Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One

Student feedback

“I started this course with some experience of editorial work. It was very useful in giving me practice in the more familiar proofreading skills and introducing the large areas with which I was unfamiliar and needed more work and practice. As well as the benefits of obtaining a formal qualification for obtaining future work, it has equipped me to proofread more effectively.” David, Caerphilly, UK

“I've learned how to use the latest software, which is essential for most proofreading nowadays. The detailed feedback, encouragement and discussions with my tutor were extremely helpful. This course has refreshed my knowledge of proofreading skills and given me the confidence to apply for proofreading work.” Keith, Cheltenham, UK

“Prior to taking the course, my proofreading experience was solely with charities and academic institutions. I've now learnt a huge amount about how to proofread for traditional publishers. I'm better equipped to work with non-traditional publishers: I'm up to speed with standard ways of working, and can work across a variety of formats. I’ve gained a formal qualification and know where to find guidance when I'm unsure.” Hannah, Dereham, UK

“The course was excellent. I wanted to formalise my skills and learn more time-effective methods. Also, if I decide to move to a dedicated publishing firm, then I will be more confident that I am familiar with industry-standard practices.” Anonymous, Dublin, Ireland

“I plan to change career and begin a freelance proofreading business. Passing the course was the first step in getting this underway. My objectives were very well achieved. I learned a great deal and passed the course with distinction.” Student from Mold, UK

“I've certainly learned a new skill and obtained a formal qualification. I'm trying to add some freelancing to my life, and having this certificate gives me both the confidence and qualification to jump into the market.” Lorenzo, Trondheim, Norway

“This course helped me to work with digital tools and learn the core practices of proofreading. It hugely boosted my confidence in presenting myself as a proofreader. With the formal certificate, and access to directories and forums to help develop my new skills, I am certain of finding work in the field.” Student, Galway, Ireland

“After completing Essential Proofreading, I can work more confidently with English texts and help others (especially other foreign students) to express themselves and their opinions on paper. My new skills have already helped me publish my own book!” Nikolaos, Thessaly, Greece

“I wanted to consolidate my existing proofreading experience – picked up "on the job" whilst working in-house at a variety of publishers – and update my skills to include on-screen proofreading. I also wanted to gain a qualification to feel more confident in marketing myself as a freelance proofreader. These objectives have been achieved.” Student, Bromley, UK

“Proofreading is a career change for me. Prior to undertaking the course, I had a love of language and a keen eye for spotting mistakes and inconsistencies. Now I have the skills to use the necessary tools and am aware of so many more areas that I need to pay attention to. I feel confident in honing these skills and exploring opportunities to work in the field.” Student, Istanbul, Turkey

"An excellent course. I have a better understanding of professional-level proofreading, a stronger grasp of punctuation/grammar and improved judgement with regard to editorial decision-making. I also know how to use a range of tools to mark up proofs and feel far more confident with the BSI symbols." Darren, Gravesend, UK

"The course was packed with the information needed to be a freelancer, including practise exercises to help develop my editing skills, and my tutor was generous with feedback. Since completing the course, I’ve proofread several books for publishers." Taliha Quadri, Freelance Proofreader, Luton, UK

What's included?

Personal tutor

Each student is assigned their own tutor, an experienced proofreader, who provides course-related support through the duration and for up to three months after completion.

Course materials and access to online learning platform

There are six learning modules, all of which contain self-check exercises. Four modules also contain a longer assignment that you will submit to your personal tutor for marking and commentary.

You’ll have full access to the PTC's online learning platform, through which all course materials are accessed. Downloadable materials mean you can practise your new skills as many times as you need, to feel confident that you have mastered them.

Please note, you will need Adobe Reader DC (free version) and Microsoft Word (2010 or later) in order to complete the coursework.

Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) points

Passing this course is worth between 10 and 20 points towards upgrading your CIEP membership.

You earn 10 points for a Pass, 15 for a Merit and 20 for a Distinction.

Exclusive offers

By signing up to Essential Proofreading, you can claim these exclusive offers.

• 50% off the distance-learning course, Essential Grammar. Currently priced at £72, Essential Proofreading students will pay only £36, saving you £36.
• 50% off the open course, How to Mark Up PDFs with Adobe Acrobat. With a full price of £175 + VAT, this half-day course is offered to Essential Proofreading students for £87.50 + VAT, saving you £87.50.

How to enrol and pay

Payment options

Essential Proofreading costs £396 (£330+VAT). You can pay for the course in three instalments:

• Instalment 1: £132
• Instalment 2: £132
• Instalment 3: £132

The first instalment is payable at the point of enrolment. 

The next two instalments will be collected between the 20th and the last day of the month, for the next two months.

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) and, at that point, will be able to pay immediately by credit/debit card. 

Money-back guarantee

If, within 30 days of buying the course (and before any assignments have been sent to your tutor for marking), you decide that the course is not for you, simply let us know and we will issue a full refund. Note that access to the learning platform will cease once your refund is confirmed.

Course completion

You must complete the course within 12 months of enrolment. If you wish to continue the course beyond this period, you can study for a further 12 months following payment of a £75 re-registration fee. Any further extensions are at the discretion of The Publishing Training Centre.

For more information please see our Self-Study FAQs.

Please read our Terms & Conditions.

To purchase this course, please add it to your cart via the link at the top of the page.

About the authors

Gillian Clarke has been a freelance proofreader and editor since 1975. She is a founder member and honorary member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and was responsible for setting up its training programme. 

Margaret Aherne has worked since 1986 as a proofreader, copy-editor, project manager and tutor/mentor for a wide range of publishing clients, as well as for bodies such as the Audit Commission. She is a founder member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and is a mentor in proofreading and copy-editing on the SfEP’s mentoring scheme.

Related courses

The PTC offers virtual classroom courses, self-study distance-learning courses, and a range of e-learning modules. See below for those that complement or build on this course.  

Virtual classroom courses

• Copyright 

  – the Basics

• Grammar and Punctuation 

  – the Basics

• How to Mark Up PDFs with Adobe Acrobat
• Introduction to Editorial Skills
• Line-Editing Workshop
• Progress in Editorial Skills
• Working with Authors

Distance-learning courses

• Essential Copy-Editing  
• Essential Grammar

e-Learning modules

• A Comprehensive Guide to Copy-Editing
• Proofreading PDFs: A Complete Guide for Editors