Master the craft of editing & elevate your novel on your own terms.
Revision Alchemy
Consider this your creative refuge—It’s where storytellers come when their novel requires polishing or major rescuing.
Ready to revise your novel without the overwhelm?
Create an irresistible story your readers won’t be able to put down.
Do you…
✦ feel overwhelmed, not knowing where to begin with revising your lengthy manuscript?
✦ struggle to identify your own mistakes or areas of improvement because you’re too close to your own work?
✦ worry about inconsistencies or gaps in your narrative, fearing potential plot holes?
✦ doubt your own editing capabilities, fearing you might inadvertently weaken your narrative during revisions?
✦ take writing classes but find that they don’t provide practical guidance for revising a full novel?
✦ wonder if your novel will resonate with its intended audience or meet the expectations of publishers?
What if I told you there was a way to become your novel's best editor? To master the intricacies of storytelling, plot dynamics, and character development so you can not only command the revision process but refine your manuscript with confidence and precision, all while crafting compelling narratives that captivate your dream readers?
BELIEVE ME; THIS ISN’T JUST WISHFUL THINKING.
Did you know 95% of books submitted to literary agents aren’t submission-ready?
The average writer takes 10 drafts to complete their novel before it is ready to publish.
Writing is rewriting
Writing is both art and dedication. While professional editors are an amazing resource, the true magic lies in understanding your own narrative deeply. Literary agents are looking to partner with writers who have a deep understanding of craft and who can bring those skills to their future work.
You understand the need to refine your novel to make it stand out, but hiring an editor for each and every book just isn’t sustainable.
Imagine the power of opening your manuscript and adeptly revising those pages whenever you need.
What if you could be your own EXCEPTIONAL editor, enhancing your storytelling prowess, capturing readers' hearts, and building a loyal following for your writing?
Imagine what it would be like to…
✦ Dive into a dedicated editing course, intricately crafted for fiction and memoir writers, where the art of self-editing becomes second nature
✦ Enhance your manuscript by uncovering themes and hidden gems, all while refining every element, be it dialogue, plot twists, or character arcs
✦ Transition from ‘just a writer’ to ‘an adept self-editor,’ channeling the expertise of a professional editor
✦ Feel confident revising every page, paragraph, and line, ensuring that your narrative resonates deeply with readers
✦ Get help from an editor while being empowered to edit for yourself without having to hire someone every time you write something
✦ Collaborate and grow within an inclusive community of passionate authors, from contemporary middle grade writers to adult fantasy enthusiasts to memoirists, all united by the shared pursuit of crafting unforgettable stories
The 12 week self-guided program for fiction and memoir writers eager to revise their novels and master the craft of editing.
This is right for you if you’re...
✦ done pouring over writing blogs and forums, searching for 'how to self-edit a novel' and finding inconsistent advice
✦ wishing for a streamlined process to make revisions less daunting, letting you focus on storytelling and craft
✦ tired of generic editing guides that offer broad advice, yet fail to help you bring out your unique voice and essence of your story
✦ battling with the challenge of revising in a way that genuinely connects with readers, making them invested from the first page to the last
✦ disappointed with courses that offer limited personalized feedback, making you feel lost in a sea of writers without direction
✦ eager not just to edit your current draft, but also to learn the art of revising any narrative, any genre, ensuring every book you write is polished to perfection
Past students rave about not only the editorial mastery and clarity they've achieved, but also the invaluable sense of community and the confidence that comes from truly mastering their craft in this program.
PS: We've upgraded and rebranded DIY Developmental Edit, and it's now better than ever as "Revision Alchemy"! The program now offers enhanced features and benefits to help you on your journey. Plus, if you're already enrolled, you'll get access to all the new content at no extra cost.
“I have paid as much for college classes that never taught me anything as practical as this self-editing course.”
“BEST. IMPULSE. BUY. EVER! I’d been struggling to finish my novel for 3+ years when someone in an online writer’s group posted a notice for Tiffany’s free self-editing seminar. The free seminar was just a taste of what she teaches in the full course. Before it was even over, I knew I had to take the full course, and I signed up while she was still talking! Now, I have to be very careful with my finances, but I will never regret spending the price of Tiffany’s course. I have paid as much for college classes that never taught me anything as practical as this self-editing course.
