What if editing your book didn't have to be so overwhelming?

Learn to think like an editor and master your rewrites with the online course, Book Editing Blueprint: A Step-By-Step Plan to Making Your Novels Publishable.
I NEED THIS, STAT!

Do you jump from one thing to another when you’re editing without getting very far?

Maybe your book has potential, yet it needs work and you don’t know where to start. You start tinkering with no clear direction, and the prospect of editing the entire manuscript with this scattershot approach feels daunting.

Imagine how much progress you could make if you knew how to break down the editing beast into small, manageable sections so you don’t get frustrated, lose motivation, or overlook important details.

What if you could do an amazing job of rewriting in the early stages so that you’re less dependent on editors and beta readers later?

How much time and money would it save if you could . . .

book editing mistakes

Not sure it’s possible to pick up on these issues in your own manuscript? Listen to what these authors said after learning my self-editing system.

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LIKE YOUR PRIVATE WRITING COACH

“This course takes you deeper into your story than you have ever been before to make sure you never get a review that says the story was flat! Stacy asks just the right questions that make you think deeper about your characters and the plotline and the subplot and how everything comes together.

She’s like your private writing coach helping you remember all the little things and make sure you reach your potential on both the big AND little things.” Kat Caldwell 

editing classes for writers
freelance editors
where to find freelance editors
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Thorough and helpful

“A blueprint is what Stacy presented and exactly what I needed. The text was so thorough and helpful that I decided to hire Stacy to do my developmental editing.

Previously, I had hired someone to do copyediting which was not logical. I was paying hard-earned money to have rough drafts edited that might’ve ended up on the cutting-room floor.  After taking the course, I have more confidence in my ability to revise my early drafts.  It is a course that doesn’t waste your time, adds value to your writing practice, and shows respect for your pocketbook. Thank you, Stacy.” Maryclaire Torinus

 

If you’re like most writers, you feel stressed about how to make the novel you labored over strong enough for publication.

If you skimp on editing, you risk instant rejection or dreaded one-star reviews. However, hiring an editor can cost a small fortune. According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, here are common rates for fiction and nonfiction editing services:

Developmental editing—$46-$60 an hour (4-6 pages an hour)

Substantive or line editing—$46-$50 an hour (4-6 pages an hour)

Copyediting—$36-$45 an hour (4-10 pages an hour)

Proofreading—$31-$40 an hour (7-15 pages an hour)

Reedsy reports that the average cost of editing services for a 60,000-word book is:

Developmental editing—$1,400

Copyediting—$1,000

Proofreading—$700

Unfortunately, those developmental editing totals are typically for one round and don’t include feedback on your rewrites. Most beginners need at least 3-8 editing passes. Experienced writers often budget for one round of developmental editing, but they could really use two or three.

It takes more than raw talent to produce a publishable book. It also requires skillful execution.

Most writers don’t have a college degree in creative writing. Yet, they expect to author a brilliant book that needs little editing.

That’s a lot of pressure!

Authors pursuing an MFA in creative writing are paying in the ballpark of $20,000-$30,000.

While you certainly don’t need an MFA to become a successful author, you do need some training.

One way or another, your competitors are investing in their writing careers. Even authors under contract with major publishing houses hire freelance editors. How do I know? Because I’ve worked with some of them.

how to edit a book

What's an aspiring author to do? Most assume they have 3 choices.

#1: Wing it.

Maybe you can figure it out from books and podcasts about writing.

#2: Drain your savings.

Spend several thousand dollars on editing fees until your book is finally strong enough.

#3: Hope for the best.

Pay for 1-2 rounds of edits and hope you can handle the rewrites on your own.

I’ve got a fourth choice! But first, let me introduce myself. Hi, I’m Stacy.

I help fiction and creative nonfiction writers of all levels who want to simplify the writing and editing process so they can save time and money. I’m also a mom of two teens and have more than 700 books on my Kindle, an obsession with the TV show Supernatural, an addiction to doing the daily Wordle, and a bizarre fascination with office supplies and planners.

Growing up, I was quite the introvert but found my voice through writing. Since I wasn’t gutsy enough to go out and solve mysteries like Nancy Drew, (that girl got herself into a lot of danger!) I made up my own and then branched out into other genres.

Fast forward to today. I’m the author of 10 published books, a freelance developmental editor and creator of online courses for writers, and an award-winning journalist who has published more than 3,000 articles. I’ve also taught workshops for organizations including Savvy Authors, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writer of America, have been a panelist at many in-person and online conferences, and have been interviewed on dozens of podcasts.

developmental editor

I know what you might be thinking. Sure, you might know a thing or two, Stacy, but there are lots of editors and writing courses out there. What makes you and your Book Editing Blueprint framework unique?

