Manuscript Essentials with Kate Goldsworthy

Learn how to edit and polish your manuscript for submission or publication

Are you writing a manuscript, or planning to submit a manuscript to agents, publishers, competitions or residencies? This workshop will help you at any stage of your revision process. Sort out the essentials now so your manuscript is in the best shape possible when you send it out – and so you don’t have to worry about them when your manuscript is being edited to a strict deadline.

You will learn:

  • About the main stages of the editing process
  • How to revise your work to ensure clarity and consistency
  • How to avoid common major errors (e.g. with timelines) and minor errors (e.g. with punctuating dialogue)
  • About the main elements of any trade book manuscript
  • How to use Microsoft Word track changes, style guides, dictionaries, and other resources

The course is designed to take you 4-5 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.


"A succinct introduction to the requirements necessary when submitting a manuscript for the first time. Well researched, easy to understand, and actually quite inspiring!"


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Kate Goldsworthy
Kate Goldsworthy

Kate has been working on trade books for a decade. As a freelance editor, she has worked for Allen & Unwin, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Hachette, Black Inc., Text Publishing, Transit Lounge, Affirm Press, Ventura Press and Echo Publishing. She has also worked full-time as an in-house editor at Black Inc. and Affirm Press. In 2015 and 2016 she mentored authors at Varuna. She has a diploma in Professional Writing & Editing from RMIT.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome!
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  The Editing Process
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  Avoiding Common Pitfalls
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!