How would you like to be able to edit copy - to give it that sparkle that makes it powerful, persuasive and effective?
This course will give you the skills to edit business documents, newsletters, marketing and sales proposals, press releases, web pages, brochures, manuals, handbooks, research papers, dissertations and sales and promotional literature
Our Copy Editing Course will give you the skills and experience you need to edit copy for:
Business material: reports, letters, corporate communications
Newsletters
Marketing and sales proposals
Press releases
The web
Brochures, manuals, handbooks
Research papers and dissertations
Sales and promotional literature
Is this a proper course?
Yes, we are recognised by the UK Government and are fully accredited.
Who is the course for?
You will probably be a copywriter already, or have experience in publishing or proofreading. We have staff from a number of businesses and organisations doing this course.
What does it cover?
The course concentrates on editing on screen - a growing trend, especially with many organisations avoiding printed material as part of their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Subjects will not necessarily be done in the order below.
Module One
A copy editor’s job and qualities
Proofreading
Module Two
Software
Spelling and grammar checkers
Readability tests
Module Three
Spelling, grammar and punctuation
House style
Module Four
Understanding your brief
Editing for your audience and purpose
Module Five
Editing jargon
Achieving simple, plain English
Achieving fluency
Pitfalls: slang, inappropriate humour, cliches
Avoiding tautology
Using words accurately - some common confusions
Module Six
Cutting redundant words and phrases
Avoiding ambiguity
Improving clarity
Module Seven
Headings
Tables and diagrams
Bullet points and numbers
Module Eight
Checking facts
Liaising with authors
Copyright
Libel
Trade names and trademarks
Module Nine
Presentation
Layout and colours
Typeface, style and size
Spacing and paragraphing
Module Ten
Dealing with headings, footnotes and displayed quotations
Other elements
Preliminary pages - title pages, contents lists, etc
End matter - appendices, references and indexes
How long will the course take?
It's up to you. You can work at your own speed, and fit your studies around your other commitments. But as a rough guide, this course takes around three to six months to complete.
Who is my tutor?
Your tutor will be Cleland Thom, who is recognised as one of the UK's leading trainers. He was trained staff at some of the UK's largest corporations and public authorities. He is a member of the Society of Editors.
How does the course work?
We will send teaching modules as email attachments, one Module at a time. Most Modules are accompanied by exercises and assignments. You will study the Module, email us with any queries and then complete the exercises and assignments.
You email your assignment to us for marking. It will be marked and emailed back to you with a Grade, comments and advice.
When you have passed the Module, you will be sent the next one, and so on, until you finish the course.
What are the exercises and assignments like?
The exercises are 'home-based' so you can do them on screen, or print them off.
Assignments are practical - you will have to edit various types of copy.
How is work assessed?
Each assignment will be graded between A and E. To achieve a pass, you must get C or above. If you fail, we will help you revise your work until it is good enough to pass.
What equipment do I need?
Access to a computer with internet facilities, Microsoft Word software (or equivalent), and an email account.
Do I need any skills or qualifications to enrol?
The course is open to anybody who has some experience in copywriting, publishing or proofreading. You will need a good grasp of English. Contact us if you need to check whether the course is suitable for you.
What qualifications will I get?
The CTJT diploma, which is accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council.
What is this qualification worth?
The Diploma is widely recognised right across the industry, mainly due to the large number of organisations where we have delivered training courses and have personal contacts.
What can I expect to do at the end of the course?
The course will equip you to edit copy, either within your existing business or organisation, or as a freelance. The course is ideal for copywriters and proofreaders who are seeking promotion or career advancement.
