Delegate feedback
“I wanted to learn something new. This excellent course was well balanced and thoughtfully structured. My editorial skills are much improved.” Thomas, Cirencester, UK
“I was particularly interested in learning about the digital technology available for proofreading and its formatting, and how the world of publishing works. I’ve gained the confidence to use the various digital tools available and to clarify questions on formatting issues, which often arise when proof-editing academic papers, theses and presentation slides.” Christopher, Rheinfeld, Germany
“I wanted to train for a career change to freelance proofreading. This is a wonderful course! I’m more confident in use of the BSI symbols, and how to keep my comments succinct.” Diane, Stroud, UK
“I have always been interested in proofreading and enrolled on Essential Proofreading to improve my existing knowledge and learn new skills. I work in the accounting department for a publishing group and wanted to be available to them as a proofreader. The course went far beyond my expectations. I enjoyed how much it covered and my interest did not lag throughout. I’m gained confidence in my skills.” Siobhan, Kilkenny, Ireland
“I enrolled on the course to gain professional training in proofreading and confidence in charging for my work. I now have a structured approach to working on a text and am confident that I can provide a good service and therefore approach clients.” Student from Hamburg, Germany
“I wanted to specialize in proofreading to work to the publishing industry's professional standard. The course was excellent and well worth it! I can now interpret and work to a brief, am more knowledgeable on how to work on PDFs, can fully understand the BSI symbols (both on paper and onscreen), and recognize the distinction between 'proofreading' and 'proof-editing'. I plan to target educational publishers and feel confident that I can fulfill their expectations of a proofreader.” Sheila, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
“I enrolled on the course to gain the knowledge and skills to work professionally – and confidently – as a proofreader. The course was excellent. I can now carry out proofreading work with confidence.” Student from Totnes, Devon, UK
“I wanted to learn the skills to become a freelance proofreader. I have developed a much more critical eye when examining text and have honed my editorial skills to a professional level. I feel more confident to approach organisations to offer proofreading services and hopefully develop a rewarding career in an area I feel passionate about. My tutor's helpful and encouraging feedback gave me the impetus to push forward even when it was quite challenging, and I feel I have a greater knowledge of what to expect in this field of work.” Student from Gillingham, UK
“I wanted to learn something new and useful during lockdown. I’ve learned an incredible amount about the publishing industry, grammar and use of language. I’ve also been prompted to be more self-sufficient with problem-solving and to be more observant. Learning to use track changes and PDF mark-up has increased my confidence with using IT.” Carol, Tonbridge, Kent
“I enrolled on the course to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a professional proofreader, or at least to gain a sound foundation to build on. I am now confident of having achieved this. The course materials, exercises, marked assignments and tutor's notes have given me a valuable resource full of guidance that I'm sure I will return to regularly in the future.” Laura, Scotland
“This course was really great. I understand my strengths and weaknesses and have built my confidence as a proofreader. I know where to go from here. My tutor’s extensive and constructive feedback helped me tremendously.” Student from Munster, Germany
“I wanted to achieve basic training in proofreading and have gained a strong grasp of the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in proofreading.” Kendra Olsen, London
“My objective was to gain a substantial understanding and experience of basic proofreading skills to start a new career in the editing field. I acquired a vast amount of knowledge about proofreading, working techniques and the publishing process, The exercises and model answers were really useful for putting theory into practice and checking my progress. The assignments were clear and the assessed skills were covered in each module. My tutor responded quickly and helpfully to questions. I now have a thorough understanding of how to proofread and mark up a variety of texts in both MS word and in Adobe PDF formats, and a good working knowledge of the BSI symbols.” Lucy Ann Pope, Bournemouth, UK
“I enrolled on the course with a view to becoming a professional proofreader. I have learned so much! I thoroughly enjoyed being challenged and using my brain intellectually after not studying for 20 years. Being able to focus on something positive and interesting, especially during the extremely difficult months of Covid 19, has been really beneficial for me.” Sue, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
“My aim was to learn the basics of proofreading and how they can be applied in practice. The content was very good and ‘ticked all the boxes’. I’ve gained a qualification in proofreading and a better understanding of how the publishing industry operates.” Student, Exeter, UK
“I fully achieved my objective to learn in-depth the art of proofreading, and achieve an industry-recognised qualification to launch a freelance editorial business. I now understand the breadth and depth of information and skills a proofreader must possess.” Emma, Liverpool, UK
“I enrolled on the course to become a recognised freelance proofreader and now have the confidence in moving forwards to find freelance work.” Student, Nottingham, UK
“I work as a proofreader but wanted to gain a professional qualification. The course was excellent. I've learned to be more methodical, check things separately, and make and use style sheets.” Catherine, Fareham, UK
“My objective was to gain a recognised qualification in proofreading to pursue a career change. The course was excellent and has given me the confidence to make this feasible.” Audrey, Morpeth, Northumberland, UK
"I was a copy-editor for a market research business for five years and wanted to work in mainstream publishing. However, I needed more specialised training for editing books, and this led me to Essential Proofreading. 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; Managing Director, The Selkie
“Overall, I was delighted with the results. I learned a lot and the course was exactly what I was looking for – an update of my skills, having been absent from the publishing industry for a long time. Thank you for your courtesy and expertise throughout the course.” Anne, County Cork, Republic of Ireland
“I enrolled on the course to improve my current skills and achieve a professional standard to help with work activities, and as the first step to freelancing in this area. My objective was very well achieved.” Emma, Aylesbury, UK
“The course was excellent. I wanted to gain a well-respected qualification in basic proofreading skills and I now feel confident that I could gain paid employment as a proofreader.” Delphine, Harrogate, UK
