Copy-Editing by Distance Learning

This is a thorough and up to date editing course, which covers the entire copy-editing process.

Editors face huge variations in the kind of work they are expected to undertake, depending on the type of publication they are dealing with, and this is reflected in the course materials. You'll work on examples from fiction, academic texts, reference books and even instruction manuals. By the end of the course, you'll know how to approach anything from a novel by a best-selling author to an article for a scientific journal.

Each unit contains four or more self-check exercises plus a longer assignment that you send to your tutor, who will mark it and provide you with the feedback you need to progress to the next unit.

The mixture of assignments and self-check exercises will give you the guided practice you need. Each assignment tests the knowledge and skills you've developed in the unit that you've just completed. The final assignment is also a consolidation exercise, which tests what you have learned in the preceding units.

On successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate, indicating the level of pass you have achieved (pass, merit or distinction). If you're an SfEP member, the course is worth between 10 and 20 points (depending on your grade) towards upgrading your membership. You will also be eligible to enter your details on The Publishing Training Centre'sFreelance Directory.

Once you have completed this course, you may want to have a look at ourSuccessful Editorial Freelancing by Distance Learningcourse.

• The copy-editor's world
  • House and book style
  • Different jobs in publishing
  • Stages of production
  • Copy-editing marks
  • Resources
  • Glossary
• Unit 1 - Marking up
  • Designers and typesetters
  • How to mark up
  • What to mark up
  • Structure and headings
• Unit 2 - Grammar and punctuation
  • Syntactical issues
  • Punctuation
  • Hyphens, ems and ens
  • Quotation marks
• Unit 3 - Cover to cover
  • Covers and binding
  • Prelims
  • The body of the book
  • Endmatter
  • Running heads
  • Copyright
  • Other legal issues

• Unit 4 - Style and level
  • Capitals
  • Italics
  • Numbers
  • Purpose and level
• Unit 5 - Specialist texts
  • Poetry
  • Plays
  • Manuals
  • Jacket or cover copy
• Unit 6 - Tables, technical figures and copy-fitting
  • Tables
  • Technical figures
  • Cutting and expanding
• Unit 7 - Endmatter
  • Notes and reference systems
  • Indexes

About the author

Barbara has more than 30 years' experience in educational and trade publishing and now works as a freelance editor, project manager, consultant and trainer. She was a regular tutor on The Publishing Training Centre's open courses and the author ofEditorial Project Management by Distance Learning.

Your tutor

When you begin the course, a tutor will be assigned to you. All tutors forCopy-Editingeither are or have been working editors with many years' publishing experience.

Online training and support

During the course, you'll also have the option of accessing additionaltraining and support online(although it is not necessary in order to complete the course).

Course fees

Copy-Editing by Distance Learning is £550 (for the electronic version of the course; the printed version costs £595, plus £35 postage if you are outside the UK), which can be paid in instalments. This covers all course materials, marking of modules, professional tutor support and a copy of theNew Oxford Dictionary for Writers & Editors. It does not cover your postage costs or the cost of telephone calls to your tutor.

Money back guarantee

If, within 30 days of receiving your course materials (and before any assignments have been marked), you decide that the course is not for you, simply return the materials to us, in perfect condition, to receive a full refund.

What qualifications do I need?

No specific qualifications are required, but you should have an understanding of proofreading symbols and principles. Understanding the publishing process would also be an advantage. You will also need:

• an eye for detail
• the ability to concentrate
• a good command of English grammar, spelling and punctuation
• good general knowledge and an enquiring mind.