Editing I (Editing and Proof Reading) Course Code BWR106 Fee Code S3 Number of Assignments 8 Duration (approx) 100 hours
Comment from a Student: "With regards to my tutors, I thought they were excellent and gave me great support" Marlies
COURSE STRUCTURE
1. Introduction to Editing
– the role and scope of editing; tools for editing; editing skills; the production process: an overview; who does what in publishing
2. The Mechanics of Clear Writing
– spelling, punctuation, grammar, language; style; tense
3. Assessing Manuscripts
– readability; word length; structure; consistencies and inaccuracies; the reader’s report; substantive editing; the author’s responsibilities; the author/editor relationship
4. Copy Editing I
– what the copy editor does; the procedure; house style; style sheets
5. Copy Editing II
– marking up; parts of a publication; editing non-text material and illustration.
6. Preparing Copy for Printing
– type design and page layout; proof stages
7. Proof Reading
8. The Final Stages
– indexes; blurbs; checking final proofs
AIMS
To gain an understanding of the role and scope of editing.
Explain the importance of clear, effective writing, throughout all stages of the publishing process.
Describe the procedure of manuscript assessment.
Describe the procedures used by copy editors.
Explain procedures used to prepare copy for printing.
Describe the checks and procedures used in the final stages of preparing and printing publications.
THE ROLE AND SCOPE OF EDITING
Very few people can immediately write a lucid and well-expressed piece of work. In most cases, the final draft is smoothed and polished so that others can readily understand the writer’s message.
It is the editor’s role to improve the quality of the writing, whether it is their own or someone else’s work.
The scope of editing ranges from self editing, where the writer examines their writing and improves it as best they can, to professional editing, where an expert is employed by a publishing company to improve the quality of a piece of writing prior to publication.
There are many other facets of commercial publishing that require the skills of professional editors. These include commissioning publications; reviewing manuscripts; overseeing manuscripts through the production process; liaising with writers, publishers, printers and agents; writing blurbs, captions and press releases; and researching and organising pictures. In smaller organisations the editor may also be responsible for the design and publication of documents, newsletters, reports, magazines and books using desktop publishing software and equipment.
Editing involves several stages, all of which will be examined in detail during this course. In summary, they are:
1. Reviewing the manuscript
2. Structural (substantive) editing
3. Copy editing
4. Proof reading
5. Checking proofs
What Can you expect to be doing?
Working through this course involves:
Reading things
Interacting with tutors who themselves are qualified and experienced professionals
Undertaking a variety of practical tasks
Answering and submitting assignment questions
Example of Reading from the Course
Style Errors
These are errors in style below are due to inappropriate or poor choices of language that can lead to boring, imprecise, inaccurate writing. In some situations, they might be relevant and suitable, but they are usually best avoided.
Clichés – over-used phrases, eg. bed of roses
Vogue words and trendy expressions, eg. proactive, meaningful dialogue, flavour of the month
Colloquialisms in formal writing
Parochialisms in documents intended for a wide audience
Jargon in documents intended for a general audience
Euphemisms, eg. pass away, upwardly mobile
Overstatements, eg. fabulous, incredible, fantastic, amazing
Archaic words, eg. herewith, thereby, hereinafter
Sexist terms, eg. man made, nurseryman, waitress
Tautologies, eg. totally unique, completely empty
Unnecessary use of foreign words and phrases
Ambiguity.
Example of Assignment Questions
ASSIGNMENT
In your own words, define the following terms (as they relate to publishing):
copy editing
substantive editing
proof reading
manuscript
typesetting
desktop publishing
in-house editor
freelance editor
production editor
commissioning editor
Example of a Practical Task
Find an examples of poor writing (around 200 words). You might find examples in newspapers, magazines, books, community newsletters, or your own writing.
Rewrite the sample, using correct grammar and other rules of good writing; and in a different style. For example, you might rewrite a factual newspaper report in a more sensational style or rewrite an objective, informative article using persuasive or imaginative language.
This course provides a first step toward a career in editing and proof reading.
Graduates may well start with part time work editing web sites, newsletters or low circulation magazines; but over time (and perhaps with further study) can work up to full time employment as a proof reader, sub editor, book or magazine editor, copy editor, freelance editor, or even publishing assistant or publisher.
Editors work for publications both in house (eg. in a magazine, newspaper or web development office), or outside as contractors (eg. self employed from home).
Good editors are always in demand; and with the internet, today’s editors can often work from virtually anywhere in the world.
Alone, this course does not make you into a professional editor, but it can lead to valuable career opportunities when combined with other courses that develop your knowledge and skills in publishing and journalism.
