Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One

Student feedback

“Completing this course has made me more confident in my existing work. It has also given me the confidence to expand from working with private clients to approaching publishing houses to secure more work.” Lucy, Austriaus, Spain

"I have gained so much understanding of how documents are put together, what is helpful for an author or reader, and how to communicate changes carefully and clearly. My tutor has been excellent. So thorough, clear, and kind in her marking." Jemima, Chester, UK

“The course material was broad and challenging. It has exposed me to the intricacies of proofreading across many genres. I feel more disciplined in reviewing material for my business and have gained valuable experience and the confidence to put myself forward in the field.” Cathy, Leamington Spa, 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

“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

"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." 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.

How to enrol and pay

Payment options

Enrolment is closed while we transfer to a new learning-management system. Fees will be published when enrolment reopens on 15 September.

Enrolment is closed while we transfer to a new learning-management system. Register your interest and we will let you know as soon as this course is available again from 15 September.

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.

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
• Making Sense of Grammar
• Making Sense of Punctuation
• 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