Well, my friend, I have faced the editing monster multiple times and slayed it, even when it seemed as impossible as Dean and Sam Winchester stopping the apocalypse. (I told you I’m addicted to Supernatural . . .)

I did huge rewrites on my books at many stages of my life: while attending college, working full time, taking care of babies, chauffeuring around older kids, dealing with health issues, and running my own business.   

How did I manage this feat? I learned to tame the editing beast, and so can you.

You need 5 things to tackle a massive editing project:

1. Mentors to help you on your journey 

2. A strategic action plan so your approach isn’t hit or miss

3. A basic writing and editing foundation with opportunities for practice

4. Determination and a passion for your book

5. Chocolate 🍫 (Okay, this one is optional but helpful!)

I can offer you #1, #2, and #3 because I have been in the writing and publishing trenches since I was a teenager—over 30 years. 

I packaged everything I learned in three decades as a writer and editor into my Book Editing Blueprint framework, and now I want to share my process with you.

I can’t teach you determination and passion for your book, but as your story get stronger, excitement tends to carry authors toward the finish line. It’s the best feeling when you think, “Wow, this is good!” 

As for the chocolate, I recommend peanut M & Ms and Kit Kats!

Want a solution to the editing mess?

Sign up for Book Editing Blueprint, a complete, step-by-step system that teaches you how to spot the flaws in your novel and fix them so you can ditch the overwhelm, save time and money, and better your chances of impressing readers, agents, and publishers.

revision courses for writers

By learning the Book Editing Blueprint framework, you’ll get the tools to skyrocket your manuscript to the next level without breaking the bank. This course demystifies the editing process, giving you a practical action plan for evaluating, rewriting, and polishing your manuscript. It’s like having a professional editor standing over your shoulder while you’re editing the novel. 

Students have achieved huge transformations by using the signature Book Editing Blueprint framework, and I’m going to help you do the same.

☑️ Streamline the rewrite process—no more jumping around and revising without a thorough plan

☑️ Gain clarity on your next steps and become less dependent on critique partners and editors

☑️ Save money by avoiding the #1 mistake most writers make—hiring a freelance editor too early

Here are a few of the tough rewrites I’ve tackled as an author.

 

twenty-five years ago today
SInk or Swim book editing
Fooling Around WIth CInderella book editing
Storybook Valley series
hockey novel
Dark before dawn developmental editing

☑️ Following 14 pages of single-spaced editorial notes to pull off a rewrite for my very first book. (Spoiler: if you join Book Editing Blueprint, you’ll get a PDF copy of those valuable editorial letters from a major publishing house!)

☑️ Making my mystery novels “edgier” and “less quiet” after a couple of acquisitions editors gave their feedback to my agent.

☑️ Taking a 25-year-old manuscript out of drawer, hacking it apart, and rewriting every line.

☑️ Rewriting my young adult thriller based upon several pages of suggestions from the Pub Committee at a publisher I was querying.

☑️ Revamping a major subplot and character in my first chick lit novel.

Those books have gone on to achieve honors such as:

GalleyCat’s Barnes & Noble Bestseller list

 GalleyCat’s Mystery and Thriller Bestseller list

#5 and #11 in the Nook Store

#30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List

Best Books for Young Teen Readers Grades 7-10

Hockey Hall of Fame’s Junior Education Program Recommended Reading List

I’ve also helped hundreds of clients and students shape their vision and words into books they can be proud of.

Editor Extraordinaire – “Because of @stacyjuba, freelance editor extraordinaire—who, like a personal trainer, pushed me to my limit and pulled out of me the very best I had to offerLost Highway has received compliments and accolades beyond my expectations.”

Ron Bay, Jr.

Young Adult Writer

Invaluable Resource – “As a fledgling writer, your editing services have been an invaluable resource for me. The educational links you provided as well as your helpful and encouraging suggestions are precisely what I needed to help make my little story blossom into its full potential.”

Joan Carney

Paranormal Romance Writer

Feel Lucky To Have Found Stacy – “Stacy is fan-flippin-tastic. Her suggestions for improvement are spot on. This was my first major self-publishing endeavor, and I feel lucky to have found Stacy.”

Kimberly G. Giarratano

Paranormal Young Adult Writer

Follow my system of book editing shortcuts

body language cues writers

Doing your own editing feels like stumbling in the dark without a flashlight. You’re so close to your own book that it’s impossible to see the flaws.

Hiring a freelance editor is a big help, but unfortunately most novels need several rounds of editing—an expensive endeavor, especially since it’s impossible to know if you’ll ever make that money back in royalties. Some freelance editors won’t even work with you until your writing has reached a certain level.

