Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements but the course is tailored to:

• Anyone wanting to work as a freelance proofreader in publishing
• Career-changers seeking a flexible and interesting career
• Those who proofread in their job and lack formal training
• Editorial staff looking to build or refresh their skills, or learn from the beginning

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Go from beginner to qualified proofreader in one step, with the support of a personal tutor. Gain the skill, judgement and understanding of the publishing process needed to be a successful, market-ready proofreader.

On completing this course you’ll be able to mark up on paper, and on screen in Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word, and use and understand British Standards Institution symbols.

You'll learn how to make informed decisions when marking up proofs (what to change, what to leave), follow the instructions of an editor and give clear instructions to a typesetter.

This course will give you a thorough understanding of the publishing process and where the proofreader fits in. It also covers the requirements of the wider business world, including working with independent (self-publishing) authors and those in the publishing industry.

Study from home, or any convenient location, in your own time, at your own pace.

Fees and funding

The Book Trade Charity (BTBS) offers funding to those who have worked in publishing or bookselling but are currently unemployed.

Assessment