Skip to content
MARCH SALE - SAVE UP TO 50% ON COURSES & UP TO 98% ON BUNDLES - ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - CLICK HERE
MARCH SALE - SAVE UP TO 50% ON COURSES & UP TO 98% ON BUNDLES - ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - CLICK HERE

Country

Request Your FREE Course Info-Pack Now!

About This Course
What you will learn
  • Introduction to Proofreading and Editing
  • Types of Editing
  • Style Guides
  • Spelling and Grammar

  • Word Selection
  • Flow and Consistency
  • Final Proofs
  • Careers in Editing 

Study Proofreading and Editing Online Course; Learn How to Proofread and Edit Copy Professionally

Our Proofreading and Editing Course teaches the process of checking a final draft of a piece of writing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting consistency and accuracy making it ready for publication. Techniques are shown in order to effectively perform roles, understand the importance of having a vast knowledge or information on language, and eventually be educated in setting up your own proofreading and copy-editing service business.

The proofreader course starts by explaining the similarities and connections of copy-editing and proofreading, and then detailing the functions of each of the processes. Learning the skills needed for these roles and where they are important in the editing process are also covered. Added are the differences between editors of magazines and newspapers with people who work in the book publishing industry.

With the various roles characterized, the course moves on to convey the fundamental skills; copy-editing tables and figures, editing captions and footnotes, and fact checking. The course discusses the importance of style guides, the difference between a style guide and a style sheet. Finally creating your own style sheet, providing different style manuals and a template to finally get you started.

Proofreading, done in long hours, can be tiring to the eyes and also has its toll in the mind. With these, mistakes can be missed because of fatigue. The course introduces practical ways to ensure effectiveness in the role of being a proofreader, which includes an exploration of standards in proofreading and an explanation of the term marking or marking up. The course provides two valuable resources to use in proofing: a list of basic BSI markups and a table of common homophones.

The course covers the quick identification of common errors, examine major spelling mistakes and errors that appear regularly and reasons why words are spelled incorrectly. The ten most commonly broken spelling rules as well as the exceptions are also pondered. The course will then explain common grammatical mistakes, mistakes related to sentence structures - sentence fragments, misplaced articles, and dangling modifiers - together with problems with punctuation.

In addition to the basic information provided, the basics of proofreading course will help in improving a final draft by using different sentence patterns. Considering word choice and spotting pleonasms and tautologies to improve fluency. The course also covers how nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs should be addressed when writing and editing.

The final proof is incredibly important. It is the last quality check before a draft is sent to the printers, along with the front and back covers should be correct. The course gives us an outline on how to manage the final proof and a list of the most important areas to be inspected before signing it off.

This course is designed for:

  • Freelance proofreader work

  • In-office proofreading jobs

  • Starting your own proofreading business

  • Expanding your knowledge for work at publishing training centres

  • Business writing or creative writing

  • Copy editor roles

And much more.

Proofreading and Editing Online Course - Requirements

The proofreading basics course is delivered 100 percent online 24/7.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

  • Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources

  • Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)

  • Be a self-directed learner

  • Possess sound language and literacy skills

Quick Course Facts

  1. Online proofreading class content is structured for easy comprehension

  2. Registered students gain lifetime access to the Proofreading and Editing Course

  3. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device

  4. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace

  5. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

This course is proofreading made simple. It’s an online class that is a great introduction to proofreading. For any additional questions regarding the course offered on this page, please see our frequently asked questions.

Proofreading and Editing Online Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction

What is Editing?

Before it is published or offered to readers, editing enhances and prepares the text. It includes rewriting and structuring the text and addressing grammatical and typographical errors. To make the meaning of the text more transparent and more effective, proofreaders and editors may add, remove, and rearrange words. Cutting through the clutter and ensuring that the language is accurate and unlikely to cause misunderstanding is one of the goals of editing.

Spelling and Grammar

The first task is to check for spelling and grammatical mistakes in the text. In the worst-case scenario, such flaws might render a document unintelligible. Spelling and grammatical errors can lead to misunderstanding and give the reader the wrong impression. You’ll learn more about the grammar skills required for good editing.

Structure

A piece of writing must have a distinct beginning, middle, and conclusion to be successful. The points must be presented logically and clearly, with the primary idea or thesis in mind. The material presented should be easy to follow for the reader.

Clarity

It is all too easy for authors to get lost in the minutiae and incorporate information that has nothing to do with the document's topic or goal. Alternatively, the material might be necessary but not in a good paragraph. Writers may also employ excessive jargon or idioms that might be misinterpreted or cause misunderstanding. This section of proofreading training helps you ensure clarity in the work you’re editing.

Tone and Style

An editor must ensure that the writing style is suitable for the target readership. A children's book will have a different tone than a stiff, scholarly piece. As a result, the editor's responsibility is to ensure that the work has the proper tone. Some texts may need to be written in a formal tone, while others need to be written in a lighter, more conversational tone. In addition, the chosen voice must be constant throughout the text.

Skills Required

Writing and editing both need a command of the English language, and some authors move on to become editors. They are, however, quite distinct functions. Writers are in charge of conceiving and composing a piece. The editor's responsibility is to ensure that the work is polished and ready for publication.

Qualifications for Editing

A bachelor's degree in a discipline like English, journalism, or communication is joint among editors. Furthermore, many colleges and institutions offer specialist editing and publishing degrees, which are a great option if you want to be an editor. A master's degree might help you stand out in a competitive job environment.

Module 2: Types of Editing

The many sorts of editing and why they are necessary will be introduced in Module 2. We will also talk about how editors go about their work.

Purpose of Editing

Writing and storytelling are popular ways for people worldwide to curate their distinctive voices. Writing has developed over time, and today, many use it for self-expression and instruction.

Developmental Editing

The most common type of editing required by most projects is developmental editing. This form of help aims to shape, correct, and align the structure of a person's writing so that it flows and is understood by the intended audience. The structure of a text is more important to most developmental editors than the syntax and specifics within each phrase. The principal purpose of this form of editing is to ensure that the project has a logical and aesthetic structure.

Line Editing

Line editing comes after developmental editing; before going on to this step, authors should ensure their project's structure and format are in order. This editing concentrates on the finer points of a person's work.

Copy Editing

The third phase is copy editing, which occurs after the text has been finished. The writer has already edited and examined the essay, fine-tuned the flow and connection of phrases, and is ready to put the finishing touches on it.

Proofreading

Before a project may be launched, the final stage is proofreading. Proofreaders are given a copy of a document that has been prepared professionally. Proofreaders check for simple editing issues such as typos, grammar, and spelling.

Editing by Field

Other sorts of editing, such as those listed below, are available for companies with special writing needs. Editors may opt to specialize in a particular field to boost their marketability.

Scientific and Technical Fields

This type of editing necessitates a certain level of subject matter knowledge. Scientific and other technical editors concentrate on the conventional features of writing, but they also double-check specific vocabulary, chemical formulae, equations, and other details.

Medical Editing

Medical writing assignments have a wide range of audiences. The fundamental goal is to improve the language's flow, clarity, and scientific accuracy. Some doctors may even engage editors to go over their dictated notes and make sure everything is transparent in writing. Medical editors typically pursue further training since they work with precise terminology and sometimes life-threatening problems.

Academic Editing and Citation Reviews

Academic editing reinforces the piece's ideas and arguments while deleting unnecessary information that detracts from its primary objective. While the central focus is on this, the formatting is also examined. Editors in this sector have a solid academic background, an excellent knowledge of the language, and a keen eye for detail. They must also be familiar with a variety of reference styles.

Module 3: Style Guides

We will go through style guides in this section. Style guides help to ensure that written information is consistent. They include a set of guidelines to follow while writing for a specific brand, project, or sector. These standards cover things like how a document should be written and presented, grammar, spelling, word use, and punctuation rules.