But what if taking one online writing class could make you less reliant on editors, sharpen your skills and instincts, and help you to save time and money?

In Book Editing Blueprint, your mission is to learn how to do a thorough developmental edit, line edit, and copyedit and create a solid action plan. You’ll jumpstart your book project and:

☑️ Assess your characters, plot structure, point of view, setting, descriptions, pacing, and dialogue so you’ll uncover trouble spots early in the editing process

☑️ Build your skills through powerful practice worksheets and online quizzes that train you to think like an editor

☑️ Identify weaknesses with line editing and copyediting so you can make your prose sparkle and look professional

☑️ Prepare a detailed editorial report outlining your book’s strengths, flaws, and potential solutions for the problems so you’ll know exactly what needs to be done

☑️ Gain access to a 26-page self-editing checklist that breaks down step-by-step which order to tackle your revisions in and prevents you from overlooking big problems and small details

☑️ Determine what types of editors you will need to hire and how to know when you’re ready

 

self editing workshops

This course isn’t just a bunch of articles and videos strung together. 

It’s a proven system that outlines what every fiction and creative nonfiction author should do before approaching an editor. That way when you’re ready to hire a freelance editor, you’ll get much more value for your money and receive a high level edit rather than one filled with general advice.

If you’re like most writers, you have lots of responsibilities and limited time to spend on your manuscript.

Let’s get that book finished as efficiently as possible.

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Stacy lays out everything you need

“Writing is hard. It’s a slog towards the goal of finally being able to write ‘The End.’ But it’s not the end. No one writes a perfect first draft, and sometimes staring at the pile of words is incredibly daunting. How am I supposed to mold this into a cohesive story, with twists, complex characters, and a compelling plot?

You need a roadmap. No, you need a Blueprint. Learning what to tackle first is half the battle. Stacy lays out everything you need to know about how to self-edit, because we all want to hold a polished novel in our hands. Editing is incredibly intimidating, especially if you’re new at it. Having a guide and a toolkit makes it feel possible.” Lena Johnson

 

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Makes editing simple

“This is a clear, step-by-step editing guide for authors. I’m a checklist person, and this course has been a real boon for me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” Marsha Hinton

 

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Best thing I have done for my writing career

Before taking this course, it was confusing, I knew what the editors wanted, but was clueless on how to give it to them. This course was the big lightbulb moment.

This was broken into easy-to-follow units that were clear and concise. I liked EVERYTHING!!! But mostly it taught me just how much I didn’t know, that I thought I did. I wish I took this course a year before my first submission. I might be at my dream publishing company. This course is the best thing I have done for my writing career.” Zerry Greenwood

Here’s what’s waiting for you inside of Book Editing Blueprint.

Week 1

Lessons:

  • Thematic Statement
  • Character Arcs
  • Antagonists
  • Supporting Characters

Workbook Action Steps:

☑️ Determine whether your protagonist’s character arc is strong enough 

☑️ Evaluate whether you have worthy antagonists

☑️ Make sure your supporting characters are doing their job

editing book structure
Week 2

Lessons:

  • Three-Act Structure
  • Time Elements

Workbook Action Steps: 

☑️ Analyze your plot structure 

☑️ Assess your story’s timeline and other time-related elements 

☑️ Make sure your story builds toward a powerful climax that will keep readers glued to the page

point of view for writers
Week 3

Lessons:

  • Point of View
  • Third Person
  • First Person
  • Omniscient and Second Person

Practice:

  • POV Quiz
  • Third-Person Editing Practice Worksheet
  • First-Person Editing Practice Worksheet

Workbook Action Step: 

☑️ Evaluate whether you’re falling into common POV traps for whichever style you’re using

☑️ Experiment with techniques to get deeper into your narrator’s voice and make your viewpoint characters come alive 

show don't tell tips
Week 4

Lessons: 

  • Description
  • Backstory
  • Nonverbal Communication

Demos:

  • Microsoft Word Find Tutorial
  • Google Docs Find Tutorial

Resources:

  • Field Trip Article
  • Free Way to Find Experts

Practice:

  • Show Don’t Tell Quiz

Workbook Action Steps: 

☑️ Evaluate your style of writing descriptions

☑️ Identify where you have too much backstory or not enough

☑️ Determine whether you have been doing enough research to make your story feel authentic 

☑️ Hone in on elements of nonverbal communication 

☑️ Hunt for common overused words using your writing software

dialogue tips for writers
Week 5

Lessons:

  • Basic Dialogue
  • Advanced Dialogue
  • Dialect And Internal Monologue

Practice:

  • Dialogue Quiz 
  • Dialogue Editing Worksheet

Workbook Action Steps:

☑️ Assess your dialogue for common pitfalls 

☑️ Review your use of slang and dialect to make sure your characters’ voices ring true

