COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

The course comprises 10 lessons as detailed, below.

Lesson 1. The Role of an Editor

• Introduction.
• The Role of the Editor.
• Language Skills and Application.
• Text Types.
• Voice, Tone, and Style.
• How to Work Within Voice, Style, and Tone.
• Language Use.
• Register.
• Project Management and Application.
• General Skills.
• Editors-in-Charge.
• Editorial Teams.
• Managing Teams.
• Staff Training and Development.
• Specialisms in Editing.
• Substantive or Developmental Editors.
• More on the Editorial Board.

Lesson 2. A Brief Summary of Grammar

• Introduction.
• The Purpose of Grammar.
• Approaches to Grammar.
• Prescriptive Grammar.
• Descriptive Grammar.
• Punctuation and Clarity.
• Word Choices.
• Selecting a More Specific Word or Term.
• Jargon.
• Grammar Basics: Refresh your Learning.
• Spelling.
• Punctuation.
• Grammar.
• Common Mistakes.
• Style Errors.
• Style Sheets.

Lesson 3. Referencing, Style Guides and Indexing

• Introduction.
• Style Guides.
• The Difference Between a Style Guide and a Style Sheet.
• Purpose of a Style Guide.
• Examples of Common Style Guides and Their Uses.
• Judgement Calls.
• Dictionaries.
• The Oxford Comma.
• Referencing.
• Bibliographies and Works Cited.
• Appendices.
• In-Text Citations vs. Notes.
• Repeat Citations.
• Footnotes and Endnotes.
• Direct vs. Indirect Use.
• Quotation Styles.
• Multiple Authors.
• Sources.
• Common Reference Styles.
• Referencing Changes.
• Margin Notes.
• Cross-References.
• Glossary.
• Other Inclusions in a Text.

Lesson 4. Editorial Ethics and Relevant Legislation

• Introduction.
• Editorial Ethics.
• Conflicts of Interest.
• Defining the Client.
• Scope of Work.
• Contract.
• Editing or Re-Writing?
• Intellectual Property and Examination Work.
• When to Step Back.
• Relevant Legislation.
• Defining the Editor's Role.
• Copyright.
• Cultural Sensitivity.
• Defamation.
• Libel and Slander.
• False Light.
• Moral Rights.
• Privacy and Confidentiality.
• Permissions and Rights for Reproduction.
• Controversial Subjects.

Lesson 5. Editor – Client Relationships

• Introduction.
• Professional vs. Personal.
• Project Definition.
• Appraisal and Suitability.
• The Responsibility of the Author in the Relationship.
• Working With Multiple Authors.
• Being Aware of the Creative Process.
• Working With Authors.
• Writing Enough or Too Much - Project Managing the Author.

Lesson 6. Defining Editorial Queries, Presenting Corporate Briefs, Goal Setting

• Editorial Queries.
• How to Write an Editorial Query.
• Corporate Briefs.
• Pitch Decks.
• Ad Copy.

Lesson 7. Developmental and Substantive Editing, and Managing Projects

• Introduction.
• Ghost Writing.
• Discretion.
• Constructive Criticism.
• Structure.

Lesson 8. Blog and Online Editorial Management

• Introduction.
• Online Considerations.
• Language Considerations.
• The Importance of Layout.
• Visual Style.
• Indexing and Subject Hierarchy.
• Evergreen Editing.
• Developmental Editing.
• Video Production.
• Multiple Platforms.
• Understanding Engagement.
• Fast Editing and Meeting Deadlines.

Lesson 9. Specialist Commercial Editing

• Introduction.
• Corporate Communications Editing.
• Corporate Storytelling.
• Problem Based Learning Project (PBL) - Corporate Editing Project.

Lesson 10. Specialist Academic Editing

• Introduction.
• Identify and Know the Work.
• Scope.
• Extent of Work and Restrictions.
• The Author's Role.
• Publication.
• Version Control.
• Order of Work.
• Style Conventions.
• Language.
• Text Elements, including Grammar and Spelling.
• Layout.
• Non-Text Elements.
• Types of Research.
• Plagiarism and Self-Plagiarism.
• Intellectual Property and Ethics.
• Evaluating the Whole Work.
• Expression and Clarity.
• Don't be a Co-Author.
• Defining Roles.
• Is it Expressed Well?
• Is it Clear - Drawing it Together.

What Are the Advantages of Studying Writing with ACS Distance Education?

• You can start at any time to suit you.
• The courses are self-paced.
• You can study when and where suits you. They are flexible to fit in around you and your lifestyle.
• Keep up to date on your learning.
• Update your CV.
• It is not just a course, it is a package of learning that includes – course notes, tutor feedback, self-assessment tests, research tasks and assignments.
• Our tutors are all experts in their field, with years of experience in writing.
• They are also keen and enthusiastic about their subject and enjoy working with students to improve their knowledge and skills.
• Courses are also updated regularly to meet the demands of the changing needs for knowledge and to keep our courses up to date.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY?

We invite feedback from all of our students - a selection of testimonials can be found on our Student Testimonials page.

"I think the course is a valuable learning experience as I feel I’m being challenged along the way. Generally, I am impressed with the service I have received from ACS since enrolling. The enrolment process was very quick, and all email support has been prompt and helpful. The tutors seem very pleasant and helpful in their remarks, and this keeps me motivated. It is very encouraging when they offer additional information or ask questions of me/my writing."
Sally Vanston, Malaysia - Technical Writing Course

What Next?

Improve your knowledge of editing. Improve your job and career prospects in the field of editing. Stand head and shoulders above the rest by studying an advanced editing course.

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