Evolution of Style Guides

Style guidelines were once only available as books, but they are now available online. Many industrial style guidelines are descriptive rather than rule-based, offering suggestions rather than restrictions. Prescriptive style guides for brands or initiatives are standard. This implies they impose stricter rules on how a writer should use language.

Why Are Style Guides Important?

A style guide is essential because it ensures uniformity and clarity throughout all written content, regardless of industry, organization, brand, or project. The English language allows us to write the same thing in various ways. What we believe to be the most important words or phrases is sometimes a personal taste and expressing ourselves. As a result, a style guide ensures that the writer stays on brand and does not alter how the company communicates.

Examples of Style Guides

Style guides are typically used to establish guidelines for a particular writing style. Academic, technical, journalistic, fiction, and even blogging styles fall under this category. Typically, these style guides will begin as guidelines for a single organization before evolving into industry standards.

Chicago

The University of Chicago developed the Chicago Citation and Writing Style. It is frequently used to cite historical sources and citations for topics in the humanities and social sciences. The news-and-bibliography approach is frequently utilised in the humanities, such as literature, history, and the arts. Citations occasionally accompany a bibliography and are put in footnotes or endnotes.

MLA

The MLA citation and format style, or Modern Language Association, is used in various professions. It defines written content standards in formatting and page layout, referencing sources, using stylistic approaches (such as footnotes or abbreviations), and preparing information for publication.

APA

The American Psychological Association uses the APA style as its official format. It is used to cite sources in education, social sciences, and psychology. The core criteria for the APA style were initially published in a 1929 article in the Psychological Bulletin. It subsequently evolved into what is today known as the American Psychological Association's Publication Manual.

House Style

House style refers to applying editing standards to a single publication or a group of publications, such as magazines, newspapers, websites, journals, or books. The majority of publishing houses will have a style sheet with standards for how things should be standardized. This might include precise spellings, hyphenation rules, and how to utilize footnotes and endnotes. For fast reference, several journals offer their style sheets in the back.

Module 4: Spelling and Grammar

We will go through some typical spelling and grammatical mistakes that you will need to repair as an editor. Other effective techniques for developing high-quality, succinct writing will be discussed.

Common Errors

Following that, we will go through some frequent faults that you could come across while examining written content.

Apostrophes

After a possessive pronoun, no apostrophe is ever used.

Subject-Verb Disagreement

In terms of number, the subject and verb must match. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and vice versa.

Noun–Pronoun Disagreement

The pronoun should be singular if the noun is singular and vice versa.

Wordiness

Keep your sentences brief and to the point.

Redundancy (Tautologies)

Use terms with similar meanings sparingly.

The Passive Voice

It is preferable to employ the active voice rather than the passive form. Your text's effect is weakened by using the passive voice.

Antecedent Clarity

The term "antecedent clarity" relates to making sure it is apparent who or what the pronoun refers to. A lack of antecedent clarity can confuse.

Comma Splice

When separating two independent sentences, avoid using commas.

Modifier Misplacement/Squinting Modifiers

Misplaced modifiers, such as squinting or hanging modifiers, create uncertainty.

Commas in Compound Sentences

Two separate clauses are connected by a conjunction to form a compound sentence. In a compound statement, commas should come before the conjunction.

Homophones

Words that sound the same but have different spellings are known as homophones. Your vs you are, for example, is a common homophone.

Preposition Errors

When writing professional material, avoid using prepositions at the end of sentences.

Adverbs

Adverbs should be used sparingly. Adverbs should be replaced with forceful verbs to make your writing more succinct.

Adverbs and Adjective

Make sure adjectives and adverbs are not mixed. The terms good and well are frequently misunderstood. An adjective is good; an adverb is excellent.

Sentence Fragments

There is always a subject and a verb in a sentence. Fragments, on the other hand, do not communicate the entire idea. Make sure you create entire phrases rather than fragments while writing.

Similar Words

A typical blunder is to mix terms that sound similar. When utilizing dictation software, words like accept and except might be particularly perplexing.

Too Many Commas

Avoid using commas in places where they are not needed.

Possessive/Plural Confusion

When writing possessives, use the apostrophe.

Incomplete Comparisons

To maintain sentence clarity, always include a comparison.

Fewer vs Less

To display an amount, use fewer. Useless for something that cannot be measured.

Lie vs Lay

The term "lay" is used to describe the process of arranging something on a surface, generally horizontally.

I vs Me

Use I when referring to subjects.

Semicolon Placement

To combine two separate clauses, use semicolons.

Capitalization Errors

All nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs should be capitalized in titles. Unless you are opening a new phrase, do not uppercase articles or the word to.

Software Solutions

Proofreading papers for spelling or grammatical errors may be time-consuming, and human mistakes are always possible. You may escape the bother by using software available in both commercial and free versions.

Manual Editing

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to manual editing vs digital editing.

Module 5: Word Selection

We will go through word selection and make changes across an entire digital document in this section of the course.

Word Processors

Editing is quick and straightforward using word processors. Selecting text is the first stage in editing; you must do this before formatting or altering it. From a single character to the complete page, you may pick any amount of text.

Reading for Intent and Clarity

A document's "skimming" is not considered critical reading. Reading with better comprehension necessitates asking questions and using models and ideas; it also necessitates the reader's understanding and effort.

Perspective and Objectivity

When editing, keep the audience's perspective in mind. Keep in mind that each content is written for a particular audience. While reading, put yourself in their place to see if the writing is appropriate for them. Keep an open mind as you read. It is critical to maintaining objectivity. Personal opinions should not be allowed to sway the substance of another writer's work.

Titles

Examine the document's title to see if it corresponds to the content. The title must be appropriate for the following material.

Take Time

When you are editing, pay attention to what you are reading. Read each section of the book at a speed that allows you to assimilate the material and comprehend the points.

Terminology

Define your vocabulary. A writer may employ phrases that a reader will not comprehend in some instances. If the writer assumes that the audience has the same experience as them, but the audience does not, the writer may skip over defining complex words.

Avoid repetition

Much repetition might muddy the waters and make it difficult to understand what the author says. Writers are prone to repeating words and phrases without realizing it, so keep an eye out for it and rewrite as required.

Length

Words that are complex or lengthy might be confusing. Instead, use standard, straightforward, short terms; the English language's large lexicon makes it simple to locate equivalents. Long sentences, on the other hand, are frequently unneeded. Several brief phrases can frequently express the same ideas.

Crutch Words

Many authors employ a crutch term when they do not have another option. It is easy to fall into a routine of using them.

Module 6: Flow and Consistency

Module 6 will cover how to approach consistency and flow. Consistency is an essential attribute for authors. The transition of ideas from one sentence to the next should be logical and fluid in any writing, especially academic writing. A reader may not understand the main point the writer is attempting to make if there is not enough cohesiveness.

Narrative Voice

Everyone in a tale has a part of performing, whether the author, narrator, characters, or the reader. There will always be a narrator in fictional content; they allow the storyteller to provide information to the reader. Fiction writers sometimes have trouble distinguishing between the author's and the narrator's voices. This differs from nonfiction writing in that the author's and narrator's voices are identical.

Maintaining Tone

It is crucial to keep a piece's general tone consistent. This involves the presentation of descriptive details.

Word Selection

The choice of words is critical for keeping the narrative voice and style. The appropriate words may evoke visuals and feelings, allowing the reader to immerse themselves more in the tale.

Uniform Narration

Building a narrative structure is critical. Check if the tale is plot-driven or character-driven when assessing a piece of fiction.

Tying Ideas Together

Check if the writer has connected their thoughts to keep the flow going. Internal summaries and pronouns to refer to nouns introduced earlier can help remind the reader of issues that have already been presented. Just make sure the citations are accurate.

The Four Levels of Flow

There are several writing styles or flows to consider while creating written content. Persuasive, descriptive, narrative, and explanatory are the four categories.

Persuasive

When a character tries to persuade the reader to agree with their point of view, or when a company tries to persuade the reader to buy their product, this is persuasive flow. The material must have a precise aim to succeed with this sort of flow.