☑️ Assess your use of internal thought 

pacing tips for novelists
Week 6

Lessons: 

  • Purpose
  • Tension and Bonus Prologue
  • Chapter Endings

Practice: Pacing Quiz

Workbook Action Steps:

☑️ Identify “padding” in your manuscript 

☑️ Evaluate the tension to make sure you have a good balance 

☑️ If you have a prologue, determine whether it’s necessary

☑️ Check the effectiveness of your chapter endings 

line editing tips for authors
Week 7

Lessons:

  • What is Line Editing?
  • Word Choice
  • Wordiness
  • Style & Clarity 
  • Line Editing Recap 

Resources:

  • Overused Words Cheat Sheet
  • Line Editing Checklist

Practice:

  • Line Editing Practice Worksheet

Workbook Action Steps:

☑️ Evaluate your work for boring words, passive words, vague words,  rambling sentences, and much more

☑️ Check for issues that might be interrupting the flow and clarity  

copyediting tips for writers
Week 8

Lessons:

  • What is Copyediting?
  • Spell and Grammar Checks
  • Tricky Words and Phrases
  • Common Grammar Mishaps
  • The 4 Cs of Copyediting

Demos: 

  • Microsoft Word Spell and Grammar Check Tutorial
  • Google Docs Spell and Grammar Check Tutorial
  • Demo of Grammarly Free Version
  • Demo of ProWritingAid Paid Version
  • Bonus workshop on copyright with law professor Alina Boyte

Resources:

  • Copyediting Tools and Resources Guide
  • Tricky Words Quick Tips Cheat Sheet
  • Copyediting Checklist

Practice:

  • Tricky Words Quiz 
  • Grammar and Punctuation Quiz
  • 4 Cs of Copyediting Quiz

Workbook Action Steps: 

☑️ Run spell and grammar checks with multiple types of software to start cleaning up your writing

☑️ Determine which tricky words and phrases are your weaknesses

☑️ Check your manuscript for the most common grammar issues so you’ll know your problem areas

☑️ Evaluate your story for consistency, continuity, correctness, and copyright issues

☑️ Assess how much professional copyediting help you might need

how to hire fiction editors
Week 9

Lessons:

  • What You Should Know About Hiring Editors
  • Microsoft Word and Google Docs Track Changes Tutorials
  • What You Should Know About Proofreading

Resource:

  • Proofreading Checklist

Workbook Action Steps:

☑️ Start planning when you might be ready to hire an editor, where you should look for editors, and which types you will need 

☑️ Consider whether to work with beta readers and/or critique partners and where to look for them 

☑️ Make a plan for proofreading your manuscript

editing classes for novelists
Week 10

Resources:

  • Putting It All Together Examples
  • Books Excerpted in This Course
  • Your Book Editing Blueprint (26-page checklist)

Workbook Action Steps:

☑️ Read through your self-editing checklist and start editing when you’re ready  

resources for writers
At your fingertips

Inside this extensive library, you’ll find resources including:

☑️ Workbook

☑️ Transcripts

☑️ Line Editing Cheat Sheets

☑️ Overused Words Cheat Sheet

☑️ Tricky Words Cheat Sheet

☑️ Copyediting Checklist

☑️ Proofreading Checklist

☑️ Copyediting Tools and Resources Guide

☑️ Links to helpful blog posts 

Since this is a self-paced course with lifetime access, you can take as much time as you want to go through it.

Some students finish in a couple of weeks and others take several months. Many Blueprinters set a goal of finishing one module per week.

You didn’t think we were done, did you? How would you like to get your hands on these bonuses?

#1. Two editorial letters from a major New York publisher – That’s right! I’m sharing the editorial letters that launched my writing career. We’re talking 14 pages, single-spaced, from the editorial director of a major publishing house. Following the advice led to a $5,000 advance against royalties.

#2. Copyright for Authors workshop recording – Law professor Alina Boyte fields questions from writers on all sorts of copyright issues, including piracy, fair use, how to prove your ownership of a work, and more in this one-hour workshop.   

#3. How to Apply Creative Techniques to Your Nonfiction Book – If you’re writing a memoir or essays, you’re dealing with “characters” and setting. This bonus lesson draws upon my decades of journalism experience to show you how to apply the Book Editing Blueprint curriculum to your creative nonfiction project.

editing a book tips
copyright for authors

#4. The Read Like an Editor 10-Book Challenge – In this printable workbook, you’ll find enough guided worksheets to analyze 10 books so that you can practice your critique skills. You’ll also get a bookmark to remind you of Book Editing Blueprint principles.

