EDIT210
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.
The final assignment for this course is due two weeks after the course ends.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 5 weeks
Tuition: $595
Can be applied to:
Editing Certificate
Plain Language Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Wed, Jan 21 - Tue, Feb 24 (self-paced within deadlines)
- Wed, Mar 11 - Tue, Apr 14 (self-paced within deadlines)
- Wed, May 13 - Tue, Jun 16 (self-paced within deadlines)
- Wed, Sep 16 - Tue, Oct 20 (self-paced within deadlines)
- Wed, Nov 4 - Tue, Dec 8 (self-paced within deadlines)
What you will learn
At 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
How you will learn and be evaluated
Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:
- Readings
- Online discussions
- Practical exercises
You will be evaluated on:
- Assignments
- Participation in discussions
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Recommended reading:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th or 18th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017 or 2024.
Note: Courses use the author-date style from the Chicago/Turabian (17th ed.) citation guide.
Once you begin the course you’ll be sent SFU library access information for this text. Alternatively, you may wish to access a 30-day free trial of the online version of Chicago Manual of Style.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.
This course requires:
- Microsoft Word 2010 or newer (neither Google Docs nor Pages is adequate) and being comfortable with Track Changes function
- A printer
- A scanner or camera to create a digital copy of editing examples to be submitted for one of the assignments
- High-speed internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
Assignments may require familiarity with the following MS Word features:
- Accepting and rejecting tracked changes
- Using Comments
- Using the Paragraph function
- Applying Styles (recommended but not required)
English Language Requirements
To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:
- Overall band score minimum 6.5
- No band below 6.0
- Writing band score minimum 8.0
Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.
If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.