Descriptive

It is possible to write descriptive writing in both fiction and non-fiction. It is written in the metaphorical language yet contains concrete facts. Descriptive flow can take several forms, including freewriting, diary writing, and poetry.

Narrative

Narrative writing educates the reader about what is going on in a captivating way. It entails developing a location and people so that the material becomes more accessible and believable.

Expository

Expository writing gives the reader relevant information and aids comprehension. Expository essays, such as "compare and contrast" or "cause-and-effect" essays, are examples of expository writing. Scientific papers, textbook content, and journalism or news writing examples expository writing.

Module 7: Final Proofs

The method of preparing a piece of writing for publication will be discussed in Module 7. The final proof is the final step of editing and the last chance to fix any essential text. It is critical to perform a last proofread before publication to confirm that everything is precise as the author intended. Proofreading is also the last chance to ensure that the workflows do not confuse the reader and deliver clear meaning and consistency throughout.

How is Proofreading Different from Editing?

Between editing and proofreading, there are some significant distinctions. On the document's final draft, proofreading is undertaken. It takes care of minor flaws, such as grammatical or spelling faults. It also removes any text inconsistencies and formatting mistakes. Proofreading may improve intense work, and it does not need much collaboration with the editor. It takes a lot less time than editing.

Fixing Spelling and Grammar Errors

Before reviewing a printout, double-check for misspellings and typical grammatical mistakes such as deleting a closing parenthesis or failing to include quote marks.

Addressing Formatting Concerns

Proofreading is more than just going through the text again. You must also pay attention to the formatting of the writing. Ensure that the formatting of the document is consistent throughout. Make sure page numbers, relative fonts, column alignment, and font sizes are correct.

Symbols and Notation

Symbols and notation are often utilized in the proofreading and editing procedures. These symbols and markers enable an editor or proofreader to immediately identify a problem with the text so that the writer can comprehend it.

How Are They Used?

Between the editor and the writer, symbols or signs are employed to communicate. These symbols and brief notations, often known as editing marks or proofreading markings, show what changes need to be made to the text and where they should be made.

Notation Marks

We will go through some typical notation symbols, but keep in mind that they differ based on your business or company. Some style guidelines will include a list of notation marks that may alter the material.

Module 8: Careers in Editing

This is the final section of the course. This section will look at several editing specializations and talk about how to build a professional portfolio. We will also go further into the practical aspects of working as an editor. Many prospective editors are torn between working as a freelance editor and working as an in-house editor. We will weigh the pros and cons of each alternative to help you decide which path is best for you.

In-House Editing vs Freelance

An in-house editor is assigned to a single magazine and is responsible for editing and arranging information to ensure it is clear, well-organized, and adheres to a particular writing style. Working as an in-house editor has various advantages. They have regular hours and predictable workdays, and because they are full-time employees, they may be entitled to days off on holidays or weekends. One of the advantages of working as an in-house editor is that you may not need to source work since other departments will do it for you. Your company may employ in-house writers or hire freelancers to create content.

Niches

Editors might specialize in a specific area or sector, as we indicated at the beginning of the course.

Creating a Portfolio

Your portfolio shows what you have done, what you want to accomplish, and what you can do. It should highlight your achievements and mention your goals for the future.

Step 1: Decide where you prefer to host your portfolio.

A successful proofreader has the option of hosting their portfolios either online or offline. You may provide a link to your previous employment and other valuable information about yourself by hosting your portfolio online. WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace all have excellent layouts for establishing an online presence for your portfolio.

Step 2: Showcase your uniqueness.

When putting up your portfolio, emphasize your individuality by outlining your writing and editing philosophy, task approach, and what interests you about a job. You may promote your freelance editing website or social media sites by sharing links to them.

Step 3: Demonstrate how you think.

Files containing comments from a complicated item might be included in your portfolio. You can discuss the decisions that went into the flow and structural modifications and how the work evolved into the final form.

Step 4: Talk about how you coach other writers.

Experienced proofreaders work with authors to help them shape their work to be more resonant with its intended audience. You can show how you could assist authors to achieve a final masterpiece by showing before and after drafts of previous projects (with permission from the content providers).

Step 5: Update your portfolio often.

If you have not done much editing before, you can volunteer or work as a blog guest editor to establish your portfolio.

Equipment

Working as an editor does not need much gear. A computer and internet connectivity are required, but additional needs will differ from one individual to the next. Someone who loves to edit on paper may require more pens and better lighting than someone who edits only on a computer. Keep these requirements in mind when launching a firm or looking for an editing position.

Taxes

If you are thinking about doing freelance work, one item to consider is paying your taxes. Freelancers in the United States are self-employed individuals responsible for paying their taxes.

Career Outlook

Between 2020 and 2030, the employment market for editors is predicted to grow by 5%, with 16,620 new positions expected to open up by 2029. Even though this expected rise is minor, job analysts believe that editors with internet skills would do better in the job market as the number of online publications grows.

Remembering Role

In-house editors are more likely than freelancers to have more influence over the substance of a piece. Someone who works for a newspaper, for example, is obligated to do what is best for the company. It is less of a personal choice whether or not to implement a proposed adjustment.

Freelance Platforms

Upwork and Fiverr are excellent sites for finding clients and bidding on assignments. Make sure your profile demonstrates how you can add value to your clients. Learn how to build proposals that will get you bids by reading up on your chosen platform. You may also make money by creating a personal website with a contact form and monetizing it. 

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this online proofreader course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate.

This proofreading class certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.

Further Learning

If you want to enhance your professional development further, CFS offers many certificate courses in a broad range of fields. You might also take a look at our essential proofreading course bundle - it includes 10 courses and you’ll be a guaranteed certified proofreader when you successfully complete your final exam for these!

 

Looking for something different with your online training? CFS also offers online training courses in project managementcommunication skills and much more. We have plenty of student success stories as well so check the reviews on our website!
Show More Hide
Units of Study

Module 1: Introduction

  • What is Editing?
  • Spelling and Grammar
  • Structure
  • Clarity
  • Tone and Style
  • Skills Required
  • Qualifications for Editing

Module 2: Types of Editing

  • Purpose of Editing
  • Developmental Editing
  • Line Editing
  • Copy Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Editing by Field
  • Scientific and Technical Fields
  • Medical Editing
  • Academic Editing and Citation Reviews

Module 3: Style Guides

  • Evolution of Style Guides
  • Why Are Style Guides Important?
  • Examples of Style Guides
  • Chicago
  • MLA
  • APA
  • House Style

Module 4: Spelling and Grammar

  • Common Errors
  • Apostrophes
  • Subject-Verb Disagreement
  • Noun–Pronoun Disagreement
  • Wordiness
  • Redundancy (Tautologies)
  • The Passive Voice
  • Antecedent Clarity
  • Comma Splice
  • Modifier Misplacement/Squinting Modifiers
  • Commas in Compound Sentences
  • Homophones
  • Preposition Errors
  • Adverbs
  • Adverbs and Adjective
  • Sentence Fragments
  • Similar Words
  • Too Many Commas
  • Possessive/Plural Confusion
  • Incomplete Comparisons
  • Fewer vs Less
  • Lie vs Lay
  • I vs Me
  • Semicolon Placement
  • Capitalization Errors
  • Software Solutions
  • Manual Editing

Module 5: Word Selection

  • Word Processors
  • Reading for Intent and Clarity
  • Perspective and Objectivity
  • Titles
  • Take Time
  • Terminology
  • Avoid repetition
  • Length
  • Crutch Words

Module 6: Flow and Consistency

  • Narrative Voice
  • Maintaining Tone
  • Word Selection
  • Uniform Narration
  • Tying Ideas Together
  • The Four Levels of Flow
  • Persuasive
  • Descriptive
  • Narrative
  • Expository

Module 7: Final Proofs

  • How is Proofreading Different from Editing?
  • Fixing Spelling and Grammar Errors
  • Addressing Formatting Concerns
  • Symbols and Notation
  • How Are They Used?
  • Notation Marks

Module 8: Careers in Editing

  • In-House Editing vs Freelance
  • Niches
  • Creating a Portfolio
  • Step 1: Decide where you prefer to host your portfolio.
  • Step 2: Showcase your uniqueness.
  • Step 3: Demonstrate how you think.
  • Step 4: Talk about how you coach other writers.
  • Step 5: Update your portfolio often.
  • Equipment
  • Taxes
  • Career Outlook
  • Remembering Role
  • Freelance Platforms
Requirements

Entry requirements

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Windows:

Microsoft Windows XP, or laterModern and up to date Browser (Internet Explorer 8 or later, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

MAC/iOS

OSX/iOS 6 or laterModern and up to date Browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

All systems

Internet bandwidth of 1Mb or fasterFlash player or a browser with HTML5 video capabilities(Currently Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

Students will also need access the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Requirements

Entry requirements:

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.


