Online Class: Proofreading and Copyediting 101

In an era where well-written content is paramount, learn the art and science of proofreading and copyediting to transform good writing into exceptional prose. Gain foundational expertise, explore market trends, and unlock your potential with practical exercises and a valuable certificate.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 14
    Lessons
  • 30
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 13,659
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Master the Art of Proofreading and Copyediting with Our Comprehensive Online Course

In our increasingly digital age, the demand for impeccable written content has never been higher. From businesses to budding authors, there's a persistent call for professionals skilled in polishing written material to perfection. Enter the dynamic world of proofreading and copyediting!

Why This Course Is Essential

  1. High Demand, Lucrative Career: According to recent statistics, the demand for proofreaders and copyeditors has surged. With the proliferation of online content-from corporate websites to individual blogs-there's a steady flow of work. Freelancers can potentially earn between $20 to $60 per hour, while full-time professionals have reported incomes ranging from $55,000 to $80,000 annually.

  2. Flexible Work Environment: The majority of proofreading assignments are remote, allowing you the freedom to work from any location, sans the daily commute.

  3. Broad Application: Beyond a career, the skills you gain will elevate your personal writing, ensuring clearer communication in emails, reports, or even creative endeavors.

What You'll Learn

  • The nuanced differences between proofreading and copyediting.
  • Essential tools to streamline your tasks.
  • Step-by-step guidance on proofreading various content types, from fiction to academic articles.
  • Techniques to masterfully copyedit and refine content.
  • Strategies to market your skills, secure employment, or even launch your own business.
  • Updated salary benchmarks and market trends.

Who Is This Course For? Whether you're a writer aiming to refine your craft, a professional looking for a career pivot, or someone passionate about the written word, this course caters to all. While it focuses on the intricacies of proofreading and copyediting, it assumes you have a foundational understanding of grammar. If you're looking to enhance your grammar skills, consider our other courses tailored for that purpose.

Benefits of Enrolling

  • Comprehensive Understanding: Dive deep into the world of proofreading and copyediting, understanding the specifics of each role.
  • Certification: On successful completion, you'll receive a CEU Certificate, a valuable addition to your professional profile.
  • Practical Experience: Engage in real-world exercises, honing your skills for the job market.

Course Motivation Every written piece, be it a novel or a business email, reflects its author. Errors, no matter how trivial, can muddle communication or even tarnish reputations. By mastering proofreading and copyediting, you ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness in every piece you touch. Imagine the satisfaction of turning a good piece into a great one, or aiding an author in perfecting their magnum opus.

Distinction between Proofreading and Copyediting While often used interchangeably, proofreading and copyediting are distinct stages in the content refinement process. A proofreader focuses on the final text, ensuring it's free from errors before publication. In contrast, a copyeditor delves into the content's details, ensuring consistency, clarity, and correctness.

As we journey through this course, you'll grasp these nuances, armed with the expertise to excel in either role-or both! Whether you're exploring a career avenue or amplifying your writing prowess, this course is your roadmap to success. Welcome aboard and let's embark on this enlightening journey where every word counts!

How much can I earn as an online proofreader?

While the amount can vary drastically depending on the type of writing you proofread (for example: personal blogs vs. scientific articles), full-time online proofreaders can make anywhere from $50,000 - $75,000 annually. As a freelancer, you can make anywhere from $20.00 / hour to $60.00 / hour, depending on the content, your accuracy/experience, and speed of delivery. The more experience you have professionally as a proofreader with a track record of providing quality editing services, the more money you will make. Keep in mind that most proofreading jobs now are fully remote, so you will be doing this work in the comfort of your home, on your own time with no commuting costs.

Do I need a college degree to pursue a career in proofreading?

No, technically you do not need a college degree to be a proofreader. If you have years of writing and editing experience already, for example, that would have more weight than an English degree (with little experience). Some full-time, salaried proofreading positions may require a college degree, that is up to the company's hiring policies. But to become a freelance proofreader or copyeditor doesn't require any degree. If you have a college degree already but not in the field of Language Arts, that's fine as well. You don't need to return to college to get a degree in writing and editing in order to become an effective and successful proofreader. You do need to know (or learn) everything a proofreader does and you must have above average proofreading and editing skills to be a successful professional proofreader in the long-term, and this course will show you everything the job entails and all the required skills employers will expect of you.

Who should take this proofreading course?

