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Advanced Proofreading

Proofreading is a far more demanding job than simply reading the words on the page. The proofreader needs a practical knowledge of typographic design and layout, a keen understanding of how readers navigate the page spread, the ability to manipulate text, and the skill to function as the ‘safety net’ for the copy-editor. This advanced workshop explores reading and interpreting words and images in print to produce a finished book that serves the author’s message, meets the reader’s needs and pleases the eye.

New

Who is it for?

The course is designed for editorial staff working in-house in academic, education, special interest or trade non-fiction publishing. You will have at least one year’s experience of copy-editing and proofreading, and a good grounding in editorial decision-making. The skills are transferable to all working practices, print and digital. Roles include:

What will you achieve?

On completing the course you will know how to:

  • plan a book-length proofread and carry it out thoroughly
  • decide what to change and what to leave alone
  • carry out effective checking and cross-checking
  • interrogate the design and layout, and improve the interplay of images and text
  • work with the indexer and other publishing colleagues to finish the book to a high standard.

    Programme

    Day 1

    • What proofreaders do
    • What to look for in a proof
    • From typescript to page proof
    • Copy-fitting

       

      Day 2

      • Checking and cross checking
      • Editing on proof
      • Collation
      • The index

      Next session

      25 September & 2 October 2025

      Price

      £360 + VAT

      A number of discounts are available

      Course format

      • Virtual classroom
      • 9.30am to 1.00pm 
      • 4 x 90-minute sessions plus breaks, comprising 2 half-day sessions on 2 days, 1 week apart

      Date information for future sessions

      September 2025

      • Dates: 25 September & 2 October 2025
      • Times: Each session will run from 9.30am to 1.00pm

      September 2026

      • Dates: 24 September & 1 October 2026
      • Times: Each session will run from 9.30am to 1.00pm

      What you will need

      To join the course, you will need access to a computer, tablet or laptop with a camera and microphone. You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.

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