#5. Foil the Frustration bonus lesson – I know all of this editing and publishing stuff can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m also throwing in some tips to help you foil the frustration. It includes the checklists 13 Ways to Motivate Yourself Through Your Rewrites and 10 Tips to Persevere As A Writer.

Plus, if you pay in full and buy before the timer runs out, you’ll also get these exclusive VIP bonuses!

Fb ad mockup

Facebook Beginner Ads Course – Learn how to set up your business account, how the ad system in Facebook is structured, and how to create ads, duplicate ads, and update ads in this amazing 2-hour+ workshop from Malorie and Jill Cooper of The Writing Wives. They will also walk you through how to tell if an ad is working well and shut down ones that aren’t. $50 value

Book Publicity Secrets You’ll get access to a recording of a 90-minute workshop with Mayah Riaz, a celebrity manager who provides PR-to-the-stars. She is on speed dial to many household names from the world of business, TV, showbiz and even royalty. $197 value

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emma dhesi

Find the Heart of Your Scene – In this recorded workshop, book coach Emma Dhesi will guide you through each stage of a scene from start to finish. You can use these tips when you are creating the first  draft or plotting your novel. $97 value.

13 Steps to Realizing Your Published Author Dream – Do you want to become a published author but haven’t yet realized that dream? This recorded workshop from book publishing coach Ann C.K. Nickell will inspire you and help you define your “why,” recognize the obstacles in your way, beat writer’s block, and finally claim the title of Published Author. $47 value

Published Author
Jessica Haines Mockup

Sell More Books Workbook – This 15-page workbook from Jessica Haines Design gives an overview of the top updates to make on your website to sell more books. Jessica has suggestions on colors, fonts, images, language, and other tips for connecting with your target reader. $47 value

Mindset Reset For Authors – Write your book with confidence, embrace your true worth, and achieve your untapped potential by going through this email course from Dr. Emee Vida Estacio, a psychologist who works with authors. £397 value ($400+) 

Mindset reset

And one final limited time bonus: $100 off

$497

$397

Blue bonus package

What you’ll get inside of Book Editing Blueprint if you enroll before the timer runs out

Course Content: Ten modules that outline each part of the Book Editing Blueprint framework  – ($997 value)

☑️ 233 transcript pages that you can download and refer to again and again

☑️ 28 short videos including overviews of each concept and demos of editing features in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, ProWritingAid, and Grammarly

☑️ Quizzes on point of view; show don’t tell; dialogue; pacing; tricky words; and the 4 Cs of Copyediting

☑️ 79-page workbook to help you evaluate your manuscript and hone your editorial eye

☑️ 26-page self-editing checklist to use for every manuscript you write, so you don’t overlook a thing

☑️ Resource library featuring

  • Line Editing Cheat Sheets
  • Overused Words Cheat Sheet
  • Tricky Words Cheat Sheet
  • Copyediting Checklist
  • Proofreading Checklist
  • Copyediting Tools and Resources Guide
  • Links to helpful blog posts and videos

Regular Bonuses: Plus you’ll get access to these extras as the icing on the cake! 

☑️ Two editorial letters from a major New York publisher (Value for me was a $5,000 advance!)

☑️ Copyright for Authors workshop recording ($247 value)

☑️ Bonus lessons: How to Apply Creative Techniques to Your Nonfiction Book; and Foil the Frustration ($47 value)

☑️ Read Like an Editor 10-Book Challenge ($37 value)

Bonus package vip

Limited Time Bonuses: The clock is ticking!

⏲️ Facebook Basic Ads course ($50 value)

⏲️ Book Publicity Secrets recording ($197 value)

⏲️ Find the Heart of Your Scene workshop ($97 value)

⏲️ 13 Steps to Realizing Your Published Author Dream workshop ($47 value)

⏲️ Sell More Books Workbook ($47 value)

⏲️ Mindset Reset For Authors £397 value (Approximately $479) 

⏲️ $100 off discount

Get lifetime access with a one-time payment of:

$497

$397

When I say that following the Book Editing Blueprint framework will transform your editing abilities, I’m not exaggerating.

After 10+ modules of hanging out with me, evaluating your manuscript or story idea, and studying all things editing, you’re going to notice a shift in your skills. Authors all over the world have gone through the program, learned how to streamline the editing process, and written books they are incredibly proud of.

But if you’re still uneasy about the investment, rest assured that Book Editing Blueprint comes with a 100% unconditional money-back guarantee, so your purchase is risk-free.

book editing course

You're protected by the Blueprinters' Transform Your Novel, No-Hassle Guarantee

We promise that if you do the work and follow the blueprint system, your writing and editing skills will improve. There’s a good reason my clients and students call me generous, professional, enthusiastic, and insightful. I put tons of time and effort into creating my courses and stand behind everything I teach.

