How to Write a Novel: Edit & Revise
Discover story analysis strategies and rewriting tools, develop a concrete plan for creating a more accomplished draft and explore what it takes to attract agents, editors and readers.
Conoce a tus instructores
Testimonios de los estudiantes
"It is clear to see that A LOT of work has gone into the course design. Also, I love the interviews with published authors, editors and agents - I enjoyed the different points of view and learning about other's experiences. I also appreciated the enthusiasm and detail that the facilitators went to in answering questions, and the supportive comments from other learners." - Previous Student
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to complete your previous courses to take this course?
No. As long as you have completed the first draft of a novel and are ready to rewrite, this course will be valuable to you. Of course, we strongly recommend our other courses, as they will help you get the most out of this one by leading you through the process of outlining and finishing your draft, but they are not required.
Is this course related to an existing UBC university class?
This is an entirely new course, created by instructors with years of experience teaching the art of fiction writing to undergraduate and graduate university students as well as members of the community.
What are the other courses in the series?
How to Write a Novel:Structureand Outlineexplores the core elements of fiction writing necessary to build an outline: a blueprint for a successful draft of your novel. How to Write a Novel: Writing the Draft takes you from your outline through the process of getting your first draft completed.
I have more questions about the course content!
Contact uswith your questions, and we'll be happy to answer!
Sample Course Material
What is it like to take the course? This is not a writing workshop. Instead, it’s a focused, week-by-week exploration of rewriting and editing tools and strategies. Each week we’ll present video lessons from UBC Creative Writing Professors Nancy Lee and Annabel Lyon, supplemented by interviews with published authors, agents and editors. You’ll take part in assignments that will develop the specific skills that you’ll use to rewrite and improve your own novel in progress. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your work with the other learners in the class.
Once a week, Nancy and Annabel will be available in a weekly video broadcast on Google Hangouts, where they'll answer your specific rewriting questions in this lively, interactive format.
Sample video lesson: Week 1, “Rewriting is Writing”
Nancy and Annabel talk about how the process of rewriting is an integral part of the writing process. “If you’d like to see a published writer roar with laughter, ask to see the first draft of their novel.”
Sample interview:Laura Bradford “Common Agent Querying Mistakes”
In the course we interview editors and agents, and collect industry insider information and tips for writers. In this excerpt from a longer interview, agent Laura Bradford talks about one common mistake she sees all too often.
Sample video: Week 3, “Writers Share Their Rewriting Process”
In this sample from the third week of the course, a week where we explore methods of rewriting, author Lauren Groff talks about how her process has changed from novel to novel, going from index cards to sheets of butcher paper.