Online Editing I Course

Learn to Edit and Proof Read all types of Writing

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Editing
   • The role and scope of editing;
   • what does an editor do,
   • tools for editing;
   • editing skills;
   • what makes a good editor,
   • danger signs (mistakes to avoid),
   • the publishing team (the publisher, business manager, production manager, designer, marketing staff),
   • the production process,
   • the production schedule.
2. The Mechanics of Clear Writing
   • Spelling,
   • punctuation,
   • grammar,
   • language,
   • style,
   • tense,
   • language level,
   • common mistakes,
   • style errors,
   • improving clarity and conciseness.
3. Assessing Manuscripts
   • The readers report,
   • reviewing a manuscript (structure, punctuation, accuracy, illustration, other improvements),
   • authors responsibilities,
   • nature of a manuscript,
   • libel, slander, defamation,
   • what an editor should look for.
4. Copy Editing I
   • What the copy editor does;
   • basics of copy editing,
   • the procedure (check manuscript, read, edit text, edit other components);
   • style sheets,
   • house style,
   • introduction to mark up,
   • marking up copy.
5. Copy Editing II
   • Marking up;
   • parts of a publication (preliminary pages, text, end matter);
   • editing non-text material;
   • illustrations
6. Preparing Copy for Printing
   • Type design and page layout;
   • type size,
   • type face,
   • line spacing,
   • line length,
   • justification,
   • indentation,
   • widows and orphans,
   • running heads and feet,
   • folios,
   • headings;
   • proof stages:
   • galley proofs,
   • page proofs
7. Proof Reading
   • Proof readers role,
   • procedure for checking galley proofs,
   • proof reading tips,
   • revised galley proofs,
8. The Final Stages
   • Indexes,
   • preparing an index;
   • blurbs;
   • checking final proofs,
   • bromides,
   • dyelines, etc.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• To gain an understanding of the role and scope of editing.
• Explain the importance of clear, effective writing throughout all stages of the publishing process.
• Describe the procedure of manuscript assessment.
• Describe the procedures used by copy editors.
• Explain procedures used to prepare copy for printing.
• Describe the checks and procedures used in the final stages of preparing and printing publications.

For more information on this course, please request your free course information pack.