workshop

Self-Editing Masterclass: From First Draft to Final Polish

Cut the Fluff, Find the Gaps, and Transform Your Manuscript with Author Mindy McGinnis

Join multi-genre author Mindy McGinnis for a practical workshop that will equip you with actionable self-editing techniques used by professional authors. Learn to spot your blind spots, trim unnecessary words, and ensure your story actually says what you think it does.

COST: $39

You've written your draft—congratulations!

But now comes the crucial next step that separates published authors from aspiring ones: effective self-editing.

In this workshop, award-winning author Mindy McGinnis shares her battle-tested editing strategies developed across multiple novels spanning historical, fantasy, contemporary, and gothic thriller genres.

In this 60-minute workshop, you’ll learn:

  • Short-term vs. Long-term Editing Strategies – When to make quick fixes and when to step back for big-picture revisions

  • How to Combat "Manuscript Blindness" – Why your brain tricks you into missing your own mistakes (and how to outsmart it)

  • Small-Picture Editing Techniques – Practical methods to catch missing words, repetition, and sneaky typos that spell-check won't find

  • Big-Picture Revision Approaches – Ensuring your character arcs, pacing, and themes actually make it onto the page

  • Word-Count Trimming Tactics – How Mindy shaved 1,000 words from her manuscript by targeting just three unnecessary words

  • The Art of "Controlling the Visual" – Finding the perfect balance between guiding readers and overwriting

Plus, you'll identify your own "crutch words" and learn which elements of your writing might need special attention.

Meet your teacher

Mindy McGinnis is the author of multiple novels that span many genres.

From historical to fantasy, contemporary to gothic thriller, you can always count on Mindy’s books to deliver grit, truth, and an unflinching look at humanity and the world around us.

A ninth-generation farmer, Mindy attributes much of her character to growing up on an Ohio farm, learning the value of physical labor, and the harshness of the natural world early in life. Much of her writing reflects small-town living and aspects of rural poverty. A former school librarian, Mindy still lives and works in her hometown, and is dedicated to making herself available to financially disadvantaged school districts and communities.

Mindy has done multiple interviews and guest posts over the years, and has been featured on such outlets as NPR and PBS.

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