This proofreading course is for anyone interested in proofreading and copyediting as a career or as a freelancing gig. This course is a practical and comprehensive guide to becoming a professional proofreader. It reviews specific job requirements and provides exercises to build understanding and mastery of proofreading requirements. While this course does include proofreading exercises as well as what proofreading and grammar skills proofreaders will really need to know, it is not specifically a grammar and punctuation course. In other words, your motive to take this course should be because you want to become a proofreader (one that gets paid), and that you already have great grammar/writing/editing skills or you have a love for writing and editing already and want to earn a living using these skills. If you are looking to improve your writing, grammar, and punctuation skills, UniversalClass offers several grammar courses that will help you build and refine those skills.

What are the benefits of taking this course?

There are many benefits to taking this course. Besides the obvious benefits of learning what a proofreader does, what a copyeditor does, and all the editing rules and guidelines you must know and follow, you'll also learn what specific editing skills you need to work on and refine, as well as how to advertise your services and how to find (and land) freelancing gigs. If you are planning to pursue proofreading and copyediting professionally, you'll want to register for the CEU Certificate version of the course so that you can list formal training on your resume. Upon successful completion of the certificate course, you can add the CEU credential to the "Professional Development" section of your resume. This will alert potential clients that you actually know how to follow proofreading standards and that you can create and adhere to the client's style sheets and style guides.
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.39 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(13,207 votes)

Lesson 1. Mastering the Art of Written Precision: Proofreading and Copyediting Unveiled

While technology aids proofreading and copyediting, enabling quicker identification of issues, human expertise remains irreplaceable. Technological tools assist editors like navigational aids, but the human touch is essential to maintain the integrity and coherence of text. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 57700121rz58329.png
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Assignment 1: Proofreading and Copyediting
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Style Guides and Style Sheets: Ensuring Consistency in Editing

Style guides are essential manuals for editors that ensure uniform application of conventions in writing across different fields, while style sheets are tailored lists created to maintain an author's or publisher's unique style attributes. As a copyeditor or proofreader, one must adeptly maneuver between standard guides like MLA or APA and personalized style sheets to deliver consistency and correctness in any literary work. 50 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 2: Style Sheets and Style Guides
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Picking Your Perfect Editing Handbook

Proofreaders and copyeditors rely on specific style guides to navigate language complexities, much like chefs choose ingredients to craft dishes. This lesson explores various guides, from medicine to journalism, helping you pick the right one for your content's clarity and consistency. 39 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 3: Print and Online Style Guides
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Mastering the Craft: Creating and Utilizing Style Sheets for Consistency

Style sheets guide proofreaders on specific stylistic deviations made by copyeditors, preserving authorial intent and preventing unnecessary edits. Consistent presentation of terms, like the agricultural spelling 'Morningglory,' highlights the sheet's role in maintaining thematic coherence. 55 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 4: Creating Style Sheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Mastering Proofreaders' Marks: The Art of Efficient Editing

Proofreaders' marks serve as a shorthand for indicating corrections and improvements in a manuscript. Their consistent use enhances communication efficiency, simplifying the revision process for both authors and editors alike. 49 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 5: Proofreaders' Marks
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. The Essential Role of a Proofreader in Publishing

A proofreader plays a crucial role in publishing, ensuring accuracy in spelling, grammar, and consistency while maintaining the author's voice. Their tasks include advanced techniques, like backward reading and understanding cultural nuances, and require collaboration with authors and editors to enhance content quality. 39 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 6: Proofreader's Responsibilities
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. From Typos to Perfection: Perfecting Proofreading

Emphasizing a deliberate reading pace, proofreading is the artful combination of scientific rigor and creative intuition. Consistently refining one’s skills through practice and adopting tailored strategies for different genres ensures proficiency. 49 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete: Assignment 7: Proofreading Tips
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Proofreading Practice: Sharpen Your Skills

The lesson explores basic proofreading skills using a sample text about astronomy, a task requiring attention to errors without needing a style guide. It emphasizes the importance of starting with foundational knowledge, such as understanding our solar system, to excel in outer space studies and proofreading alike. 54 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review 4 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete: Assignment 8: Proofreading Practice
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. The Copyeditor's Toolkit: Navigating Light, Medium, and Heavy Edits

Copyediting encompasses light, medium, and heavy edits; each level adjusts responsibilities ranging from merely correcting errors to improving text flow. Regardless of edit type, consistency, and error resolution remain fundamental tasks. 50 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 9: Copyeditor Job Types
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. From Errors to Excellence in Editing

