An introduction to proofreading
The word ‘proofreading’ means different things to different people. This module is designed to help you understand what it means for four sectors: book and journal publishers; other organisations who may not be publishers but who have information or messages to share; independent authors; and students.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module you will:
- understand where proofreading fits into the publishing workflow
- understand what the work of proofreading involves
- have had first-hand experience of a proofreading exercise
How does the course work?
An introduction to proofreading is split into three units. The first unit looks at the purpose of proofreading. The second unit imagines that you have a proofreading job, and runs you through what you need to do and think about as you approach it. The third unit covers essential techniques and good practice.
At the end of the module, there is a practical exercise accompanied by a model answer and commentary. This gives you the chance to try out your understanding and gauge if you have an aptitude for the work.
About the author
Margaret Aherne has worked since 1986 as a proofreader, copy-editor, project manager and tutor/mentor, for clients including Blackwell Publishers, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Arnold, Routledge/Taylor & Francis and Robinson Publishing, covering both academic (arts, humanities and social sciences) and more popular subjects, as well as for bodies such as the Audit Commission.
In 2005, Margaret became a tutor on PTC's Essential Proofreading course (formerly Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning) and subsequently co-author with Gillian Clarke of the latest edition.
This e-Learning Module was developed with the support of the Unwin Charitable Trust.
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Study time
Two to three hours with eight months access to the module.
PTC e-Learning Modules are concentrated, online courses that focus on specialist topics relevant to publishing working life. They are designed to build on a foundation of existing skills and experience.