I’ve had a passion for writing and reading my whole life, and I love working with kindred spirits who have stories to tell. I want to help you tell the stories burning inside you and get you closer to your goals. I truly believe Book Editing Blueprint can make a big impact on your writing journey, and I guarantee that it is a high-quality course.

Ask for a refund within 7 days if you don’t think the course is everything I promised, let us know why it didn’t meet your expectations, and we will grant your request. (Just don’t be one of those people who enroll knowing they are going to ask for a refund once they’ve downloaded everything, okay? We can see that on our end.)

writing course comparison
Book Editing Blueprint benefits
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Invaluable

“Stacy’s class has been invaluable! There were things I already knew, but she offered a few new ways to look at those things.  It was like a fresh set of eyes that I was privy to! Of course, there was a wealth of new information and resources that exceeded my expectations. I do not regret the investment and plan to use it for every book I write.

Before I took the course, my editing was disjointed—like throwing all my know-how at a wall and seeing what sticks. I love a good map. The lessons were great, but that checklist! After writing I can get frazzled, and it’s like having my pre-frazzled brain’s plan.” Sydney Patton

courses for writers recommendations
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there is a lot more I can do as a writer

“Before taking the course, I felt like I only had half of the information and my manuscript showed it. What I liked best was how well she explains it. How often the ‘duh’ effect struck me, and I can see why. I learned there is a lot more I can do as a writer. That it’s my story and I am the responsible party.” Doree Anderson

Embark On The Path

Is your dream to land an agent and publisher?

Or, do you want to indie publish, but fear bad reviews?

Save Time & Money

Do book editing prices make your heart race?

Are you uneasy about investing thousands in a book that might not sell?

Get A Clear Action Plan

Does your story have flaws you don’t know how to fix?

Do you suspect it has weaknesses you’ve missed?

 

workshops for writers

Still Have Questions? I Have Answers.

Q. If I take this course, does this mean I won’t need to hire a freelance editor and my book will be ready to submit to agents or self-publish?

A. Book Editing Blueprint is designed to help you cut down on editing expenses, not eliminate them. By taking this course and doing the work, you will have a great foundation in self-editing. You can do the earlier rounds on your own and ultimately submit a much stronger manuscript to your freelance editor. Then the editor can help you to put it over the edge rather than send you an overwhelming letter outlining a bunch of flaws you could have caught yourself.  

I don’t recommend publishing a book without getting professional editorial feedback, even if you’ve taken the course.

Q. Can’t I just hire you as an editor without taking the course?

A. Yes, but I charge a higher price for new clients who haven’t taken the course unless they are established authors. Book Editing Blueprint students receive a steep discount. You can see my rates here.  I wish I’d had this course when I was starting out as a writer, and even now I use the blueprint when revising my own books. My years of working as an editor inspired me to create this course as nearly all my clients could have saved time and money if they’d had this baseline training.

If we worked together, I’d tell you the same stuff anyway, except it would be crammed into a long editorial letter. Trust me, you would be overwhelmed. That’s what made me create this class as I don’t like overwhelming my clients. Short video tutorials, written lectures, examples, quizzes, and practice exercises are a much more efficient way for you to master these concepts, and the worksheets will help you apply them to your manuscript. Then you’ll be in a much better position to work with an editor, either me or someone else. 

Note: If you enroll in the class, I can’t guarantee taking you on as a client as at certain times I’m booked or closed to submissions. You’re welcome to check in with me, but please be assured that having this course under your belt will help you when working with any developmental editor.

Q. I'd love to take the course but I haven’t started writing my novel. I don't even know if I am capable of writing a novel. Should I wait to get this class till I have a finished rough draft?

A. If you’re in the early stages of writing a story, Book Editing Blueprint will teach you to put all the foundational pieces in place from the very beginning. You’ll learn how to develop your theme, flesh out your characters, craft your plot, maximize each scene, and improve your writing technique.

While the final blueprint is geared toward editing a book, the lessons are applicable regardless of what stage the project is in. If you’re still writing your first draft, the course will give you valuable tools to keep you on the right track. Get a solid foundation now, and then come back and review once you finish your draft.

If you’re starting from scratch, in a way you’re lucky because you’ll be able to avoid the mistakes a lot of people make. By catching weaknesses early, you’ll save time on rewrites later. Wherever you are in the process, the course will give you the solid foundation that your novel needs. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a book and fear you don’t have what it takes, that’s perfectly normal. That’s why I’m going to teach you these concepts step by step and give you the tools to work through the overwhelm.

Q. Will this course teach me grammar and punctuation rules?

A. Not in depth. It will give you a broad overview. This class focuses on developmental big picture concepts such as plot, characterization, and point of view; scene level tips such as improving dialogue, description, and pacing; and line editing tips like word choice, style, and conciseness.