Copyediting transcends simple error correction, focusing on delivering clarity, accuracy, and coherence to written content, applying the principle of making text convey its intended message effectively. Evolving into an exceptional copyeditor requires dedication, mastery of language nuances, and addressing potential legal issues without needing a law degree. 40 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 10: Copyediting Newspapers and Magazines
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Precision in Red: Essential Copyediting Practice

Participants can refine their copyediting abilities by working on a basic space-related text, identifying and correcting errors using marks learned earlier. By focusing on editing without a style guide, the lesson builds confidence in handling real-world copyediting tasks effectively. 47 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 11: Copyediting Practice
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Polish Your Words: A Guide to Self-Editing

The art of self-editing is fraught with challenges, as writers often miss errors due to mental 'fill-in-the-blanks.' Utilizing techniques like reading aloud and varying sentence structures can aid in achieving a polished piece. 48 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 12: Copyediting Your Own Work
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. Exploring the Realm of Words: Navigating a Career in Copyediting and Proofreading

The income for copyeditors ranges typically from $63,000 to $84,000 annually, while proofreaders earn between $48,000 and $63,000, reflecting market trends and location differences. Networking, technological innovation, and specialization offer pathways for advancement, alongside traditional publishing house roles. 56 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 13: Education and Skills of Proofreader/Copyeditor
  • Complete: Final Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. The Ultimate Test: Your Last Challenge

The final exam is open, challenging you to prove how well you've understood the lessons taught. Success in this exam is a testament to your hard work and dedication! 48 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Final Exam
654
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand the use of style sheets and style guides in proofreading and copyediting.
  • Demonstrate matching the appropriate style guides for various project types.
  • Demonstrate how to create and use a style sheet.
  • Describe proofreaders' marks and how they are used to copyedit and proofread.
  • Describe your job as a proofreader.
  • Demonstrate basic proofreading skills.
  • Describe the job of a copyeditor.
  • Demonstrate basic copyediting skills.
  • Describe methods for copyediting and proofreading your own work.
  • Summarize copyediting or proofreading career opportunities.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Proofreading and Copyediting 101
Course Number: 57700121
Lessons Rating: 4.39 / 5 Stars (13,207 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: November 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I thought it was an excellent course. Your feedback was constructive and timely. Thank you very much." -- Charles M.
  • "This course was a great experience, the first online I have taken. I found the lessons, support, and ease of navigation on the site very approachable, comprehensive and well explained. The instructor was readily available, extremely prompt in grading, and quick to answer questions and recommendations. I would highly recommend him and hope I have the pleasure of his guidance in the next course. In addition, the reasonable price makes it very affordable." -- Sulane B.
  • "This proofreading/copyediting course was great! The lessons provided made me think about the job I would be doing when I eventually am hired! Knowing the more I practice, the better I will get, and the more hireable I become makes me want to do the practice lessons repeatedly." -- Amanda D.
  • "It was a very helpful course. I have already begun incorporating what I have learned in my daily writing assignments. Thank you for your comments on my work. They kept me focused." -- Denise S.
  • "This course was excellent and answered all the questions I had regarding proofreading and copyediting." -- Diane H.
  • "I found this course to be extremely informative. It provided valuable tools needed to perform the task." -- Stephanie H.
  • "Great lessons! Reinforced previous knowledge and help discover tips and tools to continue building on." -- Faylee F.
  • "First off, I want to say thank you to Universal Class for providing such great instruction in Proofreading and Copyediting, and at a very affordable price. From the overall ease of the signing up for the course, to the navigation of the site, I found it to be a great experience. I learned so much about how to be a better writer, as well as areas that needed improvement with supporting materials to have as a reference later on. I would highly recommend Universal Class to others, and I plan to return for additional courses as a way to improve my skills both personally and professionally. My last comment is about Daphnee St. Val, a wonderful instructor that provided helpful feedback and tips on how to move forward. She made recommendations on materials to support my efforts to become a better writer as well. I give Daphnee a 10+!" -- Elena O.
  • "I'm very satisfied with the knowledge acquired through this course. The step by step lesson flow made it easier to understand the requirements of both proofreading and copyediting." -- James O.
  • "I really enjoyed this course. It was just the right amount of information in easy to digest bites. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in the topic." -- Amber L.
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