EDIT310
Substantive Editing
This course is designed for people with some basic copy editing experience. We will discuss various editorial problems and solutions, and work through practical examples from manuscripts.
Topics include identifying structural problems; reorganizing, reworking, and rewriting manuscripts; communicating with authors; considering the needs of the reader; and dealing with issues such as permissions, copyright, and libel. We’ll draw examples from books, reference materials, and articles. This course does not deal with editing fiction or poetry.
You should be prepared to invest time in completing substantial weekly assignments for assessment and in-class discussion.
| Section | Sessions | Dates | Time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Hours | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDIT310-VA11271 | 7 - Tue |
Oct 23–Dec 4, 2012 |
6:30–9 pm |
Van | Ruth Wilson |
17.5 | $485 | Register |
| EDIT310-ON11311 | Online | Mar 11–Apr 29, 2013 |
Online | Theresa Best | 17.5 | $485 | Register |
This course is part of the following program(s):
Prerequisites:
Either Basic Copy Editing or some prior copy editing experience.
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Understand the place of substantive editing in the production cycle, and identify how it differs from other types of editing
- Develop and use an outline to reveal the structure of a manuscript
- Query writers tactfully, understanding when to allow their writing style to override some editorial conventions
- Distinguish between issues that need to be negotiated with a writer and those that can be edited without question
- Devise a plan for editing a long and difficult manuscript
- Differentiate between line editing and copy editing
- Recognize when permissions are required, what libel means, and when to get legal help
- Edit manuscripts for length, and line edit for the target audience
- Write or edit effective headings and transitions
- Identify when graphic elements will enhance text
- Identify and solve common stylistic problems
- Use Microsoft Word’s track changes feature to edit substantively on screen
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- In-class exercises
- Group assignments
- Independent take-home assignments
- Extra reading
How will I be evaluated?
Your grade will be based on the following:
- Self/peer evaluation exercises
- Four assignments (100%)
- In-class participation
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide custom course materials.