Copyediting and proofreading are marketable skills if you're seeking freelance or full-time work editing a variety of print and digital media. Copy editors review written work --- correcting typos, spelling and grammatical errors; revising awkward phrasing; and checking facts. Proofreaders are the last set of eyes to review a piece before publication. To improve your copyediting and proofreading skills, enroll in an on-campus or online workshop, course or certificate program.
New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies
New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a course titled Fundamentals of Copyediting and Proofreading Books that can be applied to the school's certificate programs in publishing or editing. The course, which prepares students for careers as copy editors or proofreaders, focuses on copyediting books --- including electronic copyediting --- and teaches the basics of proofreading. Students enrolled in the course study standard copyediting and proofreading symbols, manuscript development, style sheets, house styles and common word usage problems. The course also explores the relationship dynamics that exist among production editors, editors, copy editors and proofreaders. The course meets on campus for 10 sessions.
Emory University's Writer's Studio
Residents of Atlanta, Georgia, might want to check out the daylong Copy Editing and Proofreading workshop offered in Emory University's Writer's Studio continuing education program. An expert with years in the field teaches the course, which covers proofreader symbols and the differences between copyediting and proofreading. The workshop also provides hands-on practice with real written samples. The instructor offers practical career advice, including information regarding potential career paths and business planning techniques for those seeking to set up shop as consultants.
Hofstra University Continuing Education
The Hofstra University Continuing Education program offers a Proofreading/Copyediting course for wordsmiths interested in turning their love of language into careers as proofreaders or copy editors. An experienced writer teaches the course, and the course offers hand-on experience with sample texts. Students exit the course with an understanding of the unique language and symbols that professionals use in the copyediting and proofreading professions.
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies
The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies offers a one-day proofreading and copyediting workshop at its Madison, Wisconsin, campus. Geared toward professionals seeking to improve their own writing, more than those pursuing a career in copyediting or proofreading, the workshop covers the following topics: catching and correctly marking typos with proofreader symbols; justifying your edits without alienating the writer; using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; proofing with a partner; eliminating redundancy, inconsistency, jargon and cliches; and solving writing problems using a number of document forms. Attendees participate in hands-on exercises and are invited to bring to the workshop a copy of text that they typically proofread or copy edit.
University of California San Diego Extension
You can earn a copyediting certificate through the University of California San Diego Extension, the professional education and public service division of the University of California, San Diego. You can complete the certificate entirely online in 12 to 15 months. To earn the certification, you must take a grammar lab and three copyediting courses. Recommended courses, not required to earn the certificate, cover topics such as succeeding at your own editing business, marketing for copy editors, web skills and scientific and medical editing. The certificate program is designed to prepare you for an entry-level career in copyediting.
University of California Berkeley Extension
The University of California Berkeley Extension offers Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting online and at its Berkeley and San Francisco locations. Over 10 meetings, this beginning copyediting course covers the use of style manuals and reference books, creating style sheets, querying authors and project editors and using conventional editing marks and symbols. You also learn how to apply the correct level of copyediting; eliminate bias; query permissions; ensure consistency; type code a manuscript; and copy edit and insert figures, tables and artwork. This course is a requirement in the school's Professional Sequence in Editing.
Related Articles
References
- New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies: Fundamentals of Copyediting and Proofreading Books
- Emory University: Copy Editing and Proofreading
- Hofstra University Continuing Education: Proofreading/Copyediting
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies: Proofreading and Copyediting Workshiop
- UC San Diego Extension: Copyediting Extension
- UC Berkeley Extension: Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting
Resources
Writer Bio
Carolyn Enright began working as a professional writer in corporate communications in 1992. Her work includes executive speeches, annual reports, newspaper and magazine articles, newsletters and online training modules. Enright holds a Master of Science in corporate public relations from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in American studies from the University of Notre Dame.