Minimum education:

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.


Device requirements:

Students will need access to a computer/any device and the internet.

FAQS

1.  Who are Courses For Success?

Courses For Success is a course platform that started in 2008
with 5 courses, since then we have grown to over 10,000 online courses.

Our courses span across the following categories:

•Animal    

•Beauty    

•Business    

•Health & Fitness     

•Finance

•Lifestyle    

•IT & Software    

•Personal Development

•Teaching & Academics

2.  Is there a refund/cancellation policy?

Yes, we have a 7-day money-back refund guarantee. Just send us an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com with the subject Courses For Success Refund so we can accommodate your request.

3.  What is the FREE Personal Success Training Program?

The Personal Success Training Program
was developed by Courses For Success to help our customers achieve
success. Currently, we are offering this program for FREE with every
course or bundle purchase this month. This is a limited time offer!

4.  Are there any requirements to study this course?

No,
anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter
is encouraged to take our course. There are no entry requirements to
take this course.

5.  Do I require to have finished high school to complete this course?

No,
you do not require a High School Diploma or to have finished school to
study this course, this course is open to anyone who would like to take
this course.

6.  What if English is not my first language?

This
course is provided in English, however, due to the digital nature of
our training, you can take your time studying the material and make use
of tools such as google translate and Grammarly.

7.  Is this course online or conducted in person?

All our courses are accessible online on any device. You may complete them at your own pace and at your own time.

8.  How do I receive my course?

After
you have completed the payment, you will receive a confirmation email
and tax receipt. You will also receive an email containing your course
login details (username and password), as well as instructions on how to
access and log in to your course via the internet with any device,
please check your junk/spam folder in the event that you do not receive
the email.

9.  When does this course start?

Providing
you have internet access you can start this course whenever you like,
just go to the login page and insert your username and password and you
can access the online material.

10.  What is online learning like?

Online learning is easy, if not easier than a traditional academic situation.
By studying an online course, the usual boundaries caused by location and time constraints are eliminated, meaning you are free to study where and when you want at your own pace.

Of course, you will need to be able to self-manage your time and be organized, but with our help, you’ll soon find yourself settling into a comfortable rhythm of study.

11.  What computer skills do I need for my course?

You
don't need to be a computer expert to succeed with our online training,
but you should be comfortable typing, using the internet and be capable
of using common software (such as Microsoft word).

12.  How long will you have access to the online course?

The majority of our courses have unlimited lifetime access, meaning you can access this course whenever you want.

Please also check the course summary, as a small selection of courses have limited access.

13.  How long will my course take?

Course duration, is listed under Course Summary

14.  Do I need to buy textbooks?

All the required material for your course is included in the online system, you do not need to buy anything else.

15.  Is the course interactive?

Yes, all our courses are interactive.

16.  Is there an assessment or exam?

Yes,
you will be required to complete a multiple-choice test online at the
end of your course, you can do this test as many times as you require.

17.  What type of certificate will I receive?

You
will receive a Certificate of Completion that is applicable worldwide,
which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share
the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers and employers.
Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles
and job applications.

Wendy Sue Hunt - 5 STAR REVIEW
"If you are considering taking any “Courses for Success”, I would highly recommend it. I have always been a firm believer it’s important to always sharpen your skills. You are never too old to learn more. I found the courses very helpful, interesting and easy to understand.
The term “Courses for Success” helped me in my current position to succeed. After completing the courses, I gave my manager the completion certificates. Recently I received a promotion too."

Valencia Marie Aviles - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I
had a very good experience with my course. It has helped me to get
multiple jobs and prepared me for almost everything I would need to
know. The course was very informative and easy to understand and broken
up perfectly to be done in a short amount of time while still learning a
good amount! I would recommend Courses for Success to anyone trying to
get abs certifications for job advancements, it is well worth it!"

ELENA GRIFFIN - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I have absolutely enjoyed the materials from Courses for Success. The materials are easy to understand which makes learning enjoyable. Courses for Success have great topics of interest which make you come back for
more.
Thank you Courses for Success for being part of my learning journey and making education affordable!"

Our
completion certificates are very valuable and will help you progress in
your work environment and show employers how committed you are to learn
new skills, you might even get a promotion.

18.  Will this course be credited by universities?

No, it is not equivalent to a college or university credit.

19.  Am I guaranteed to get a job with this certificate?

This course will give you the skills you need to help you obtain employment, but it’s up to you if you get the job or not.

20.  How will this course assist me with my career?

Studying
and completing this course will show employers that you have the
knowledge in this field, additionally you will gain more confidence in
this area of expertise.

21.  How long is the certificate valid for?

The Certificates are valid for life and do not need renewing. 

22.  Can I take more than one course at a time?

Courses
are studied online at your own pace and you are free to study as many
or as few courses as you wish, we also offer online course bundles that
allow you to save on additional courses so that you may get all the
topics related to your training goals in one go.

23.  What are the Payment Methods available? Is there a payment plan?

We accept payments via PayPal, Credit Card and Bank Transfer.

Payment Plans: We have partnered with Partial.ly, to offer our own in house payment plan. Everyone is Pre-Approved, providing the initial deposit is paid in full.

To pay via bank transfer contact us info@coursesforsuccess.com

24.  Can I purchase for multiple people?

Yes, you can do this by purchasing individually via website or send us a request via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

25.  Can I request for an invoice before purchase?

Yes, you can request for an invoice via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

26.  Purchase for a gift?

Yes, you can purchase this course as a gift, simply send an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com, with the course details and we can accommodate this.

27.  Can I create my own course bundle?

Yes,
you can customize your own bundle. Please send us the complete list
with the exact course link of the courses you'd like to bundle up via
email info@coursesforsuccess.com and we will create them for you. *Each course access, time of completion and certification varies depending on the course type.

28.  How will I contact Courses For Success if I have any questions?

You can contact our support team, at any time through live chat on our website, or email at info@coursesforsuccess.com, or by calling one of our phone numbers depending on which country you are in.  

Free Personal Success Training Course

The Personal Success Training Program Helps You Stay Focused To Achieve Your Goals!

This month, we are providing it for Free with all Course Purchases, as a special offer!

Benefits:

• How to layout a Success Plan.

• Get where you want to be in life.

• How to unclutter your mind to succeed.

• Achieve your dreams using your imagination.

• How to have faith in yourself.

Features:

• Life time access

• Complement your individual course purchase.

• Click here Personal Success Training Program to see thousands of positive reviews,

Hurry - offer - ends this month!

Course Bundles

Looking for specific training for yourself or employees. Choose from our Course Bundles below or build you own Bundle, by adding more courses to your cart. Choose different courses or the same course for multiple staff members and receive volume discounts at checkout.

Course Bundles

SALE ENDS 28 MARCH

Proofreading & Editing Online Certificate Course

Save 50% Save 50%
Original price USD $399
Original price $399 - Original price $399
Original price USD $399
Current price USD $199
USD $199 - USD $199
Current price USD $199

"The course is well-organized and is very effective at teaching you how to communicate your thoughts clearly, with the right level of detail." - Christopher A. Verified Buyer. 

