University of Richmond

Copyediting and Proofreading for the Profession

Course Name

Copyediting and Proofreading for the Profession

Contact Hours: 30 (an estimated time frame devoted to a course of study from start to finish that can vary from student to student)

Course Description

This course introduces students to professional copy editing and proofreading. Students learn the role of an editor and different types of editing, including mechanical editing, copyediting, proofreading, and substantive editing. The course begins with a review of editing markup before delving into copyediting exercises in punctuation, spelling and abbreviations, quantitative material, language and style, and visuals. Students practice copyediting, proofreading, and electronic editing of Word documents, PDFs, online help, and web pages. Students learn how to create and use a style sheet and how to complete a comprehensive edit. Each unit presents the student with a new topic and related content to edit.

This course can be completed sooner with permission of the instructor.

Required Textbook

The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz ISBN-13: 978-0520286726

Recommended

The Copyeditor's Handbook and Workbook: The Complete Set Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz ISBN-13: 978-0520306677

Outcome

Upon successful completion, students will have had the opportunity to:

  •  Edit different materials for grammar, word choice, design, and layout
  •  Create a style sheet and deliver a final document that has gone through a substantive edit
  •  Learn about different editing methods and how to provide feedback professionally

Assessment

Progress and understanding of the material is assessed through:

  • Instructor evaluation of your written assignments (9 assignments total covering different elements of copyediting)
  • Quizzes (2 quizzes total covering different elements of copyediting)
  • A final comprehensive project (comprised of an analysis, style sheet, and edited document)

Outline

1.Role of an editor; Markup review
2.Copyediting for punctuation
3.Copyediting for spelling
4.Copyediting quantitative material
5.Copyediting for language and style
6.Proofreading
7.Visual design
8.Editing online help
9.Editing web pages
10.Style sheets
11.Comprehensive editing

For a more detailed outline make your request to info@techwriter-certification.com