COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Lesson 1. Introduction to Editing

• The Role and Scope of Editing
• Tools for Editing
• Editing Skills
• The Production Process
• An Overview
• Who Does What in Publishing?

Lesson 2. The Mechanics of Clear Writing

• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Grammar
• Language
• Style
• Tense

Lesson 3. Assessing Manuscripts

• Readability
• Word Length
• Structure
• Consistencies and Inaccuracies
• The Reader’s Report
• Substantive Editing
• The Author’s Responsibilities
• The Author/Editor Relationship

Lesson 4. Copy Editing I

• Copy Editing
• Procedure
• House Style
• Style Sheets

Lesson 5. Copy Editing II

• Marking Up
• Parts of A Publication
• Editing Non-Text Material
• Illustrations

Lesson 6. Preparing Copy for Printing

• Type Design
• Page Layout
• Proof Stages

Lesson 7. Proofreading

• Role
• Procedures
• Tips

Lesson 8. The Final Stages

• Indexes
• Blurbs (Promotional Content Summaries)
• Checking Final Proofs

COURSE AIMS

• To gain an understanding of the role and scope of editing.
• Understand 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.

The Scope of Editing

When someone writes or illustrates something, they are attempting to communicate with their readers. We naturally think of editing as relating to books, magazines and newspapers, which are the traditional media with which an editor would work. These areas, commonly referred to as “print media”, are still very much part of the work covered by editors, but today the scope is far wider.

Print media is generally “commercial” work; that is, publications that are created for selling. Writing and illustrations are also created for other situations though, beyond the traditional print media, including:

• Marketing material, such as advertisements, brochures, posters, signs, labels and packaging
• Newsletters (printed or electronic). Newsletters may be commercial (e.g. for promotional purposes, or subscriptions) or non-commercial (e.g. a school or club newsletter, or a family Christmas letter)
• Business letters
• Contractual documents
• Web sites
• Calendars
• Educational material (course notes)
• Scripts (plays, videos, radio shows, etc.)

Writing and/or illustrations used in any of the above situations can fail in their attempt at communication to a lesser or greater degree, for many reasons, including:

• Typographical errors
• Unclear communication
• Ambiguity
• Incorrect punctuation
• Poor grammar
• Poor spelling
• Inappropriate use of language.
• Not writing for the correct “audience”

Balance: pragmatic versus pedantic

Some editors are excessively pedantic. Others are overly pragmatic. In reality, the extent to which a document is edited should be clearly specified by the publisher, and the good editor will be able to adjust the way they edit according to those specifications.

In today’s world, where economics is a major force, the luxury of perfection is often neither required nor expected by a publisher. A certain amount of error may often be more tolerable than not meeting a deadline or over blowing the budget.

The effective editor needs to take a pragmatic approach and be comfortable with the fact that perfection is not always possible.

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.

A Student's View of Editing I

"It took me a while but in the end, it was a very useful course for my work. I would like to really thank my tutor for all her feedback which improved my proofreading skills."
Premo Jackniacki

Gain Valuable Skills with Many Applications

Increase Your Value; Invest in Your Future

Editing is a highly sought after skill. Whether you want to work as a professional editor or need to use editing as part of your current job, developing your ability and knowledge can provide you with essential skills which you can apply to your work.

• It can help to improve your job performance.
• It can help to improve your job and career prospects.

Editing I is suitable for beginners and those who want to improve their editing skills.

Throughout this course, you will learn about the role of the editor, different types of editing and proofreading, and how to mark a manuscript. You will also study the publication process from start to finish.

• Learn a skill that can help your employment or business prospects across a range of industries.
• Work in publishing as an editor, proofreader or writer.
• Editing skills bring together the ability to focus with an ability to communicate – highly valuable life skills in marketing, management and elsewhere.
• Interact with and be monitored by experienced editors.

What Next?

You can enrol today by clicking the “Enrol Now” button above.

Or

Click here to contact a writing tutor.

Or Request a Prospectus Here.