We discuss the most common grammar and punctuation mistakes, and I’ll share the best resources I’ve found for cleaning up your manuscript, but delving too much into it would be overwhelming. Copyediting could be a whole separate course, and it’s best taught by a copyeditor. (which I am not.)

As a novelist, your priority should be on writing an evocative, compelling story with a strong backbone. Once you’ve done that, you can focus on fixing the nitty gritty grammar and punctuation. If you focus on those errors too soon, before you rewrite and revise, then your copyedits could become obsolete.

My goal with the copyediting segment is to give you some tips and help you to evaluate your skills in this area. Some writers have a strong grasp of grammar and can manage without a copyeditor and/or proofreader if they have a good developmental editor and eagle-eyed beta readers. Many writers, however, have trouble with grammar and punctuation, and no class or self-study will replace their need for a good copyeditor and proofreader—at least not for their first few books. This class may save them some money though if they can find basic mistakes themselves and submit a cleaner manuscript to the copyeditor.

Q. How is this course any better than reading books and articles about writing and editing?

A. You could take the time-consuming DIY approach and gather information from different resources, or you can cut through the clutter and let me tell you exactly what you need to know and how to apply it to your book. Not only that, you’ll also get a proven system to follow.

Books about writing, articles, podcasts, and YouTube videos can give you helpful hints (and hey, I write articles, give advice on podcasts, and create informative YouTube videos myself!) but if you want to transform your manuscript and escalate your writing to a higher level, you need to learn how to apply what you know. That’s what Book Editing Blueprint will do for you. It’s full of tips, examples, and activities that will equip you and inspire you to apply the concepts to every aspect of your novel. I’ve had many clients who tried to learn on their own before hiring an editor, but they still had trouble recognizing weaknesses in their own work and needed multiple rounds of editing. 

As one of my students said, “Hearing your voice creates a teacher-student relationship that I don’t get out of books. It was more like being in the classroom. Everybody has a preferred style of learning—voice, text, or graphics. You had video, text, recaps, bullet items, tests that you can take over as great extra reinforcement . . . I think the way you’ve done it will help the material stay with students. They can print it out and save it for reference, but the goal is to learn and absorb.”

The hints you gain from books, articles, podcasts, and videos will be much more useful once your writing and editing skills have reached a certain level. 

Q. With 10 modules, are you sure I won’t get confused or more overwhelmed?

A. You would get much more overwhelmed if an editor tried to condense all this advice into one letter. I know what an editorial letter looks like. I’ve received some as a writer, and I’ve written a couple hundred of them as an editor. An editorial letter will have a paragraph or two on each weakness, such as Show Don’t Tell. The editor will give you a couple examples, but there is only so much detail we can go into in a letter and in your manuscript’s margins. Then we’ll tell you to read a bunch of writing books and articles when all you want to do is fix your story, not wade through a stack of textbooks.

That’s why I created this course. I knew there had to be a better way to help writers, and once I discovered the world of online courses, I found the answer. 

My 20+ years working as a newspaper reporter, publicist, and health writer taught me how to break down complex information into an engaging, easy-to-digest format. I’ve been hired to write medical articles about surgeries and cutting-edge new treatments as the editors often tell me, “This is really involved, but you always make it so easy to understand.” Plus, I’m married to a high school teacher who has given me lots of insight on teaching strategies. I’ve deliberately made the lessons short and simple to follow.  

You’re not going to tackle everything all at once. You’re going to follow a step-by-step implementation plan, rack up small wins, and gradually get all the tools you need to skyrocket your manuscript to a higher level. You’ll want to keep going as you’ll see the progress you’re making. 

Editing becomes much less intimidating when you know exactly what you need to be doing to get results without any wasted effort. Maybe you’ll even grow to love editing like I do, and this course will set you down the road to becoming an editor!

Q. What happens after I click 'buy'? How will I get the materials? Is there any feedback or group coaching?

A.  You will receive login information to the private classroom which you can access on any device that’s connected to the Internet. The lessons are available 24/7 on any device, so you can access it anywhere that’s convenient.  

Once you register, you’ll be able to use this resource over and over and will receive any future updates. Although manuscript feedback isn’t offered as part of the course, you’ll have an opportunity to upgrade and add on a mini critique if you wish.

To keep the price of the course more affordable, there isn’t a group coaching component at this time. However, I’m developing a membership program that would be available for an additional fee, and Book Editing Blueprint students will get the chance to join as founding members at the lowest price it will ever be. Stay tuned for details!   

Q. Can I share the materials in this course with my writer friends or clients?

A. You’re welcome to share a link where they can buy the course. You can even join the affiliate program and get a commission on sales. However, you may not share any material from Book Editing Blueprint with anyone else who has not yet purchased it. You can read the full Terms & Conditions here.