I learned why earlier efforts garnered only polite and even encouraging rejection letters, but more importantly, how not to make those mistakes again. I learned a lot from the other participants in the course as well. I’ve taken a good number of writing classes, and I can say for sure that I learned just as much about writing by what Tiffany has taught me about how to edit. No matter where you are in your writing career, even if it isn’t an actual career yet, take this course!”
-Nancy Johnson
REVISION ALCHEMY IS A THREE STEP FRAMEWORK
Conceptual Revisions
✦ Macro level
✦ Goal: Define key story elements—themes, audience, tone, and narrative distance to shape your novel. These decisions will affect the entire novel.
Structural Revisions
✦ Meso level
✦ Goal: Strengthen structure, point-of-view, character arcs, worldbuilding, setting, and raise conflict and stakes in order to keep the story engaging.
Stylistic Revisions
✦ Micro level
✦ Goal: After the 'big picture' elements are in place, refine chapters and scenes, focusing on enhancing language, pacing, and voice.
By following this framework, you can approach the editing process in a systematic way, starting with macro-level decisions that could result in large-scale changes, and gradually narrowing your focus to the fine details. This way, you avoid wasting time on polishing language or scenes that might later be removed or significantly altered.
STEP ONE:
Conceptual Revisions
In this section, you’ll…
✦ Gain a comprehensive understanding of the editing process, from initial read-throughs to final polish, to ensure your manuscript is professional and engaging.
✦ Discover techniques for identifying the strengths of your writing and learn how to amplify them for maximum impact.
✦ Understand the expectations of your target readers and the norms of your chosen genre to tailor your work for greater appeal and resonance.
✦ Master the elements of tone and mood to create a compelling atmosphere that captures readers from the first page to the last.
✦ Learn how to skillfully manipulate narrative distance to create intimacy or detachment, guiding your reader’s emotional experience throughout the story.
STEP TWO:
Structural Revisions
In this section, you’ll…
✦ Master the intricacies of plot and structure in order to create an engaging arc and avoid the dreaded sagging middle syndrome.
✦ Learn how to develop dynamic characters who evolve throughout the story, making for a more emotionally impactful narrative.
✦ Understand the advantages and limitations of first, second, and third person point of view to choose the best lens for your story.
✦ Explore the art of worldbuilding to develop settings that are as vivid as your characters, creating rich and believable worlds that serve your story.
✦ Understand the mechanics of conflict and stakes to keep your readers glued to every page.
STEP THREE:
Stylistic Revisions
In this section, you’ll…
✦ Learn the elements that make up a well-crafted scene and chapter, including how to introduce it, develop it, and exit it gracefully.
✦ Master the art of showing and telling, as well as how and when to use each in order to dramatize action and emotion.
✦ Explore techniques for managing the speed and rhythm of your story to maintain reader interest, and learn how to build suspense and tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
✦ Learn how to find and refine your authorial voice, as well as how to craft distinct and believable voices for your characters, enhancing reader immersion.
MODULES & LESSONS
BEST PRACTICES &
MINING YOUR TEXT
LESSON ONE:
AUDIENCE & GENRE CONVENTIONS
LESSON TWO:
LESSON THREE:
ESTABLISHING
TONE & MOOD
LESSON FOUR:
FINE-TUINING NARRATIVE DISTANCE
LESSON FIVE:
AMENDING PLOT
& STRUCTURE
CALIBRATING CHARACTER ARCS & POINT OF VIEW
LESSON SIX:
REFINING WORLDBUILDING & SETTING
LESSON SEVEN:
RAISING CONFLICT
& STAKES
LESSON EIGHT:
CRAFTING A SCENE
& A CHAPTER
LESSON NINE:
BALANCING SHOWING & TELLING
LESSON TEN:
REGULATING PACING & TENSION
LESSON ELEVEN:
HONING AUTHORIAL VOICE & CHARACTER VOICE
LESSON TWELVE:
What’s included
with Revision Alchemy
Everything you need to master the art of self-editing without feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the revision process.
12 Self-guided Modules
Each module was created to walk you through each step of self-editing your novel and keep you organized. They’ll be released weekly so that you don’t get overwhelmed, but you’ll be able to complete them at your own pace.
Bonus Modules
✦ “The Business of Agenting.” Unlock the mysteries of the literary agent world with this exclusive bonus session! Hannah Van Vels Ausbury, a seasoned literary agent, pulls back the curtain to reveal the ins and outs of the agenting business.
✦ “How to Perfect Your Query Letter Workshop,” designed to take the guesswork out of querying. You’ll learn: the essential components of an effective query letter, common mistakes to avoid, and more.