Our Editing & Proofreading Certification Course teaches the process of checking a final draft for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting consistency and accuracy making it ready for publication.

Bundle Up & Save - Learn More and Save More when you Upgrade to the Mega Bundle below & Save 98%


Request Your FREE Course Info-Pack Now!

  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Meta Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
7-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Course Summary

  • Delivery: Online
  • Access: Unlimited Lifetime
  • Time: Study at your own pace
  • Duration: 8 to 10 Hours
  • Assessments: Yes
  • Qualification: Certificate
About This Course
What you will learn
  • Introduction to Proofreading and Editing
  • Types of Editing
  • Style Guides
  • Spelling and Grammar

  • Word Selection
  • Flow and Consistency
  • Final Proofs
  • Careers in Editing 

Study Proofreading and Editing Online Course; Learn How to Proofread and Edit Copy Professionally

Our Proofreading and Editing Course teaches the process of checking a final draft of a piece of writing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting consistency and accuracy making it ready for publication. Techniques are shown in order to effectively perform roles, understand the importance of having a vast knowledge or information on language, and eventually be educated in setting up your own proofreading and copy-editing service business.

The proofreader course starts by explaining the similarities and connections of copy-editing and proofreading, and then detailing the functions of each of the processes. Learning the skills needed for these roles and where they are important in the editing process are also covered. Added are the differences between editors of magazines and newspapers with people who work in the book publishing industry.

With the various roles characterized, the course moves on to convey the fundamental skills; copy-editing tables and figures, editing captions and footnotes, and fact checking. The course discusses the importance of style guides, the difference between a style guide and a style sheet. Finally creating your own style sheet, providing different style manuals and a template to finally get you started.

Proofreading, done in long hours, can be tiring to the eyes and also has its toll in the mind. With these, mistakes can be missed because of fatigue. The course introduces practical ways to ensure effectiveness in the role of being a proofreader, which includes an exploration of standards in proofreading and an explanation of the term marking or marking up. The course provides two valuable resources to use in proofing: a list of basic BSI markups and a table of common homophones.

The course covers the quick identification of common errors, examine major spelling mistakes and errors that appear regularly and reasons why words are spelled incorrectly. The ten most commonly broken spelling rules as well as the exceptions are also pondered. The course will then explain common grammatical mistakes, mistakes related to sentence structures - sentence fragments, misplaced articles, and dangling modifiers - together with problems with punctuation.

In addition to the basic information provided, the basics of proofreading course will help in improving a final draft by using different sentence patterns. Considering word choice and spotting pleonasms and tautologies to improve fluency. The course also covers how nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs should be addressed when writing and editing.

The final proof is incredibly important. It is the last quality check before a draft is sent to the printers, along with the front and back covers should be correct. The course gives us an outline on how to manage the final proof and a list of the most important areas to be inspected before signing it off.

This course is designed for:

  • Freelance proofreader work

  • In-office proofreading jobs

  • Starting your own proofreading business

  • Expanding your knowledge for work at publishing training centres

  • Business writing or creative writing

  • Copy editor roles

And much more.

Proofreading and Editing Online Course - Requirements

The proofreading basics course is delivered 100 percent online 24/7.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

  • Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources

  • Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)

  • Be a self-directed learner

  • Possess sound language and literacy skills

Quick Course Facts

  1. Online proofreading class content is structured for easy comprehension

  2. Registered students gain lifetime access to the Proofreading and Editing Course

  3. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device

  4. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace

  5. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

This course is proofreading made simple. It’s an online class that is a great introduction to proofreading. For any additional questions regarding the course offered on this page, please see our frequently asked questions.

Proofreading and Editing Online Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction

What is Editing?

Before it is published or offered to readers, editing enhances and prepares the text. It includes rewriting and structuring the text and addressing grammatical and typographical errors. To make the meaning of the text more transparent and more effective, proofreaders and editors may add, remove, and rearrange words. Cutting through the clutter and ensuring that the language is accurate and unlikely to cause misunderstanding is one of the goals of editing.

Spelling and Grammar

The first task is to check for spelling and grammatical mistakes in the text. In the worst-case scenario, such flaws might render a document unintelligible. Spelling and grammatical errors can lead to misunderstanding and give the reader the wrong impression. You’ll learn more about the grammar skills required for good editing.

Structure

A piece of writing must have a distinct beginning, middle, and conclusion to be successful. The points must be presented logically and clearly, with the primary idea or thesis in mind. The material presented should be easy to follow for the reader.

Clarity

It is all too easy for authors to get lost in the minutiae and incorporate information that has nothing to do with the document's topic or goal. Alternatively, the material might be necessary but not in a good paragraph. Writers may also employ excessive jargon or idioms that might be misinterpreted or cause misunderstanding. This section of proofreading training helps you ensure clarity in the work you’re editing.

Tone and Style

An editor must ensure that the writing style is suitable for the target readership. A children's book will have a different tone than a stiff, scholarly piece. As a result, the editor's responsibility is to ensure that the work has the proper tone. Some texts may need to be written in a formal tone, while others need to be written in a lighter, more conversational tone. In addition, the chosen voice must be constant throughout the text.

Skills Required

Writing and editing both need a command of the English language, and some authors move on to become editors. They are, however, quite distinct functions. Writers are in charge of conceiving and composing a piece. The editor's responsibility is to ensure that the work is polished and ready for publication.

Qualifications for Editing

A bachelor's degree in a discipline like English, journalism, or communication is joint among editors. Furthermore, many colleges and institutions offer specialist editing and publishing degrees, which are a great option if you want to be an editor. A master's degree might help you stand out in a competitive job environment.

Module 2: Types of Editing

The many sorts of editing and why they are necessary will be introduced in Module 2. We will also talk about how editors go about their work.

Purpose of Editing

Writing and storytelling are popular ways for people worldwide to curate their distinctive voices. Writing has developed over time, and today, many use it for self-expression and instruction.

Developmental Editing

The most common type of editing required by most projects is developmental editing. This form of help aims to shape, correct, and align the structure of a person's writing so that it flows and is understood by the intended audience. The structure of a text is more important to most developmental editors than the syntax and specifics within each phrase. The principal purpose of this form of editing is to ensure that the project has a logical and aesthetic structure.

Line Editing

Line editing comes after developmental editing; before going on to this step, authors should ensure their project's structure and format are in order. This editing concentrates on the finer points of a person's work.

Copy Editing

The third phase is copy editing, which occurs after the text has been finished. The writer has already edited and examined the essay, fine-tuned the flow and connection of phrases, and is ready to put the finishing touches on it.

Proofreading

Before a project may be launched, the final stage is proofreading. Proofreaders are given a copy of a document that has been prepared professionally. Proofreaders check for simple editing issues such as typos, grammar, and spelling.

Editing by Field

Other sorts of editing, such as those listed below, are available for companies with special writing needs. Editors may opt to specialize in a particular field to boost their marketability.

Scientific and Technical Fields

This type of editing necessitates a certain level of subject matter knowledge. Scientific and other technical editors concentrate on the conventional features of writing, but they also double-check specific vocabulary, chemical formulae, equations, and other details.

Medical Editing

Medical writing assignments have a wide range of audiences. The fundamental goal is to improve the language's flow, clarity, and scientific accuracy. Some doctors may even engage editors to go over their dictated notes and make sure everything is transparent in writing. Medical editors typically pursue further training since they work with precise terminology and sometimes life-threatening problems.

Academic Editing and Citation Reviews

Academic editing reinforces the piece's ideas and arguments while deleting unnecessary information that detracts from its primary objective. While the central focus is on this, the formatting is also examined. Editors in this sector have a solid academic background, an excellent knowledge of the language, and a keen eye for detail. They must also be familiar with a variety of reference styles.

