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Congrats. You're in the 3%.

81% of people think they have a book in them.
97% of those who sit down to write that book never actually finish it.

If you found your way to this page, chances are, you've finished at least the first draft of your fiction manuscript--which is a commendable thing in itself. Most people never could and probably never will!

But if you want to get published, that's not enough.

You know how to write a book, and that's great. After all, you've finished your first draft!

But now, you need to learn how to write well. Because if you want a successful long-term career as a fiction author, a first draft won't cut it.

It's time to learn the core concepts of fiction writing and apply them to your first draft.

Get ready to self-edit your book, baby!

  • $129

Self-Editing School

  • Course

Go from first draft to final draft in 3 months by mastering the 5 core concepts of fiction writing with Swati Hegde: romance author, book editor, and mindset coach.
Buy now

Contents

These 7 video modules will teach you the basics of developmental editing as well as the 5 essential concepts of fiction writing. Plus worksheets and bonus resources!

Welcome to Self-Editing School!

Here's a quick run-down of how this course is going to work, as well as some info about me, your instructor.
Important Information (don't skip this!)
Meet Your Instructor

Module 0: Basic Concepts & Terms to Know

I'll be talking about these concepts and terms extensively throughout the course, so make sure not to skip this one!
Curriculum and About Me
GMC & Rule of 3 & Word Counts, oh my!

Module 1: Plot & Pacing

This module focuses on your plot, subplots & pacing to answer a very important question: how does your story move along, and at what pace?
How to Achieve the *Right* Pacing
Plot: The 3 Types of Writers
A, B, C Plots + Worksheet Tutorial
GMC & Secondary Characters + Worksheet Tutorial
Resources/Worksheets for Module 1

Module 2: Characters, Arcs & Relationships

In this module, you'll learn to make your main AND supporting  characters well-developed so they can actively move the plot forward.
Character Growth & GMC + Worksheet Tutorial
Creating 3-Dimensional Characters + Worksheet Tutorial
Distinct Character Voices + Worksheet Tutorial
Backstory 101 & a Really Cool Dating Analogy
Resources/Worksheets for Module 2

Module 3: Worldbuilding & Setting

This module focuses on where and when the story is set, and how that can make or break your reader's experience.
The Where, When, What & Why + Worksheet Tutorial
Resources/Worksheets for Module 3

Module 4: Style & Structure

In this module, you'll learn the importance of having a distinct authorial voice and what structure your story actually needs.
What IS Style & Structure in Fiction?
The 3 Types of POV: First, Second & Third
The Two Types of Tense: Past & Present
Genre Conventions + Beat Sheets
Resources/Worksheets for Module 4

Module 5: Description & Dialogue

This module will help you write refreshing and balanced dialogue and description so you can strengthen the last 4 concepts you learned.
Basics of Dialogue & Description
Some Epic Dialogue Tips + Music Example
Avoiding White Room Syndrome + Example
Avoiding Purple Prose + Example

Module 6: Next Steps + Bonus Resources

Here are all the bonus resources available to you, as well as info on the next steps you can take depending on your publishing goals.
What Happens Now? + Closing Thoughts <3
[PDF] Jane Friedman's Key Book Publishing Paths
Useful Resources for Authors
You ROCK + Some Affirmations for You

Frequently Asked Questions

Sorry, but who ARE you?

Hi! I'm Swati Hegde, a book editor, writing coach, and romance author with Penguin Random House! My first novel Match Me If You Can released in June 2024, with Can't Help Faking in Love (February 2025), As Long as You Loathe Me (March 2026), and Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt (May 2026) to follow. Check out my social media links in the footer to know more.

What kind of self-editing is covered in this course?

This is a course designed to help you DIY your developmental edits. Self-Editing School does NOT focus on copy/line editing. If you are an indie author, I would still recommend hiring a copy/line editor or proofreader before you publish your final revised draft. If you are pursuing traditional publishing, you only need a copy/line editor after this course if your manuscript has multiple grammatical or spelling errors. Your future publisher will handle the small stuff.

What are the 5 core concepts of fiction writing I'll learn?

You're probably already acquainted with these concepts:
  1. Plot & Pacing
  2. Characters, Arcs & Relationships
  3. Worldbuilding & Setting
  4. Style & Structure
  5. Description & Dialogue
But with this course, you will learn to rewrite, revise, or edit your book by intentionally applying the "rules" and principles of these concepts.

How long will it take me to complete this course?

Although the recommended timeline to complete this course and your revisions is 3 months, this is a self-paced course, and you get immediate and lifetime access to all 7 modules.

Why can't I just hire a developmental editor instead?

You absolutely can! But if you're pursuing traditional publishing and want to sign with a literary agent, it is essential that you master the art of self-editing because traditional publishing operates under tight deadlines, and that often means DIYing a lot of your revisions.

Will I still need beta readers or critique partners?

I always recommend getting more eyes on your manuscript from trusted readers, authors, or professionals throughout the self-editing process. However, if you apply the lessons of Self-Editing School effectively, you will not need to outsource your developmental editing to a paid professional (unless you want to).

For how long do I have access to this course?

You get lifetime access to this course! Take it at your own pace or at the recommended timeline of 3 months, and come back to it whenever you have a new draft to self-edit.

Is there a refund policy? Do you guarantee results?

I am currently not offering a refund once you purchase this course.
Publishing is a subjective business, and it is up to you how you utilize this course, which is why I cannot guarantee that you will sign with an agent or become a bestselling author. However, what I can guarantee is that you'll learn all the concepts of fiction writing essential to a successful career as an author.

Ready for author success?

Scroll up and purchase the course. You'll receive more info in your inbox shortly :)