Introduction to Editorial Skills: A solid foundation for my publishing career
A novice freelance editor experiences Introduction to Editorial Skills
As a newcomer to the publishing industry, I knew I needed the best possible training to stand out in this competitive market. What I didn’t realise is how much I would learn at the PTC’s Introduction to Editorial Skills course.
Learning the difference between copy-editing and proofreading, and how they fit into the overall publishing process, was very useful. What I had previously considered editing was actually scratching the surface of what a copy-editor does. The sheer amount of detail that goes into copy-editing and proofreading was a valuable insight, and left me excited to apply my newfound knowledge.
The huge benefit of this course was the number of practical exercises over the two days, with an extremely helpful, knowledgeable and experienced teacher available to discuss them with. Swapping tips and techniques with the other delegates was another highlight – and helped me refine my approach to be more efficient and methodical.
The impressive course materials included pre-course exercises, study information, a quiz on my existing knowledge, a copy of all the in-class exercises and model answers, the BSI proofreading symbols, and extremely useful handouts that addressed specific issues. The course was well organised and had considered all the delegate’s needs.
I left feeling optimistic and that I had gained a solid foundation for my new career as a freelance copy-editor and proofreader. My new skills were put to immediate use editing a textbook for a new client, referring to the course notes and additional handouts. These will be a useful staple in my reference folder for a very long time.
Tanya Preston is a Chartered Civil Engineer who is now turning her hand to her first love: working with words. You can find her at www.prestoneditorial.com or on Twitter at @PrestonEditor.
Introduction to Editorial Skills now runs as a monthly virtual course, across three half-day sessions.