By downloading, printing, or otherwise using our products or content for personal use, you in no way assume any ownership rights of the content—it is still company property. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of any materials found in the program or content shall constitute infringement.

Get your hands on this book editing “life saver.”

body language cues writers

Course Content: Ten modules that outline each part of the Book Editing Blueprint framework  – ($997 value)

☑️ 233 transcript pages that you can download and refer to again and again

☑️ 28 short videos including overviews of each concept and demos of editing features in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, ProWritingAid, and Grammarly

☑️ Quizzes on point of view; show don’t tell; dialogue; pacing; tricky words; and the 4 Cs of Copyediting

☑️ 79-page workbook to help you evaluate your manuscript and hone your editorial eye

☑️ 26-page self-editing checklist to use for every manuscript you write, so you don’t overlook a thing

☑️ Resource library featuring

  • Line Editing Cheat Sheets
  • Overused Words Cheat Sheet
  • Tricky Words Cheat Sheet
  • Copyediting Checklist
  • Proofreading Checklist
  • Copyediting Tools and Resources Guide
  • Links to helpful blog posts and videos

Regular Bonuses: Plus you’ll get access to these extras as the icing on the cake! 

☑️ Two editorial letters from a major New York publisher (Value for me was a $5,000 advance!)

☑️ Copyright for Authors workshop recording ($247 value)

☑️ Bonus lessons: How to Apply Creative Techniques to Your Nonfiction Book; and Foil the Frustration ($47 value)

☑️ Read Like an Editor 10-Book Challenge ($37 value)

Bonus package vip

Limited Time Bonuses: The clock is ticking!

⏲️ Facebook Basic Ads course ($50 value)

⏲️ Book Publicity Secrets recording ($197 value)

⏲️ Find the Heart of Your Scene workshop ($97 value)

⏲️ 13 Steps to Realizing Your Published Author Dream workshop ($47 value)

⏲️ Sell More Books Workbook ($47 value)

⏲️ Mindset Reset For Authors £397 value (Approximately $479) 

⏲️ $100 off discount

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Learned a lot

“Great lesson plan for beginners and pros who want to improve their writing and editing. I felt I learned a lot of super good knowledge by taking this course.” Angela Lambkin

 

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Gave Me Confidence

“I loved your course. I was constantly second-guessing myself when I did edits on the first book, but after your courses and quizzes, it gave me so much more confidence in my editing skills!” Ashley Kubasek 

 

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HAS HELPED SO MUCH

“This is now part of my craft toolkit! I absolutely love this blueprint. It has helped me so much as I worked through my edits and rewrites. The blueprint takes me through each of the different editing passes and what I need to look out for. I particularly appreciated the tips on how to search words I use too frequently and how to move from passive to active voice. I think all authors should have this as part of their business.” Emma Dhesi

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GUIDE TO EDITING YOUR OWN WRITING

“This course by Stacy Juba covers many facets of self-editing for a writer. She discusses a wide variety of topics related to mistakes writers make. In addition, there are videos and exercises to practice the content. I found this helpful for improving my own novel. I recommend this course for beginning writers, and those who have some experience but want to take their writing to the next level.” Roberta Shepherd

Start finding things to fix today!

If you’ve read this far, then a voice inside you may be whispering that you need to find a better way. You can continue with your current approach, and a year from now, still be struggling with the same manuscript or the same types of storytelling and line editing mistakes.

Or you can get my cheat sheets, checklists, worksheets, bonuses, and core Book Editing Blueprint framework so that you can reach the finish line faster with a method you can rinse and repeat for each book you write. Join me inside Book Editing Blueprint and let’s simplify the editing process.

Disclaimer: Shortcuts for Writers doesn’t promise any specific results as a result of purchasing this training (eg – you have to put in the work) and any results, testimonials, or figures quoted on this page are not intended to imply guaranteed financial gains. I present testimonials and insights about other people’s experiences with my program for purposes of illustration only. They are not intended to represent or guarantee that current or future clients will achieve the same or similar results; rather, these testimonials represent what is possible for illustrative purposes only.

Privacy Policy: We will occasionally track your web activity on pages owned by Shortcuts for Writers and we will occasionally send you emails related to the course material. In all circumstances, your private data is kept confidential and you can unsubscribe from our emails at any time (except for transactional emails necessary to fulfill our contractual duties).

Terms & Conditions: You have 7 days starting the day after payment is received to preview the course material before your refund period expires. If you request a refund after the 7-day period, your request will be denied. Please read the full terms and conditions for this course here.

COPYRIGHT ©STACY JUBA  – PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONS 

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