Course 1: Editing Foundations 

1) Do I need to finish my manuscript before taking this course?

Ideally, yes; a complete draft will help you get the most value. That said, you can start once you have several chapters written—especially if you want to avoid repeating the same issues throughout the book.

2) Is this course only for nonfiction?

It’s designed with first-time nonfiction authors in mind, and it also works beautifully for memoir. Many principles apply to fiction too; the examples and focus, however, lean toward nonfiction structure and clarity.

3) Will this replace hiring an editor?

Not exactly—and that’s a good thing. This course helps you improve your manuscript before professional editing, so you get more value from an editor’s time and feel much clearer about what you’re asking for.

4) How long does it take to complete?

You can move at your own pace. Some writers complete it in a few focused sessions; others work through it alongside their manuscript over a couple of weeks.

5) What if I feel overwhelmed by editing?

That’s the most common reason people take this course. You don’t need more advice; you need an order of operations. This course gives you a calm, step-by-step process so you always know what to focus on next.

6) What if I’m not confident about grammar?

You don’t need perfect grammar to edit well. The focus is on structure, clarity, flow, and a practical sequence—so you can make strong improvements without feeling like you’re back in school.

7) Do I need special tools or software?

No. You can use what you already write in (Google Docs or Word are both fine). The focus is on method, not fancy tech.

8) Is this worth it if I’m on a tight budget?

If you’re watching your spending, this course can help you avoid costly missteps—like paying for the wrong type of editing, revising in circles for months, or hiring help before your draft is ready. It’s designed to give you a process you can reuse for every chapter (and every future book).