Editing Forensics: Hands-On Workshop to Strengthen Editing and Writing with The Open NotebookLocation: Destination Madison Boardroom
22 E Mifflin St, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703 Contact: Siri Carpenter, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief
[email protected] Minimum Attendance: A minimum of 20 registrants is required for this event to run. If fewer than 20 register, attendees will be notified and refunded.
Cost: $375 per person, paid directly to
The Open Notebook. Lunch is included.
Register & pay today: https://buy.stripe.com/14AeVc5Y298O8NP6oQdnW00Deadline to Register: 7/31/2026
Great writing depends on great editing - and great editing is a skill that can be learned. In this
highly interactive 6-hour workshop, participants will develop practical editing techniques that strengthen both their own writing and their ability to work effectively with others’ work.
Designed for working editors as well as writers who want to become stronger self-editors, this training centers on
Editing Forensics—a systematic approach to evaluating stories at the conceptual, structural, and stylistic levels to identify what a piece needs to become clearer, stronger, and more compelling.
Intensive Workshop DescriptionDrawing on The Open Notebook’s 15 years of experience training science journalists worldwide, this workshop combines concrete frameworks, hands-on exercises, and expert guidance to help participants develop sharper editorial instincts and produce cleaner, more effective copy.
This immersive, hands-on training demystifies science editing. It equips editors with the tools to interpret select and plan stories, address common issues in drafts, coach and communicate effectively with writers, and edit with equity and inclusion in mind. The in-person context offers opportunities for hands-on practice, peer collaboration, and practical problem solving.Core topics we’ll cover include:
- Developing the skills and mindset of an editor
- Sharpening story ideas and develop reporting plans
- Prioritizing the steps in your editing or self-editing process
- Using The Open Notebook’s Editing ForensicsTM approach to identify and address common conceptual, structural, and style issues in drafts
- Recognizing when you are done editing
- Nurturing a strong editor-writer relationship
- Handling challenging situations in the editorial process
The workshop will include ample time for discussion and collaborative exercises. Participants will receive a variety of take-home resources, including handy editing checklists and a curated collection of relevant resources from The Open Notebook.
