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Connecting the Dots: Developmental Editing for Structure, Character and Flow

$125.00

Connecting the Dots: Developmental Editing for Structure, Character and Flow

Developmental editing is an important part of the editorial process. Learn about how to apply narrative structures and get ideas on communicating clearly with your audience. This course can be taken independently or as part of the Poynter ACES Advanced Certificate in Editing.

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Overview

  • This course is part of the Poynter ACES Advanced Certificate in Editing.
  • Newly revised and updated for 2025 to provide the latest tools, techniques and thinking.
  • Enjoy a significant discount on the Advanced Certificate with an ACES membership.
  • Polish your expertise in the final level of our three-part editing certification program.
  • Go at your own pace with this asynchronous course.
  • Learn the function of developmental editing.
  • Get tips and techniques to improve your relationships with writers and other stakeholders.
  • Explore the types and functions of different narrative structures and their appropriate uses.

$125.00

SKU: POSDC07-24 Learning Path: Tags: , ,

Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will:

  • Understand the role of a developmental editor as well as editing responsibilities that fall outside the scope of developmental editing.
  • Gain tools to maintain a solid relationship with the author.
  • Learn about narrative structures so you can use them effectively.
  • Recognize and correct typical issues that can interfere with audience understanding.

$125.00

Overview

  • This course is part of the Poynter ACES Advanced Certificate in Editing.
  • Newly revised and updated for 2025 to provide the latest tools, techniques and thinking.
  • Enjoy a significant discount on the Advanced Certificate with an ACES membership.
  • Polish your expertise in the final level of our three-part editing certification program.
  • Go at your own pace with this asynchronous course.
  • Learn the function of developmental editing.
  • Get tips and techniques to improve your relationships with writers and other stakeholders.
  • Explore the types and functions of different narrative structures and their appropriate uses.

Training five or more people?
Check out our custom training.

Developmental editing is a key part of any project that aims to communicate clearly, whether that’s a book, an academic publication, a promotional handout or a news story — and it’s essential for assessing overall structure, pacing and flow. Plus, editors need to be able to communicate strengths and how to address perceived weaknesses.

This course will help connect the dots so editors will:

  • Understand what differentiates developmental editing from other editing processes.
  • Gain tools to maintain a solid relationship with colleagues.
  • Learn about narrative structures to use them effectively.
  • Recognize and correct typical issues that can interfere with audience understanding.

Questions?

If you need assistance, email us at info@poynter.org.

This asynchronous course takes about 90 minutes to complete.

It consists of readings, videos and activities designed to improve your editing skills.

You can go at your own pace. Your progress will be recorded.

The course culminates in a 10-question quiz. To pass, you must achieve a score of 80% or better (eight or more correct answers). You must complete the quiz in one sitting. You cannot pause or come back to it, but there is no time limit on it and you can take it as many times as needed to pass.

This course is part of the Poynter ACES Advanced Certificate in Editing. While the Introductory and Intermediate certificates are not prerequisites, it is recommended that you complete them before you start the Advanced Certificate.

You can take this course independently, without enrolling in the Advanced Certificate learning path.

Who should enroll?

This course is designed for editors who want to sharpen their understanding of developmental editing. It is appropriate for all level of editors.

Cost

$125

Instructors

  • Tiffany Vakilian
    Tiffany Vakilian is an award-winning author, speaker, editor and performer committed to helping fellow artists collaborate for awareness and global connection. She is a freelancer...
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