Overview
 

This three-day intensive course develops high-level structural editing skills for experienced editors, senior authors and publishing leads working on complex manuscripts. The course goes beyond surface correction to focus on the architecture of argument, the sequencing of ideas and the pedagogical integrity of content. Participants learn how to diagnose structural weaknesses, clarify conceptual progression, strengthen thematic coherence and ensure alignment between objectives, explanation and evidence. Core development editing tasks are examined in detail, including restructuring chapters, refining narrative logic, managing redundancy, briefing and integrating imagery, pedagogical and assessment evaluations, resolving inconsistencies across multi-author projects, and identifying gaps in reasoning or instructional design.

 

The programme draws a clear distinction between development editing and copy-editing, equipping participants to intervene at the appropriate stage of manuscript evolution. It also addresses the human dimension of editorial leadership: managing author relationships, giving precise and constructive feedback, negotiating revisions professionally, and maintaining morale while raising standards. Through applied exercises and manuscript analysis, participants develop a disciplined editorial methodology that improves manuscript quality, reduces late-stage rewriting and minimises friction within publishing teams.

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Key Learning Objectives

• Conduct structural and pedagogical edits

• Improve argument flow and coherence

• Provide constructive, actionable feedback

• Reduce rewrite cycles

• Maintain consistency across large projects

• Balance editorial authority with author collaboration

 

Duration

Three days

 

Standard pricing: £4500 +VAT (for up to 10 participants) at client venue; £300 +VAT per additional participant (max 15); travel and accommodation costs apply (TBC)