The Self-Editing Toolkit with Vicki Bennett

Every great book is written in the rewrite—discover the self-editing tools that transform a good manuscript into one that's ready for publication.

The first draft is only the beginning. In this practical three-hour workshop, you'll learn a proven self-editing process to transform your manuscript into stronger, more engaging writing. Through guided exercises and real-world examples, we'll explore structure, pacing, point of view, dialogue, character development, showing versus telling, tightening prose, and eliminating repetition.

You'll also learn how to identify common manuscript weaknesses, edit with greater objectivity, and develop a practical editing checklist. Whether you're writing fiction, memoir or creative non-fiction, you'll leave with the confidence and tools to edit your own work more effectively.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop, you will learn to:

• Develop a practical self-editing process and understand the different stages of revision.

• Strengthen manuscript structure, pacing, character development, and narrative flow.

• Improve scenes through stronger dialogue, point of view, and emotional engagement.

• Identify and refine areas where showing is more effective than telling.

• Tighten prose by eliminating repetition, unnecessary words, and common writing weaknesses.

• Edit with greater confidence using professional techniques, checklists, and strategies they can apply to every manuscript.

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on editing and revision; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for fiction, non-fiction and memoir writers of all genres and backgrounds.

About Vicki

Vicki Bennett is an accomplished Australian author, artist, filmmaker, and writing mentor. With 36 published books to her name, she writes across genres—spanning personal development, children’s literature, young adult, and adult fiction. Her titles include I’ve Found the Keys, Now Where’s the Car?, The Effective Leader, Life Smart, Two Pennies, The Little Stowaway, The Promise, The Book of Hope – Antidote to Anxiety, The Flying Angel, Charlie’s War, and The Letters. Vicki co-wrote and co-produced the acclaimed documentary Never Forget Australia, bringing stories of courage and connection to the screen.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info