Module 3: Style Guides

We will go through style guides in this section. Style guides help to ensure that written information is consistent. They include a set of guidelines to follow while writing for a specific brand, project, or sector. These standards cover things like how a document should be written and presented, grammar, spelling, word use, and punctuation rules.

Evolution of Style Guides

Style guidelines were once only available as books, but they are now available online. Many industrial style guidelines are descriptive rather than rule-based, offering suggestions rather than restrictions. Prescriptive style guides for brands or initiatives are standard. This implies they impose stricter rules on how a writer should use language.

Why Are Style Guides Important?

A style guide is essential because it ensures uniformity and clarity throughout all written content, regardless of industry, organization, brand, or project. The English language allows us to write the same thing in various ways. What we believe to be the most important words or phrases is sometimes a personal taste and expressing ourselves. As a result, a style guide ensures that the writer stays on brand and does not alter how the company communicates.

Examples of Style Guides

Style guides are typically used to establish guidelines for a particular writing style. Academic, technical, journalistic, fiction, and even blogging styles fall under this category. Typically, these style guides will begin as guidelines for a single organization before evolving into industry standards.

Chicago

The University of Chicago developed the Chicago Citation and Writing Style. It is frequently used to cite historical sources and citations for topics in the humanities and social sciences. The news-and-bibliography approach is frequently utilised in the humanities, such as literature, history, and the arts. Citations occasionally accompany a bibliography and are put in footnotes or endnotes.

MLA

The MLA citation and format style, or Modern Language Association, is used in various professions. It defines written content standards in formatting and page layout, referencing sources, using stylistic approaches (such as footnotes or abbreviations), and preparing information for publication.

APA

The American Psychological Association uses the APA style as its official format. It is used to cite sources in education, social sciences, and psychology. The core criteria for the APA style were initially published in a 1929 article in the Psychological Bulletin. It subsequently evolved into what is today known as the American Psychological Association's Publication Manual.

House Style

House style refers to applying editing standards to a single publication or a group of publications, such as magazines, newspapers, websites, journals, or books. The majority of publishing houses will have a style sheet with standards for how things should be standardized. This might include precise spellings, hyphenation rules, and how to utilize footnotes and endnotes. For fast reference, several journals offer their style sheets in the back.

Module 4: Spelling and Grammar

We will go through some typical spelling and grammatical mistakes that you will need to repair as an editor. Other effective techniques for developing high-quality, succinct writing will be discussed.

Common Errors

Following that, we will go through some frequent faults that you could come across while examining written content.

Apostrophes

After a possessive pronoun, no apostrophe is ever used.

Subject-Verb Disagreement

In terms of number, the subject and verb must match. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and vice versa.

Noun–Pronoun Disagreement

The pronoun should be singular if the noun is singular and vice versa.

Wordiness

Keep your sentences brief and to the point.

Redundancy (Tautologies)

Use terms with similar meanings sparingly.

The Passive Voice

It is preferable to employ the active voice rather than the passive form. Your text's effect is weakened by using the passive voice.

Antecedent Clarity

The term "antecedent clarity" relates to making sure it is apparent who or what the pronoun refers to. A lack of antecedent clarity can confuse.

Comma Splice

When separating two independent sentences, avoid using commas.

Modifier Misplacement/Squinting Modifiers

Misplaced modifiers, such as squinting or hanging modifiers, create uncertainty.

Commas in Compound Sentences

Two separate clauses are connected by a conjunction to form a compound sentence. In a compound statement, commas should come before the conjunction.

Homophones

Words that sound the same but have different spellings are known as homophones. Your vs you are, for example, is a common homophone.

Preposition Errors

When writing professional material, avoid using prepositions at the end of sentences.

Adverbs

Adverbs should be used sparingly. Adverbs should be replaced with forceful verbs to make your writing more succinct.

Adverbs and Adjective

Make sure adjectives and adverbs are not mixed. The terms good and well are frequently misunderstood. An adjective is good; an adverb is excellent.

Sentence Fragments

There is always a subject and a verb in a sentence. Fragments, on the other hand, do not communicate the entire idea. Make sure you create entire phrases rather than fragments while writing.

Similar Words

A typical blunder is to mix terms that sound similar. When utilizing dictation software, words like accept and except might be particularly perplexing.

Too Many Commas

Avoid using commas in places where they are not needed.

Possessive/Plural Confusion

When writing possessives, use the apostrophe.

Incomplete Comparisons

To maintain sentence clarity, always include a comparison.

Fewer vs Less

To display an amount, use fewer. Useless for something that cannot be measured.

Lie vs Lay

The term "lay" is used to describe the process of arranging something on a surface, generally horizontally.

I vs Me

Use I when referring to subjects.

Semicolon Placement

To combine two separate clauses, use semicolons.

Capitalization Errors

All nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs should be capitalized in titles. Unless you are opening a new phrase, do not uppercase articles or the word to.

Software Solutions

Proofreading papers for spelling or grammatical errors may be time-consuming, and human mistakes are always possible. You may escape the bother by using software available in both commercial and free versions.

Manual Editing

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to manual editing vs digital editing.

Module 5: Word Selection

We will go through word selection and make changes across an entire digital document in this section of the course.

Word Processors

Editing is quick and straightforward using word processors. Selecting text is the first stage in editing; you must do this before formatting or altering it. From a single character to the complete page, you may pick any amount of text.

Reading for Intent and Clarity

A document's "skimming" is not considered critical reading. Reading with better comprehension necessitates asking questions and using models and ideas; it also necessitates the reader's understanding and effort.

Perspective and Objectivity

When editing, keep the audience's perspective in mind. Keep in mind that each content is written for a particular audience. While reading, put yourself in their place to see if the writing is appropriate for them. Keep an open mind as you read. It is critical to maintaining objectivity. Personal opinions should not be allowed to sway the substance of another writer's work.

Titles

Examine the document's title to see if it corresponds to the content. The title must be appropriate for the following material.

Take Time

When you are editing, pay attention to what you are reading. Read each section of the book at a speed that allows you to assimilate the material and comprehend the points.

Terminology

Define your vocabulary. A writer may employ phrases that a reader will not comprehend in some instances. If the writer assumes that the audience has the same experience as them, but the audience does not, the writer may skip over defining complex words.

Avoid repetition

Much repetition might muddy the waters and make it difficult to understand what the author says. Writers are prone to repeating words and phrases without realizing it, so keep an eye out for it and rewrite as required.

Length

Words that are complex or lengthy might be confusing. Instead, use standard, straightforward, short terms; the English language's large lexicon makes it simple to locate equivalents. Long sentences, on the other hand, are frequently unneeded. Several brief phrases can frequently express the same ideas.

Crutch Words

Many authors employ a crutch term when they do not have another option. It is easy to fall into a routine of using them.

Module 6: Flow and Consistency

Module 6 will cover how to approach consistency and flow. Consistency is an essential attribute for authors. The transition of ideas from one sentence to the next should be logical and fluid in any writing, especially academic writing. A reader may not understand the main point the writer is attempting to make if there is not enough cohesiveness.

Narrative Voice

Everyone in a tale has a part of performing, whether the author, narrator, characters, or the reader. There will always be a narrator in fictional content; they allow the storyteller to provide information to the reader. Fiction writers sometimes have trouble distinguishing between the author's and the narrator's voices. This differs from nonfiction writing in that the author's and narrator's voices are identical.

Maintaining Tone

It is crucial to keep a piece's general tone consistent. This involves the presentation of descriptive details.

Word Selection

The choice of words is critical for keeping the narrative voice and style. The appropriate words may evoke visuals and feelings, allowing the reader to immerse themselves more in the tale.

Uniform Narration

Building a narrative structure is critical. Check if the tale is plot-driven or character-driven when assessing a piece of fiction.

Tying Ideas Together

Check if the writer has connected their thoughts to keep the flow going. Internal summaries and pronouns to refer to nouns introduced earlier can help remind the reader of issues that have already been presented. Just make sure the citations are accurate.

