If you’ve ever emerged from the honeymoon first draft phase with a whole pile of words, a tangled mess of a plot, and several questions about your life choices — I feel you. (I used to hate editing. And now I’m an editor. So… there’s hope. I promise!)

As an editor and writing mentor, I'm often asked by writers to help them "make it less shit — both their story and the creative process. Which is exactly what I’m hoping to pass onto you in this workshop. Because editing is all about perspective. It’s not just moving the occasional comma and polishing up your prose. It’s not the boring part, where you stop being inspired and have to get all analytical and pedantic. (I mean, some of us enjoy a bit of pedantry, but that’s not the point.)

Editing may require a different approach to the first draft, but it can still be incredibly creative, experimental, exploratory and transformative. It’s where you finally solve the puzzle of your narrative. It's where you learn the most about writing. And it's where you get that satisfaction you’ve been searching for, as your story takes its final form. So I’m here to convince you that editing CAN be a joyful process. And to share some of the best ways I know to make any kind of writing less shit.

Hosted by award-winning writer, editor and creative mentor Jo Gatford. 

Bring a notebook to jot down ideas, share your thoughts and ideas in the chat, and use the Q&A section to ask any specific questions not covered in the workshop. A recording of the session will be sent to all participants afterwards, so if you can’t make it on the day or need to leave early, don’t worry. You'll also receive a 'Make it Less Shit' cheat sheet download and a discount on one-to-one mentoring sessions.

Date: Tuesday 12th May 2026, 7pm BST
Location: Online (Zoom)
Price: £25 (If cost is a barrier, please get in touch for a reduced-rate or free place,)

Tickets available here.

Queries? Contact: Jo Gatford fixioning@gmail.com