The Art of Self-Editing Challenge
Join us September 21 to 25, 2026,
for just $47!
Challenge starts in
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From the founder of Emerald Lake Books and Publish with Purpose
Learn to spot and fix common issues in your own manuscript
Join this challenge to unlock the secrets to crafting polished, captivating prose.
Develop the skills to refine your work and impress agents, publishers and readers.
Live, 5-day Zoom challenge (11am ET). Includes lifetime access to replays.
The challenge starts on
September 21st at 11am EST.
Each day's session will be live on Zoom with the replay available in our Facebook private group.
Join for just $47!
The Challenge starts in
Years of experience in the industry
Books edited
Look, I get it. We've all been there. If you don't have the right guidance being a writer is extremely difficult.
Writing is a skill. But self-editing takes your writing to the next level. As Michael Lee puts it, "The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist."
It's hard though to edit your own work, especially if you don't really know what the rules of writing are. Most people write because they are passionate about communicating their story or idea; not because they love the mechanics of writing. Their book is simply a vehicle to communicate their ideas.
Yet what we've seen in our twelve years of publishing is there are some common writing issues that can be easily corrected with self-editing. And as a publisher, when someone submits a manuscript that they've clearly taken the time to revise and polish, it creates a positive impression of your professionalism as a writer.

Be sure to bring a sample chapter from your current work in progress to apply what you're learning and see how much more polished your writing can be!

The Art of Self-Editing Challenge was just what I needed. I have taken other editing workshops but maybe this was the right time for me to receive the material and put it into practice. The examples and exercises are very helpful and should be kept handy while one is self-editing.
Tara is an outstanding instructor who knows all the rules and what she is doing, yet she is quick to say there are exceptions. The guest authors told of their experiences editing alongside Tara for their forthcoming books.
This course is worth way more than the price.
Dera Williams
I jumped at the opportunity to learn from Tara Alemany by taking Emerald Lake Books "The Art of Self-Editing Challenge." And I'm glad I did. One hour a day for five consecutive days was time well-spent, identifying editing tools I could implement immediately to elevate my memoir. I wish I had taken this workshop sooner because knowing how to edit well makes you a better writer. I want the words on my pages to sing and work to support my storytelling.
No matter your stage of development as a writer, I would highly recommend this interactive workshop.
Randye Sundel
I'm writing a book and have published two co-written articles in the last two years, so far without the benefit of an editor. I use an editing program and read and reread repeatedly, but it’s difficult to prepare the best possible submission in what sometimes feels like a vacuum. Your Self-Editing Challenge has made me aware of common pitfalls and areas where I can improve my prose today and in the future.
It has been time well spent and I highly recommend it to other struggling authors.
Barbara Corey
I eat, sleep and breathe books and have from a very young age because books mean the world to me. They were my refuge during a troubling childhood and my escape as a single parent with no time to call my own.
I know the power of books to entertain, inspire, encourage and educate, and I love them for the positive difference they can make in people's lives. Books are sanctuaries, schools and theaters of the mind that span across time.
Thankfully, I have been blessed to earn my living writing and editing books for over thirty-five years. Then eleven years ago, I published my first book. Today, I have seven books to my name, including a couple with second editions. I have won multiple awards, and many of the books I have edited have received recognition as well.
I am sought out as an industry expert. And I speak frequently at writing and publishing conferences and on related podcasts. I also host my own industry events as well.
Given how much I love the written word, I'm excited to be teaching The Art of Self-Editing Challenge. It's my way of helping you become a writer who brightens someone else's day. Together, let's refine your writing skills and bring out the best in your work!
We promise, if you come with a sample chapter from your current work in progress to use for each day's homework, by the end of the week, you'll see just how much more polished your writing can be, and you'll be eager to tackle the rest of your manuscript with your newfound skills.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your writing skills and shine as a writer. Register now for The Art of Self-Editing Challenge and unlock your writing potential!

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