Book Editing

The Book Editing course is a highly popular course which has succeeded in providing an excellent base for the start of a career in publishing. The course is suitable for recent graduates, those changing career direction and those already in publishing and requiring refresher training.

The examination-based course is designed for those wishing to work in editorial and proofreading and those who work in books and related publishing. It concentrates on editing and proofreading skills and the techniques required to prepare text for publication. At the same time, the focus is expanded to include information about production, design, rights and other aspects of publishing.

"I thought the course was excellent and filled in the gaps regarding editorial issues that I've encountered as part of my job."

- Marissa Pueschel, Editorial Assistant, White Label Productions Ltd

Course Content

Week 1: Introduction to the course

• The role of the copy-editor
• Copy (manuscripts) and proofs
• Parts of a book
• The impact of technology on the editorial process
• How to work on copy
• Introduction to copy-editing marks

Homework: learning copy-editing marks part I

Week 2: English for copy-editors I

• Using capitals and quotes
• Introduction to House Style
• Exercise: copy-editing

Homework: learning copy-editing marks part II and a copy-editing assignment

Week 3: English for copy-editors II

• Using hyphens and dashes; using apostrophes
• Exercises: copy-editing

Homework: copy-editing assignment

Week 4: Typography and illustrations

• Feedback on homework; discussion
• Dealing with trademarks in copy
• Introduction to typography
• Handling illustrations

Homework: reading

Week 5: Editorial production; media law

• Feedback on homework; discussion
• The role of the copy editor in production and how the copy editor relates to others in the production process
• Typesetting and DTP systems
• Media law: defamation and copyright

Homework: copy-editing assignment and reading

Week 6: How print production works