The Four Levels of Flow

There are several writing styles or flows to consider while creating written content. Persuasive, descriptive, narrative, and explanatory are the four categories.

Persuasive

When a character tries to persuade the reader to agree with their point of view, or when a company tries to persuade the reader to buy their product, this is persuasive flow. The material must have a precise aim to succeed with this sort of flow.

Descriptive

It is possible to write descriptive writing in both fiction and non-fiction. It is written in the metaphorical language yet contains concrete facts. Descriptive flow can take several forms, including freewriting, diary writing, and poetry.

Narrative

Narrative writing educates the reader about what is going on in a captivating way. It entails developing a location and people so that the material becomes more accessible and believable.

Expository

Expository writing gives the reader relevant information and aids comprehension. Expository essays, such as "compare and contrast" or "cause-and-effect" essays, are examples of expository writing. Scientific papers, textbook content, and journalism or news writing examples expository writing.

Module 7: Final Proofs

The method of preparing a piece of writing for publication will be discussed in Module 7. The final proof is the final step of editing and the last chance to fix any essential text. It is critical to perform a last proofread before publication to confirm that everything is precise as the author intended. Proofreading is also the last chance to ensure that the workflows do not confuse the reader and deliver clear meaning and consistency throughout.

How is Proofreading Different from Editing?

Between editing and proofreading, there are some significant distinctions. On the document's final draft, proofreading is undertaken. It takes care of minor flaws, such as grammatical or spelling faults. It also removes any text inconsistencies and formatting mistakes. Proofreading may improve intense work, and it does not need much collaboration with the editor. It takes a lot less time than editing.

Fixing Spelling and Grammar Errors

Before reviewing a printout, double-check for misspellings and typical grammatical mistakes such as deleting a closing parenthesis or failing to include quote marks.

Addressing Formatting Concerns

Proofreading is more than just going through the text again. You must also pay attention to the formatting of the writing. Ensure that the formatting of the document is consistent throughout. Make sure page numbers, relative fonts, column alignment, and font sizes are correct.

Symbols and Notation

Symbols and notation are often utilized in the proofreading and editing procedures. These symbols and markers enable an editor or proofreader to immediately identify a problem with the text so that the writer can comprehend it.

How Are They Used?

Between the editor and the writer, symbols or signs are employed to communicate. These symbols and brief notations, often known as editing marks or proofreading markings, show what changes need to be made to the text and where they should be made.

Notation Marks

We will go through some typical notation symbols, but keep in mind that they differ based on your business or company. Some style guidelines will include a list of notation marks that may alter the material.

Module 8: Careers in Editing

This is the final section of the course. This section will look at several editing specializations and talk about how to build a professional portfolio. We will also go further into the practical aspects of working as an editor. Many prospective editors are torn between working as a freelance editor and working as an in-house editor. We will weigh the pros and cons of each alternative to help you decide which path is best for you.

In-House Editing vs Freelance

An in-house editor is assigned to a single magazine and is responsible for editing and arranging information to ensure it is clear, well-organized, and adheres to a particular writing style. Working as an in-house editor has various advantages. They have regular hours and predictable workdays, and because they are full-time employees, they may be entitled to days off on holidays or weekends. One of the advantages of working as an in-house editor is that you may not need to source work since other departments will do it for you. Your company may employ in-house writers or hire freelancers to create content.

Niches

Editors might specialize in a specific area or sector, as we indicated at the beginning of the course.

Creating a Portfolio

Your portfolio shows what you have done, what you want to accomplish, and what you can do. It should highlight your achievements and mention your goals for the future.

Step 1: Decide where you prefer to host your portfolio.

A successful proofreader has the option of hosting their portfolios either online or offline. You may provide a link to your previous employment and other valuable information about yourself by hosting your portfolio online. WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace all have excellent layouts for establishing an online presence for your portfolio.

Step 2: Showcase your uniqueness.

When putting up your portfolio, emphasize your individuality by outlining your writing and editing philosophy, task approach, and what interests you about a job. You may promote your freelance editing website or social media sites by sharing links to them.

Step 3: Demonstrate how you think.

Files containing comments from a complicated item might be included in your portfolio. You can discuss the decisions that went into the flow and structural modifications and how the work evolved into the final form.

Step 4: Talk about how you coach other writers.

Experienced proofreaders work with authors to help them shape their work to be more resonant with its intended audience. You can show how you could assist authors to achieve a final masterpiece by showing before and after drafts of previous projects (with permission from the content providers).

Step 5: Update your portfolio often.

If you have not done much editing before, you can volunteer or work as a blog guest editor to establish your portfolio.

Equipment

Working as an editor does not need much gear. A computer and internet connectivity are required, but additional needs will differ from one individual to the next. Someone who loves to edit on paper may require more pens and better lighting than someone who edits only on a computer. Keep these requirements in mind when launching a firm or looking for an editing position.

Taxes

If you are thinking about doing freelance work, one item to consider is paying your taxes. Freelancers in the United States are self-employed individuals responsible for paying their taxes.

Career Outlook

Between 2020 and 2030, the employment market for editors is predicted to grow by 5%, with 16,620 new positions expected to open up by 2029. Even though this expected rise is minor, job analysts believe that editors with internet skills would do better in the job market as the number of online publications grows.

Remembering Role

In-house editors are more likely than freelancers to have more influence over the substance of a piece. Someone who works for a newspaper, for example, is obligated to do what is best for the company. It is less of a personal choice whether or not to implement a proposed adjustment.

Freelance Platforms

Upwork and Fiverr are excellent sites for finding clients and bidding on assignments. Make sure your profile demonstrates how you can add value to your clients. Learn how to build proposals that will get you bids by reading up on your chosen platform. You may also make money by creating a personal website with a contact form and monetizing it. 

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this online proofreader course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate.

This proofreading class certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.

Further Learning

If you want to enhance your professional development further, CFS offers many certificate courses in a broad range of fields. You might also take a look at our essential proofreading course bundle - it includes 10 courses and you’ll be a guaranteed certified proofreader when you successfully complete your final exam for these!

 

Looking for something different with your online training? CFS also offers online training courses in project managementcommunication skills and much more. We have plenty of student success stories as well so check the reviews on our website!
Show More Hide
Units of Study

Module 1: Introduction

  • What is Editing?
  • Spelling and Grammar
  • Structure
  • Clarity
  • Tone and Style
  • Skills Required
  • Qualifications for Editing

Module 2: Types of Editing

  • Purpose of Editing
  • Developmental Editing
  • Line Editing
  • Copy Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Editing by Field
  • Scientific and Technical Fields
  • Medical Editing
  • Academic Editing and Citation Reviews

Module 3: Style Guides

  • Evolution of Style Guides
  • Why Are Style Guides Important?
  • Examples of Style Guides
  • Chicago
  • MLA
  • APA
  • House Style

Module 4: Spelling and Grammar

  • Common Errors
  • Apostrophes
  • Subject-Verb Disagreement
  • Noun–Pronoun Disagreement
  • Wordiness
  • Redundancy (Tautologies)
  • The Passive Voice
  • Antecedent Clarity
  • Comma Splice
  • Modifier Misplacement/Squinting Modifiers
  • Commas in Compound Sentences
  • Homophones
  • Preposition Errors
  • Adverbs
  • Adverbs and Adjective
  • Sentence Fragments
  • Similar Words
  • Too Many Commas
  • Possessive/Plural Confusion
  • Incomplete Comparisons
  • Fewer vs Less
  • Lie vs Lay
  • I vs Me
  • Semicolon Placement
  • Capitalization Errors
  • Software Solutions
  • Manual Editing

Module 5: Word Selection

  • Word Processors
  • Reading for Intent and Clarity
  • Perspective and Objectivity
  • Titles
  • Take Time
  • Terminology
  • Avoid repetition
  • Length
  • Crutch Words

