Become a Professional Editor or Proof Reader

This course provides a sound foundation for setting yourself up as a freelance editor; or for seeking work as a proof reader. Graduates may well start with part time work editing web sites, newsletters or low circulation magazines; but over time (and perhaps with further study) can work up to full time employment as a proof reader, sub editor, book or magazine editor, copy editor, freelance editor, or even publishing assistant or publisher.

Editors work for publications both in house (eg. in a magazine, newspaper or web development office), or outside as contractors (eg. self employed from home). Good editors are always in demand and with greater access to the internet, today's editors can often work from virtually anywhere in the world.

Alone, this course does not make you into a professional editor, but it can lead to valuable career opportunities when combined with other courses that develop your knowledge and skills in publishing and journalism.

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Editing
2. The Mechanics of Clear Writing
3. Assessing Manuscripts
4. Copy Editing I
5. Copy Editing II
6. Preparing Copy for Printing
7. Proof Reading
8. The Final Stages

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.

• 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.