🏫 workshop

How to Edit Your Fiction Novel like a Pro

Taught by Lauren Kay & Big 5 Editor Ruqayyah Daud!

You’ve written an amazing book .. now how do you edit it to attract the attention of literary agents?

This workshop will equip you with strategies to perform big-picture developmental edits on your manuscript. Ruqayyah Daud, Little Brown editor of best-selling books (including current #1 NYT Bestseller IMMORTAL DARK) and Lauren Kay will guide you through expert editing techniques to help you refine your story and prepare it for agent submission.

LOCATION: ZOOM

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How to shift perspectives from writer to editor and evaluate your own manuscript through an editorial lens.

How to identify and address structural weaknesses in your manuscript, from plot holes to pacing issues.

Proven strategies (with examples!) for sharpening your characters, dialogue, arcs, and stakes for a more cohesive, readable narrative.

By the end of this workshop, you'll Know…

& You’ll Leave the Class with a Free Copy of our novel Editing Workbook

Meet Your Teachers

Hi, I’m Lauren

Hi, I’m Lauren. I’m a Young Adult Author, creator, and Entrepreneur.

When I first embarked on my writing journey, the process of editing my own work seemed daunting, and I struggled with knowing where to start.

My growth as a writer—leading to my published novel with HarperCollins—was significantly shaped by the invaluable feedback I received from my book coach, agent, and editor. Now that I have the opportunity to lead a stellar team of developmental editors, I've realized there is a systematic approach to transform manuscripts from their initial drafts to a polished, publisher-ready state.

My mission is to empower fellow writers, offering guidance to help you navigate the often overwhelming and opaque path to success in the publishing industry.

Hey, I’m Ruqayyah

And I’m Ruqayyah. I’m an editor at Little Brown and a developmental editor at Lauren Kay Writes.

I have worked with bestselling authors such as Holly Black, Peter Brown, and Grace Lin. For my own list, I acquired and edited the #1 New York Times bestselller Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma and the acclaimed As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh, which was a B&N Short List Pick.

In addition to my time at Little Brown, I love working as a developmental editor with aspiring authors. When I work with new writers, my goal is to help them elevate their manuscripts and craft stories that truly stand out to both agents and publishers.

I firmly believe that editing is not about stripping away what makes your story unique—it's about amplifying its strengths and shoring up any weak spots. Whether it’s improving your narrative structure, deepening character arcs, or tightening your prose, the right guidance can transform a good story into a great one. And it’s an immense privilege to get to help writers level up their manuscripts and follow along from the very starts of their publishing journeys.