Resource Library
Access to a library of curated resources to help you on your editing journey. Tools, worksheets, revision trackers, playlists, and more.
Guided Lessons & Examples
We know revisions can feel intimidating. That’s why every ounce of this course is guided with examples!
Private Slack Community
You’ll receive exclusive access to our private Slack community, where you can collaborate with fellow writers, share resources, and get personalized guidance on your self-editing journey.
Group Q&A Calls
Every first Thursday of the month, we have themed calls where we tackle a new topic, you can ask me questions, share your progress, and build connections with other writers.
Future themes:
-Exploring responsible representation, avoiding cultural appropriation, and creating diversity in your writing with sensitivity
-Sensory resonance: crafting descriptions that stick
-Master the art of realistic and engaging dialogue
-Exploring unconventional storytelling techniques
-Crafting emotionally resonant scenes
You’ll also receive access to past calls, so that no matter when you join, you don’t miss the past themes. These calls have no end date.
Outline Template & Sample Outlines
This invaluable resource streamlines the outlining process, ensuring that you perfect your plot and structure before moving on to other stages of revision. Plus access to sample outlines so that you can see it in action. Plus, receive personalized feedback on your outline. My clients have mentioned how wildly helpful this has been!
Workbooks & Homework
This course includes interactive workbooks and targeted homework assignments designed to reinforce key concepts and provide practical, hands-on experience in self-editing.
“I spent years spinning my wheels and churning out interesting scenes that never gelled into a cohesive novel. Now I know how to write with a purpose.”
“I absolutely recommend Revision Alchemy for any writer who wants to take their work to the next level. This course taught me to critically examine my novel and correctly identify the pieces I needed to strengthen to make my story better. I have taken dozens of writing classes before signing up for Revision Alchemy, and didn’t learn even a fraction of the content in a single one of them. I spent years spinning my wheels and churning out interesting scenes that never gelled into a cohesive novel. Now I know how to write with a purpose.
An unexpected bonus has been the people I have gotten to know through the Slack group. It is so comforting to have a place where I can turn when I have questions or a problem, and know that the other people in the group will happily lend a hand with advice I can trust. And it has also been lovely to form friendships with people who are just as passionate about their writing as I am about mine. I am so glad I signed up for Revision Alchemy. It’s a choice I would make again and again.
-Kali Hinkle
We understand that committing to a course is a significant decision, both in terms of time and financial investment. That's why we've designed our self-editing course to be flexible and accessible, with a curriculum that caters to writers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned authors.
The course is structured to provide a thorough yet manageable roadmap for improving your editing skills, without overwhelming you.
Not tech-savvy? Our straightforward online platform and dedicated customer support make navigation a breeze.
Plus, you'll gain access to a private Slack community for ongoing support, resources, and collaboration with fellow writers, maximizing the value you get from this course.
We're committed to your success in mastering the art of self-editing, whether you’re on your first draft or your twelfth draft.
PAY IN FULL OR PAY OVER 12 MONTHS
*Lifetime access & ongoing support for both Pay in Full and Payment Plan
*Lifetime access & ongoing support for both Pay in Full and Payment Plan
NEW PAYMENT OPTION!
*Access to the content & community while subscription is active.
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MEET YOUR COACH
Hi, I’m Tiffany Grimes
Pronouns: she/they
Revision is, hands down, the most valuable skill you can have as a writer.
And, although you don’t have to be a professional editor to get it done, you might enjoy the help of one.
I’ve worked with hundreds of writers just like you over the past decade on genres from middle grade fantasy to adult memoir. My writers have gone on to land their dream literary agents, receive full and partial requests on their manuscripts, and self-publish with confidence.
Now I’ve packaged my proven process to help you revise your own book. I’m here to show you how to be your own exceptional editor, enhance your storytelling prowess, capture readers’ hearts, and build a loyal following for your writing!
Lingering Questions About Revision Alchemy?
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Not at all! Revision Alchemy is designed to meet you at any stage in your writing journey. Our materials are rich and layered, allowing you to glean new insights every time you revisit them. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned writer, you'll find immense value in this transformative course experience.
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Absolutely not! In fact, some of our past students have found that taking this course actually empowered them to write a more compelling and polished first draft. Imagine how much stronger your manuscript can become with the skills you'll gain from Revision Alchemy!
