Publishing copy-editor/proofreader : Training

Copy-editors and proofreaders based in-house are likely to undergo some basic training whilst working, which usually includes shadowing and receiving support from more experienced colleagues.

A variety of training courses are provided by professional organisations, such as:

• Publishing Training Centre  
• The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP)  
• Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP)  
• Publishing Scotland  

Technical skills are a key part of this career and need to be updated on an ongoing basis, particularly in response to developments in technology. These organisations provide a range of technical courses, available on a seminar or distance-learning basis, covering areas such as:

• copy-editing and on-screen editing skills;
• grammar;
• editing an in-house production.

The SfEP also provides courses on developing a successful career as a freelancer and offers two levels of professional qualification, Accreditation and Registration.

The Bookseller  prints a list of training courses on a quarterly basis. There is a wide range of courses so it is important to be selective and strategic in your choice. It is generally advisable to take a course offered by a professional body, such as the SfEP or the Publishers Association (PA) .