From Imagination to Publication: The Art of Writing & Editing

From First Draft to Final Polish Two Expert Editors. Two Workshops. One Opportunity to Elevate Your Writing! Presented by the Gold Coast Writers Association Have you written a story but aren't sure how to take it to the next level? Perhaps your manuscript is complete, but you're wondering whether it's truly ready for publication. Join the Gold Coast Writers Association for a special double workshop featuring two accomplished authors and professional editors, Phoebe Wilby and Neasa Nic Dhómhnaill, from The Celtic Muse. Discover how professional editing can transform your manuscript, strengthen your storytelling, refine your writing style and help you prepare your work for publication. Whether you're writing your first novel, polishing a manuscript or looking to improve your editing skills, this event offers valuable insights into the craft of creating compelling, publication-ready fiction. Workshop 1 – Strengthening Your Story With Neasa Nic Dhómhnaill – Developmental and Line Editor A strong manuscript begins with a well-crafted story. Explore the importance of developmental editing and learn how examining your manuscript's structure, characters, pacing, and narrative can help strengthen your fiction. Discover how to identify areas that need improvement, refine your storytelling techniques and develop a more engaging reading experience. Meet Neasa Neasa Nic Dhómhnaill is a fantasy author, professional developmental and line editor, and fiction writing tutor with The Writers' Studio, Sydney. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Practice in Creative Writing from Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, and has undertaken specialist editorial training through the Editorial Freelancers Association and Story Grid. A manager, editor and course facilitator at The Celtic Muse, Neasa is passionate about helping emerging writers develop their craft and position their work in today's competitive publishing market. Writing under the pseudonym Nyssa Baschel, she specialises in fantasy, science fiction and historical fiction. Workshop 2 – Polishing Your Manuscript With Phoebe Wilby – Line Editor, Copy Editor and Proofreader Great storytelling deserves great presentation. Discover the importance of line editing, copy editing and proofreading, and how these different stages of the editorial process contribute to a professional manuscript. Explore ways to improve clarity, consistency, sentence flow and readability while preserving your unique authorial voice. Meet Phoebe Phoebe Wilby is an award-winning author, professional line editor, copy editor and proofreader, and Managing Partner at The Celtic Muse. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Queensland University of Technology, a Diploma in Proofreading and Editing, and a certificate in Line Editing for Commercial Fiction from the Editorial Freelancers Association. Phoebe has received the Literary Achievement Award for Excellence in Fiction from the Golden Key International Honour Society, along with Titan Publishing Awards for her books Time is of the Essence and Storms. She is a member of both the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd). Why Attend? This double workshop offers writers an opportunity to better understand the editing process, including: • The difference between developmental editing, line editing, copy editing and proofreading. • How to recognise weaknesses in your manuscript. • Techniques for strengthening your storytelling and written expression. • The importance of editing before submitting or self-publishing your work. • How professional editing can help improve the quality and presentation of your manuscript. Who would benefit from attending? Aspiring authors, emerging writers, self-published authors, novelists and anyone interested in improving their creative writing and manuscript editing skills. Whether you're working on your first draft or preparing your manuscript for publication, there's something here for every writer. Two experienced professionals. Two valuable workshops. One inspiring event! Places may be limited, so secure your ticket and join us for a day dedicated to developing your writing craft. Presented by Gold Coast Writers Association Inc. Supporting, connecting and inspiring writers across the Gold Coast. GET TICKETS NOW! Limited spots available. Members and visitors are all welcome. Click here for more information on GCWA membership. Tickets will also be available at the door. EFTPOS payments are preferred. ORDER OF EVENTS • 12:00 Arrive and register • 12:30 Announcements & Member News • 12:45 Workshop 1 – Strengthening Your Story With Neasa Nic Dhómhnaill • 13:45 Afternoon Tea & Networking Break • 14:15 Workshop 2 – Polishing Your Manuscript • With Phoebe Wilby • 15:30 Close ABOUT GCWA The Gold Coast Writers’ Association is a not-for-profit association. Our mission is to encourage and support writers from all genres, age groups, and levels of experience to grow, learn, and excel in their craft. Our events offer the opportunity to connect and share with like-minded people in a relaxed environment. We invite guest speakers from all genres of writing. Speakers are encouraged to share information about their writing life, discuss their techniques, and sell their books. We encourage guest speakers to include a mini workshop for members during their presentation. Workshops are held at each event. These workshops provide informal opportunities for members and visitors to enjoy hands-on writing, listening, and reading activities in small groups. Membership offers additional advantages, including selling your books at our Saturday events, attending our member-only critique groups, and more. Follow the Gold Coast Writers’ Association Facebook page for more information. If you have any queries, please email [email protected]