Novel Writing 3: The Rewrite

Overview

Many of us aspire to write a novel and we can carry around an idea for years without putting pen to paper, or fingers to keys! Some of us actually begin but it can be hard to maintain momentum and potentially great novels can go unfinished. Novel Writing 3: The Rewrite is the third of three courses in a novel writing series. It is not compulsory for students to have done Novel Writing 1 and 2, as long as the student has a draft of a novel they want to work on. 
 
In Novel Writing 1 and 2, students develop their ideas, work on building the world of that novel and write a first draft. In this third course, students will learn how to approach a rewrite of their draft. 
 
The Novel Writing 3 course will, first, encourage you to read through your draft and identify what is working well and what improvements might need to be made. You will then complete a 'reader's diagnosis' and then an 'editor's plan'. Through supporting exercises and tutor feedback, you will analyse the scenes in your novel and begin rewriting certain sections. The course will introduce you to a range of techniques and strategies to help you to rewrite, polish and present your novel. You will also work on writing a synopsis and a pitch for potential agents and publishers. Each unit, therefore, offers advice and encouragement and the chance to discuss problems with the tutor and group.

Programme

The online content is delivered using Video PowerPoint lectures and external video content. Activities and discussion boards will be embedded throughout the units so the tutor can provide support and trickle feedback. A number of the activities will help the students to prepare for the assignments.

• Unit 1 - The read-through. Your draft – where are you up to? Some general guidance on the re-writing process. Some guidance on the read-through process.  
• Unit 2 - Diagnosis and Plan. The reader’s diagnosis. The editor’s plan.  
• Unit 3 - Scene by scene.
• Unit 4 - Rewrite scenes.
• Unit 5 - Polish – how to polish and present your novel.
• Unit 6 - Writing a synopsis and a pitch (for agents and publishers).
• Unit 7 - More rewriting and polishing.
• Unit 8 - Conclusions and going forward.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Identify and utilise a wide range of creative techniques and strategies to edit and improve a first draft.
2. Create a synopsis of their novel.
3. Edit and improve a ‘scene’, chapter or section of their novel.
4. Begin to consider their work from the point of view of readers, agents and publishers. 

Assessments

1. An edited and polished chapter or scene from the novel: 1500 words; 70%.
2. A synopsis of the novel:  500 words; 30%.

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.