Module 6: Flow and Consistency

  • Narrative Voice
  • Maintaining Tone
  • Word Selection
  • Uniform Narration
  • Tying Ideas Together
  • The Four Levels of Flow
  • Persuasive
  • Descriptive
  • Narrative
  • Expository

Module 7: Final Proofs

  • How is Proofreading Different from Editing?
  • Fixing Spelling and Grammar Errors
  • Addressing Formatting Concerns
  • Symbols and Notation
  • How Are They Used?
  • Notation Marks

Module 8: Careers in Editing

  • In-House Editing vs Freelance
  • Niches
  • Creating a Portfolio
  • Step 1: Decide where you prefer to host your portfolio.
  • Step 2: Showcase your uniqueness.
  • Step 3: Demonstrate how you think.
  • Step 4: Talk about how you coach other writers.
  • Step 5: Update your portfolio often.
  • Equipment
  • Taxes
  • Career Outlook
  • Remembering Role
  • Freelance Platforms
Requirements

Entry requirements

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Windows:

Microsoft Windows XP, or laterModern and up to date Browser (Internet Explorer 8 or later, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

MAC/iOS

OSX/iOS 6 or laterModern and up to date Browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

All systems

Internet bandwidth of 1Mb or fasterFlash player or a browser with HTML5 video capabilities(Currently Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

Students will also need access the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Requirements

Entry requirements:

Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.


Minimum education:

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.


Device requirements:

Students will need access to a computer/any device and the internet.

FAQS

1.  Who are Courses For Success?

Courses For Success is a course platform that started in 2008
with 5 courses, since then we have grown to over 10,000 online courses.

Our courses span across the following categories:

•Animal    

•Beauty    

•Business    

•Health & Fitness     

•Finance

•Lifestyle    

•IT & Software    

•Personal Development

•Teaching & Academics

2.  Is there a refund/cancellation policy?

Yes, we have a 7-day money-back refund guarantee. Just send us an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com with the subject Courses For Success Refund so we can accommodate your request.

3.  What is the FREE Personal Success Training Program?

The Personal Success Training Program
was developed by Courses For Success to help our customers achieve
success. Currently, we are offering this program for FREE with every
course or bundle purchase this month. This is a limited time offer!

4.  Are there any requirements to study this course?

No,
anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter
is encouraged to take our course. There are no entry requirements to
take this course.

5.  Do I require to have finished high school to complete this course?

No,
you do not require a High School Diploma or to have finished school to
study this course, this course is open to anyone who would like to take
this course.

6.  What if English is not my first language?

This
course is provided in English, however, due to the digital nature of
our training, you can take your time studying the material and make use
of tools such as google translate and Grammarly.

7.  Is this course online or conducted in person?

All our courses are accessible online on any device. You may complete them at your own pace and at your own time.

8.  How do I receive my course?

After
you have completed the payment, you will receive a confirmation email
and tax receipt. You will also receive an email containing your course
login details (username and password), as well as instructions on how to
access and log in to your course via the internet with any device,
please check your junk/spam folder in the event that you do not receive
the email.

9.  When does this course start?

Providing
you have internet access you can start this course whenever you like,
just go to the login page and insert your username and password and you
can access the online material.

10.  What is online learning like?

Online learning is easy, if not easier than a traditional academic situation.
By studying an online course, the usual boundaries caused by location and time constraints are eliminated, meaning you are free to study where and when you want at your own pace.

Of course, you will need to be able to self-manage your time and be organized, but with our help, you’ll soon find yourself settling into a comfortable rhythm of study.

11.  What computer skills do I need for my course?

You
don't need to be a computer expert to succeed with our online training,
but you should be comfortable typing, using the internet and be capable
of using common software (such as Microsoft word).

12.  How long will you have access to the online course?

The majority of our courses have unlimited lifetime access, meaning you can access this course whenever you want.

Please also check the course summary, as a small selection of courses have limited access.

13.  How long will my course take?

Course duration, is listed under Course Summary

14.  Do I need to buy textbooks?

All the required material for your course is included in the online system, you do not need to buy anything else.

15.  Is the course interactive?

Yes, all our courses are interactive.

16.  Is there an assessment or exam?

Yes,
you will be required to complete a multiple-choice test online at the
end of your course, you can do this test as many times as you require.

17.  What type of certificate will I receive?

You
will receive a Certificate of Completion that is applicable worldwide,
which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share
the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers and employers.
Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles
and job applications.

Wendy Sue Hunt - 5 STAR REVIEW
"If you are considering taking any “Courses for Success”, I would highly recommend it. I have always been a firm believer it’s important to always sharpen your skills. You are never too old to learn more. I found the courses very helpful, interesting and easy to understand.
The term “Courses for Success” helped me in my current position to succeed. After completing the courses, I gave my manager the completion certificates. Recently I received a promotion too."

Valencia Marie Aviles - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I
had a very good experience with my course. It has helped me to get
multiple jobs and prepared me for almost everything I would need to
know. The course was very informative and easy to understand and broken
up perfectly to be done in a short amount of time while still learning a
good amount! I would recommend Courses for Success to anyone trying to
get abs certifications for job advancements, it is well worth it!"

ELENA GRIFFIN - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I have absolutely enjoyed the materials from Courses for Success. The materials are easy to understand which makes learning enjoyable. Courses for Success have great topics of interest which make you come back for
more.
Thank you Courses for Success for being part of my learning journey and making education affordable!"

Our
completion certificates are very valuable and will help you progress in
your work environment and show employers how committed you are to learn
new skills, you might even get a promotion.

18.  Will this course be credited by universities?

No, it is not equivalent to a college or university credit.

19.  Am I guaranteed to get a job with this certificate?

This course will give you the skills you need to help you obtain employment, but it’s up to you if you get the job or not.

20.  How will this course assist me with my career?

Studying
and completing this course will show employers that you have the
knowledge in this field, additionally you will gain more confidence in
this area of expertise.

21.  How long is the certificate valid for?

The Certificates are valid for life and do not need renewing. 

22.  Can I take more than one course at a time?

Courses
are studied online at your own pace and you are free to study as many
or as few courses as you wish, we also offer online course bundles that
allow you to save on additional courses so that you may get all the
topics related to your training goals in one go.

23.  What are the Payment Methods available? Is there a payment plan?

We accept payments via PayPal, Credit Card and Bank Transfer.

Payment Plans: We have partnered with Partial.ly, to offer our own in house payment plan. Everyone is Pre-Approved, providing the initial deposit is paid in full.

To pay via bank transfer contact us info@coursesforsuccess.com

24.  Can I purchase for multiple people?

Yes, you can do this by purchasing individually via website or send us a request via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

25.  Can I request for an invoice before purchase?

Yes, you can request for an invoice via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com

26.  Purchase for a gift?

Yes, you can purchase this course as a gift, simply send an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com, with the course details and we can accommodate this.

27.  Can I create my own course bundle?

Yes,
you can customize your own bundle. Please send us the complete list
with the exact course link of the courses you'd like to bundle up via
email info@coursesforsuccess.com and we will create them for you. *Each course access, time of completion and certification varies depending on the course type.

28.  How will I contact Courses For Success if I have any questions?

You can contact our support team, at any time through live chat on our website, or email at info@coursesforsuccess.com, or by calling one of our phone numbers depending on which country you are in.  

Free Personal Success Training Course

The Personal Success Training Program Helps You Stay Focused To Achieve Your Goals!

This month, we are providing it for Free with all Course Purchases, as a special offer!

Benefits:

• How to layout a Success Plan.

• Get where you want to be in life.

• How to unclutter your mind to succeed.

• Achieve your dreams using your imagination.

• How to have faith in yourself.

Features:

• Life time access

• Complement your individual course purchase.

• Click here Personal Success Training Program to see thousands of positive reviews,

Hurry - offer - ends this month!

Course Bundles

Looking for specific training for yourself or employees. Choose from our Course Bundles below or build you own Bundle, by adding more courses to your cart. Choose different courses or the same course for multiple staff members and receive volume discounts at checkout.

Course Bundles