EDIT210
Basic Copy Editing
Copy editing makes a good publication better. A copy editor can improve any document by eliminating errors, addressing grammar problems, and ensuring consistent style. This course is for people who want to develop the skills that professional copy editors need.
Topics include assessing your copy editing aptitude, using editing marks, watching for mistakes in spelling and punctuation, striving for accuracy, preparing style sheets, and electronic copy editing. You’ll have the opportunity to complete assignments based on non-fiction book excerpts, journal articles, newsletters, and other print material.
Prerequisite(s):
Editing Certificate students must complete Editors and Editing: An Introduction before taking this course. There is no prerequisite for students who are not registered in the certificate program.
Related program(s)
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time* | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost** | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDIT210-VA11341 | 4 | Saturdays Jun 8–29, 2013 10 am–1 pm |
Van | Barbara Tomlin | $370 | Closed |
| EDIT210-VA11342 | 4 | Monday–Thursday Aug 26–29, 2013 10 am–1 pm |
Van | Lana Okerlund |
$385 | Register |
| EDIT210-ON11371 | - | Sep 9–Oct 7, 2013 (Register by Aug 26, 2013) |
Online | Kate Harrison Whiteside | $385 | Register |
| EDIT210-SU11371 | 4 | Saturdays Oct 5–Nov 2, 2013 10 am–1 pm |
Sur | Jesse Marchand | $385 | Register |
| EDIT210-VA11371 | 4 | Saturdays Oct 19–Nov 16, 2013 10 am–1 pm |
Van | Barbara Tomlin | $385 | Register |
| EDIT210-VA11411 | 4 | Saturdays Spring 2014 |
Van | Ruth Wilson | $385 | Begins Fall 2013 |
| EDIT210-VA11412 | 4 | Saturdays Spring 2014 |
Van | Barbara Tomlin | $385 | Begins Fall 2013 |
| EDIT210-VA11441 | 4 | Saturdays Summer 2014 |
Van | Ruth Wilson | $385 | Begins Fall 2013 |
* This course involves 12 instructional hours.
** Members of the Editors' Association of Canada are eligible for a 10 percent discount. Please contact us to confirm your membership and register. You may not combine discounts.
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the stages in the editorial process, including the place and responsibilities of the copy editor
- Estimate how long it will take to copy edit a document
- Copy edit a simple document
- Identify and correct common errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, usage, mechanics, style, and content
- Use editing symbols to mark copy and explain why they are important
- Develop and follow editorial style and query sheets, and explain why they are important
- Use the Microsoft Word track changes function to edit onscreen
- Recognize the different requirements in journal, book, and website editing
- Define and use the following editing and publication terms: front matter, back matter, head, bulleted list, deck, pull quote, navigation button, pop-up, and draft equivalent page
How will I learn?
If you’re taking a classroom course:
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- In-class exercises
- Group assignments
- Independent take-home assignments
- Extra reading
If you’re taking an online course:
- Reading
- Online discussions
- Practical exercises
How will I be evaluated?
If you’re taking a classroom course:
Your grade will be based on a final exam (100%), which is required for certificate students and optional for others.
If you’re taking an online course:
Your grade will be based on the following:
- Participation in online discussions
- One assignment
- One final examination
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide custom course materials.