identifying thematic cohesion
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Checking ideal placement of plot points and turns
You'll leave with a structural checklist and a diagnostic framework to apply immediately.
May 13: Scene-Level Craft & Narrative Drive
Once the foundation is strong, we zoom in a bit more.
This session focuses on the mechanics of compelling scenes and narrative momentum.
We'll address:
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Scene purpose and emotional movement
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Raising stakes within scenes
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Eliminating filler and redundancy
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Writing dynamic dialogue
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Managing point of view effectively
You'll practice revising a scene using a guided editing method you can reuse on every chapter.
May 20: Line Editing for Power & Precision
This session dives a little deeper, as we focus on language.
You’ll learn how to tighten prose, eliminate clutter, and sharpen your voice without losing your unique style.
Topics include:
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Cutting unnecessary exposition
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Strengthening verbs and specificity
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Reducing passive constructions
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Clarifying imagery
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Enhancing rhythm and flow
You'll develop an eye for what to cut, what to sharpen, and what to amplify.
May 27: Final Polish & Building Your Revision Workflow
Here, we bring it all together. You'll learn how to sequence your edits, avoid burnout, and create a sustainable editing process you can use for future projects.
Topics include:
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Creating a revision timeline
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Avoiding over-editing
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Using beta readers strategically
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Preparing your manuscript for submission or publication
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Building long-term editorial confidence
You'll leave with a customized revision roadmap you can use now and in the future.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this course, you will walk away with:
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A professional-level editing framework
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Practical checklists for every stage of revision
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A stronger understanding of story architecture
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Sharper prose and more confident stylistic choices
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A clear action plan for completing your manuscript revision
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The confidence to trust your editorial instincts and stay true to your vision
Value Adds
This course includes:
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Downloadable revision checklists and worksheets
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Guided in-class editing exercises
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A professional author and editor as your guide
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Instructor-provided sample markup demonstrations
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Live Q&A
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Access to session recordings
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A supportive community of serious writers
Who This Course Is For
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Writers with a completed draft
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Writers preparing to query, submit, or publish
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Writers who feel “stuck” in revision and need structure
If you're ready to master the revision process, this workshop will give you the self-editing tools you need to elevate your craft, prepare for next steps, and carry your story across the finish line.
Today's Price Only $197 for 6 hours of instruction
Story Summit Members: This class Is Included at No Additional Cost
Story Summit Membership subscribers receive this class at no additional cost. Just register and the discount will be applied automatically. Please make sure you're logged in to receive the discount. Not a subscriber yet? Join here.
Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, you’ll receive a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.
