Editing for Writers
Overview
This unit introduces students to the interrelated activities of writing and editing for contemporary literary industry practitioners. Students develop techniques for writing and editing as a complementary creative skillset, learning to write-as-an-editor and edit-as-a-writer. The unit focuses on non-fiction content creation across multiple modes and platforms, including First Nations and global storytelling perspectives. Students gain proficiency in fundamental writing and editing skills, showcased through portfolio-ready artefacts. Assessment outputs are designed to illustrate each student’s capacity for the creative and critical thinking that underpins professional and creative writing practice.
Requisites
02-November-2025
01-November-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Examine and evaluate industry standards for content creation across diverse audiences and publishing contexts
- Investigate and apply industry standard principles for editing
- Create and apply narrative techniques to creative content
- Review, refine and amend texts to enhance the clarity of written communication
- Clearly communicate ideas considering a range of perspectives, including indigenous and diverse cultural and social contexts
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Workshop | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Specified Activities Various | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 6.50 | 12 weeks | 78 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 5% | 1,2,3 |
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 50% | 1,3,4,5 |
| Assignment 2 | Individual | 45% | 2,3,4 |
Content
- Core editing skills
- Creating and developing ideas
- Content creation for creative and professional purposes
- Writing techniques for non-fiction
- Clear writing and communication
- Applying principles of storytelling and editing within different contexts
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.