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While the twelve core modules are released on a weekly basis over 12 weeks to ensure you have ample time to digest and apply what you've learned, you'll get instant access to the bonus modules. This means you can dive right into some exciting content while pacing yourself through the comprehensive curriculum. It's the perfect blend of immediate gratification and long-term mastery!
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The beauty of Revision Alchemy is its blend of structure and flexibility. While we release new, enriching modules weekly over a 12-week span to guide your learning journey, you're welcome to move at your own pace. The course is packed with insightful videos and previous Q&A sessions that you can revisit whenever you wish.
Designed with a three-month completion goal, the course also offers ongoing Q&A calls to provide consistent support at every stage of your writing journey. We suggest dedicating 3-5 hours per week to get the most out of the course, but ultimately, it's tailored to fit into your life and schedule. Dive in and transform your writing at your own pace!
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Our group calls take place on the first Thursday of each month at 5pm Pacific Time. Can't make it live? No worries! All sessions are recorded and made available, ensuring you never miss out on the valuable insights and camaraderie that come with being part of our community.
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We're thrilled you're considering joining our community! We offer two convenient payment options to make your investment in your writing journey as accessible as possible. You can opt for a one-time payment of $2,997, or you can take advantage of our monthly payment plan, which consists of 12 easy installments of $250. Whichever option you choose, you're making a valuable investment in mastering your craft.
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Absolutely, and you'd be in good company! While Revision Alchemy is designed primarily for writers, we have a diverse community that includes editors as well. The course offers a unique focus on self-editing skills, which are distinct from editing someone else's work and can provide valuable insights even for seasoned professionals like yourself.
While the course is not intended as a training program for commercial editing services, many editors find that it enriches their existing skill set. Plus, we're always evolving, and specialized courses for editors may be on the horizon!
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No worries. I have a 30 day money back guarantee so if this community doesn’t meet your expectations, I’ll give you a refund. You are required to watch at least one module before requesting a refund.
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Yes, I offer half-price discounted scholarships to members who identify with under-represented communities, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+. Please send an email to tiffany@burgeondesignandeditorial.com to inquire.
“This course has given me the confidence that I can edit a story—and write more—that have true potential to be successfully published works.”
“This course is the first writing course I’ve participated in. I’ve worked one-on-one with editors before, but this course provides the framework to look at my writing through the lens as an editor would—an invaluable skill when revising your own work.
This series of workshops has equipped me with tools to hone my voice so that it’s the story my audience will want to read. It’s also helped identify points where the stakes can be raised—a concern I’ve had when pacing is
such a crucial point to grab agent interest. This experience has reaffirmed what I’m doing right and what areas in my novel need work.
With Tiffany’s instruction and guidance, this course has given me confidence that I can edit a story—and write more—that have true potential to be successfully published works. This course is an investment in your writing and yourself.
-Alex Hughes
Go from not knowing where to start to revising with confidence.
Now’s your chance to transform your writing journey—enroll now to become your own exceptional editor, craft stories that captivate, and take the first step toward literary success.
Ever find yourself lost in a labyrinth of edits, only to realize you've polished a scene that doesn't even make the final cut?
Save time, avoid common mistakes, and elevate your writing to professional standards.
STEP 01: CONCEPTUAL REVISIONS
Begin your editing journey by diving into the fundamentals. This part of the course focuses on best practices in the industry, enabling you to set a solid foundation for your novel. You'll learn how to mine your own text for its inherent strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the course addresses audience and genre conventions, ensuring your book resonates with the readers it’s intended for. By the end of this section, you'll have a firm grasp on setting the tone and mood that keep your audience engaged from start to finish.
STEP 02: STRUCTURAL REVISIONS
The second stage shifts focus to the backbone of your story—its structure. With modules on plot development, character arcs, and point of view, this section equips you with the essential tools to craft a compelling narrative. Additional emphasis is placed on world-building and setting, allowing you to construct a vivid, believable backdrop for your tale. The course also delves into the dynamics of conflict and stakes, teaching you how to create elements that not only enhance tension but also elevate emotional impact.
STEP 03: STYLISTIC REVISIONS
Finally, refine your manuscript down to the finest details. This section teaches you the art of crafting scenes and chapters that stand out, demonstrating how to effectively balance 'showing' with 'telling.' Moreover, you'll gain insights into managing the pacing and tension of your story, ensuring maximum reader engagement. The course also offers guidance on developing a distinct authorial voice, as well as breathing life into your characters through unique character voices.