The Next Draft with Laurel Cohn

Most writers know their manuscript will require a structural edit, but don’t really know what this means. This course explains the role structural editing plays in manuscript development and how to go about it. It is for writers of fiction and narrative non-fiction with a complete draft of their manuscript who are willing to explore the challenging inner terrain that underlies critical engagement with your own work. Breaking the process into stages, you will learn strategies and tools to apply to your own manuscript, with the course format designed to guide and support you as you do the structural edit.

You will hone your writing and editing skillset through practical exercises, group discussions, critique sessions, and homework in the key areas listed below:

• An understanding of what structural editing entails.
• Specific tools for writers to undertake a structural edit of their own work following a step-by-step approach.
• Familiarisation with synopsis writing as a development tool.
• Strategies for chapter and scene outlines.
• An appreciation of the emotional ups and downs of manuscript development.

For writers of all levels with a complete draft.

Workshop Details

When: 6 x weekly sessions on a Friday: 

• Friday 6 Sep
• Friday 20 Sep
• Friday 4 Oct
• Friday 18 Oct
• Friday 1 Nov
• Friday 15 Nov

Time: 10am - 1pm

Where: In-person at the Byron Writers Festival office 

Cost: $550* members and students / $690* non-members *(plus booking fee)

Group size: 14 participants

Laurel Cohn

Since the late 1980s Laurel has been helping writers of all types prepare their work for publication. With a well-honed ability to analyse and critique texts, she gets a buzz out of helping writers understand how they can lift their work to the next level of development.

Laurel’s approach to giving feedback is informed by an understanding of the sometimes tricky emotional terrain of the development process, and the importance of honest, clear and practical guidance.

Laurel is a regular workshop presenter for peak writing organisations in Australia, and also teaches in Europe. She has a PhD in literary and cultural studies.

*Please note, if you are experiencing financial difficulties payment plans are available. Please contact our Project Manager, Amy Shaw on projects@byronwritersfestival.com

The Byron Writers Festival workshops are designed for all over 18 writers.