Introduction to Editorial Skills: Copy-Editing and Proofreading

Introduction to Editorial Skills has been created in collaboration with some of the UK's major publishing houses, to offer a comprehensive introduction to modern publishing processes and the key publishing skills of copy-editing and proofreading.

Introduction to Editorial Skills offers new editors the opportunity to learn proofreading and copy-editing skills, on screen and on paper, in tandem. The course also offers a post-course assessment. 

Introduction to Editorial Skills includes expert editorial advice and practice covering the key skills of proofreader and copy-editor across a range of different types of content, for both print and digital output. 

Individuals working in book or journal publishing, in-house or freelance, wishing to develop copy-editing and proofreading skills, including editorial assistants, copy-editors, desk editors and production editors. In addition, students wishing to start a career in publishing with formal training in editorial skills, as well as those who have to proofread and copy-edit as part of their job.

Those not working in book or journal publishing might find Editorial Skills for Business more suitable.

The course offers a unique three-step blended learning approach that combines self-study, a two-day classroom group course, and distance learning assessment:

Step 1: Pre-course pack download. Includes a comprehensive self-study module written by Jane Buekett providing an introduction to:

• publishing workflows
• copy-editing and proofreading on-screen and on hard copy
• BSI standard marks for proof correction, and exercises to complete.

Step 2: Two-day classroom course which includes feedback on the pre-course exercises, intensive workshops, further practice working on-screen and on paper, group work, and expert guidance from highly-experienced PTC tutors.

• Day 1: Copy-editing

Copy-editing, proofreading and the difference between them
Discussion of pre-course exercise and any questions on the course
What does a copy-editor do?
Editorial conventions and communications
Copy-editing in different formats

• Day 2: Proofreading and the parts of a book

What does a proofreader do?
Proofreading in different formats
Typographical conventions and other considerations
Start to finish: other parts of the book

Step 3: PQB certified assessment by distance learning with assessments to be completed either on-screen or on paper.

Introduction to Editorial Skills is a springboard to Progress in Editorial Skills and many of the PTC's other more specialised editorial courses, such as  Advanced Copy-Editing.

Venue Information

Our short courses are run at a variety of venues in Central London. Information and directions can be found on our Contact Us page. Please check your Joining Instructions for your specific course venue.

Note that most of our short courses can also be run as In-Company events.