Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One

Completely revised and updated to include the most recent on-screen proofreading techniques, this is the only in-depth Self-Study training course that takes you from complete beginner to PQB qualified proofreader in one step.

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of checking written materials for errors before they are published. These materials may include books, magazines, blogs, websites, brochures, journals and official documents.

Essential Proofreading is designed to give you the skill, judgement and understanding of the publishing process that you will need to be a successful proofreader. The course includes extensive practice opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of materials and practical methods. 

Five reasons to choose Essential Proofreading

1. Learn to proofread in the way that clients want it done, on screen or on paper
2. Cover the requirements of the wider business world and working with independent (self-publishing) authors, as well as in the publishing industry
3. Have the support of a personal tutor at every stage of assessment
4. Learn and practise with 30 self-check exercises
5. Benefit from the most widely recognised industry qualification 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• mark up on paper and on screen, and understand the differences between the two
• understand and use British Standards Institution symbols 
• understand and mark up on screen in Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word
• make informed decisions when marking up proofs - what to change, what to leave
• follow the instructions of an editor, and give clear instructions to a typesetter

How does the course work?

There are six learning modules, five of which contain a number of self-check exercises and a longer assignment, which you will submit to your personal tutor for marking  and commentary. Additional sections will cover the finer points of on-screen mark up, an explanation of the publishing process and where the proofreader fits in. As a conclusion, we offer career advice and recommendations for further training.

Course materials are accessed through the PTC's online learning platform, so you will need Adobe Reader (XI or DC) and Microsoft Word (2010 or later) in order to complete the coursework.

Payment Options

Essential Proofreading costs £405. You can pay for the course in three instalments: the first instalment of £185 is payable on enrolment; the second and third instalments of £110 each will be automatically collected between the 10th and 15th of the following two months.

Important note:

You must complete the course within 12 months of enrolment or, 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.

Have a look through our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.