The Fast-Track Certificate Program
From zero to freelance in just six months!
Make 2026 the year you become a freelance developmental editor
Most people who earn the Club Ed certificate take two or three years to do it. But with the Fast-Track Program you can earn it in less than half the time.
What: Now accepting applications for the Fast-Track Session, Club Ed Certificate in the Developmental Editing of Fiction Program
Start Date: January 12, 2026
End Date: July 5, 2026
Due Dates: Applications to the program are due by January 7, 2026. Spots are limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: $1800 for the full program. (Save $500 on the cost of purchasing classes individually.)
- A deposit ($100) is required on acceptance to hold your spot.
- Final payment ($1700, for a total of $1800) is due no later than January 11, 2026 (midnight Pacific time).
Time Commitment: You’ll need to set aside a significant chunk of time each week, probably about ten hours or so, to complete all the requirements.
Who It’s For: To be successful in the fast-track session, it helps to have some expertise as a teacher or a writer (or a similar background) or a related educational background (a degree in English or similar).
Prerequisite: If you don’t have previous experience as an editor, I recommend taking the self-paced So You Want to Be an Editor before deciding whether to apply.
How to Apply: Send a brief email to [email protected] that includes the following information:
- your full name
- contact information
- education, including any special training in writing or editing
- Club Ed classes taken, if any
- goals for the program
Next steps: Apply for the certificate. You’ll hear back within a week. Then you’ll need to place your deposit to hold your spot. Your acceptance email will explain how to make the deposit and the final payment. Final payments are due no later than Sunday, January 11 at midnight Pacific time.
What to Expect: The Fast-Track session is intended to guide you through the Club Ed certificate program in less time than it normally takes. It also provides support as you set up your freelance business, including a dedicated forum for fast-track members.
Starting January 12:
- Take the beginning DE 1 – 6 self-paced starter pack. Complete it on your own.
- Begin working on a basic editorial website
February:
- Take Editing for Plot (February 9 – March 8)
- Complete one self-paced elective of your choice
- Line up and perform a beta read for the practice
March:
- Take Editing for Character Development (March 9 – April 5)
- Complete one self-paced elective of your choice
- Finish working on your basic website
April:
- Take Editing for World-Building and Setting (April 6 – May 3)
- Complete one self-paced elective of your choice
- Create a marketing plan for your services and begin marketing tasks
May:
- Begin Advanced Developmental Editing (May 11 – July 5)
- Complete one self-paced elective of your choice
- Continue with marketing tasks
June – July 5:
- Finish Advanced Developmental Editing
- Soon after you complete Advanced Developmental Editing, you’ll receive your certificate and be ready to open for business!
More about the program can be found here. Remember that you must complete all of the requirements (including turning in all of the assignments in instructor-led classes) to earn your certificate.
Interested? Questions?
Email Jennifer at [email protected]
Note: All Club Ed classes are asynchronous and while assignments in instructor-led classes are due at specific times, you can read the lessons and engage on the forums as you’re able instead of having to be in a specific place at a specific time.
Applications will reopen in March for the regular certificate program.
All payments (including deposits) are nonrefundable. Please be sure you’re able to complete the requirements of the program before applying.