Editorial Style

Editorial style controls all aspects of consistency in the presentation of words, numbers and punctuation. Most copy-editors realise that consistency is important, but they may not always understand why.

This module focuses on the core areas of editorial style, including spelling and hyphenation, punctuation and capitalisation, numbers, abbreviations and the use of italic and quotation marks. When you have mastered those, you will be equipped to think through more complicated aspects of styling for yourself.

Course Content

What is editorial style?
The core areas of editorial style
Making editorial style decisions
The editorial style sheet
Using the editorial style sheet

e-Learning modules are optimised for desktop and laptop devices and not tablets and smartphones.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module you will:

define "editorial style" and "house style", and distinguish these from other uses of the word "style" in publishing terminology
identify items in a script for which an editorial style decision is needed
make appropriate editorial style decisions, based on the readership for, and content of, the publication
set up an editorial style sheet and record decisions clearly, to promote consistent treatment of the text during copy-editing and beyond

How does the course work?

Editorial Style has five units. Across the five units there are 12 exercises each having a model answer and commentary for self-assessment.

How to enrol

To enrol, you need to click on the Add to Cart button on this page. You will be asked to register (if you have not already done so). You will, at that point, be asked to pay by credit/debit card.

Important note: You will have access to the course for six months from the date of your enrolment.

Refunds: Fees for e-Learning Modules are non-refundable, as immediate access is available to all the relevant course material.

What is included?

Course Materials

Full access to the PTC's online learning platform where you will find all the materials you need to complete the course. Where relevant, downloadable materials are provided so you can practise your new skills as many times as you need to feel confident that you have mastered them.

Certificate

Upon successfully completing the course you will receive a completion certificate from PTC.

Who is it for?

About the author

Rosemary Roberts has worked in publishing since 1975, first as an editor on Grove’s Dictionaries of Music, and thereafter in academic and reference publishing. After four years as a lecturer on the Publishing course at Oxford Brookes University, she was appointed chief copy-editor of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; in 2005 she was awarded the MBE for services to scholarship for her work on the dictionary. She became managing editor at Thames & Hudson in 2007, where she gained experience of trade publishing – a late and very interesting diversion from the academic field.

Alongside her in-house appointments, Rosemary has taught editorial skills for PTC, SfEP, and corporate clients. She has now returned to her editorial roots and works as a freelancer for Oxford University Press and other scholarly publishers, while continuing to teach.

UCT logo

This e-Learning Module was developed with the support of the Unwin Charitable Trust.

£70.00

Study Time

Five to seven hours with eight months access to the module.

Related Courses

PTC e-Learning Modules are concentrated, online courses that focus on specialist topics relevant to an editor's working life. They are designed to build on a foundation of existing skills and experience.