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  • Berkeley Global

Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting

JOURN X405

41372
Delivery Options Online

In this beginning copyediting course, get an overview of the editorial process, including the use of style manuals and reference books, creation of style sheets, and methods of querying authors and clients. Learn how to edit using conventional marks and symbols, as well as Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature; apply the appropriate level of copyediting; eliminate bias; and copyedit various types of text. You are also introduced to basic principles of good writing and to legal issues (copyright and permissions) that copyeditors may encounter in their work. Enrollment is limited.

Prerequisites:

Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors ENGLISH X445 or equivalent.

Course Outline

Expand or collapse section

Course Objectives

  • Mark a manuscript clearly and correctly, using copyediting marks and the Track Changes function in Microsoft Word
  • Edit for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax and usage
  • Make decisions about editorial style, based on sound editorial principles and authorities, and apply those decisions correctly and consistently
  • Prepare a thorough style sheet
  • Formulate appropriate, efficient author queries
  • Prepare a suitable memo or letter presenting edited material to an author
  • Identify sexist and other potentially offensive language and recommend legitimate, acceptable alternatives when appropriate
  • Identify problems such as wordy, redundant and passive constructions
  • Understand the basic issues of editorial style such as variant spellings and alternative conventions for punctuation, capitalization, number treatment, abbreviations and acronyms, italics and quotation marks
  • Reference tools for editors (standard dictionaries, manuals of usage, style manuals, etc.) and be able to use them in answering editorial questions
  • Address basic issues of copyright, permissions and fair use
  • Understand the copyeditor's role in the publishing process, including the responsibilities and the limitations of authority

What You Learn

  • Overview of a copyeditor's world
  • Grammar challenges in editing, including verb forms, moods, tenses and agreement
  • Punctuation and style sheets
  • Querying
  • Gram-O-Rama: Identify and edit key grammatical problems, edit trademarks and brand names, and assess a manuscript's organization
  • Spelling, capitalization, abbreviations and acronyms
  • Numbers and numerals, parallel construction, language editing
  • Quotations, typecoding, clichés
  • Graphic elements, source citations, bibliographies
  • Front and back matter, rights and permissions, feedback and follow-up, how to get started copyediting

How You Learn

  • Lecture notes
  • Reading assignments
  • Written assignments, including editing exercises
  • Self-study exercises
  • Discussion thread assignments
  • Midterm project
  • Final project

Is This Course for Me?

This is an introductory course in modern copyediting, designed for students who are either considering an editing career or just embarking on one. It is the second course in the Professional Sequence in Editing, after you have completed Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors.

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Sections

Section 111

Sep 09 to Dec 02

Type: Online, Fixed Date

Instructor:

  • Erica Olsen

Cost: $945.00

See section 111 Details

Type Online, Fixed Date

Dates

Sep 09, 2025 to Dec 02, 2025

Instructional Hours

30.00

Delivery Options

Online

Available for Credit

2 semester units

Section Notes

This is an Online, Fixed Date course that starts on September 9 and ends on December 2.

Fixed-Date online courses have specific start and end dates. Your access to the course content begins on the course start date. You will complete assignments within the specific dates posted in your online classroom, and as set by your instructor in the course syllabus.

 

Prerequisite of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage for Editors - ENGLISH X445 is required for enrollment in this course.

 

TEXTBOOK NOTE: The 18th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style was recently released. It is recommended to use the online subscription model for the Chicago Manual of Style over a physical copy as it will give you access to both the 17th and 18th editions.

 

TEXTBOOK NOTE: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary can be accessed for free online at Merriam-Webster.com.

Section Materials

  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

    © 2003 Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11th edition ISBN 0877798095 Textbook ISBN: 9780877798095
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    © 2017 University of Chicago Press 17th edition ISBN 022628705X Textbook ISBN: 978-0226287058
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications by Amy Einsohn

    © 2019 University of California Press 4th edition ISBN 0520286723 Textbook ISBN: 9780520286726
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Copyeditor's Workbook: Exercises and Tips for Honing Your Editorial Judgment by Erika Buky, Marilyn Schwartz, Amy Einsohn

    © 2019 University of California Press 1st edition ISBN 0520294351 Textbook ISBN: 978-0520294356

Fall 2025 enrollment opens on June 16!

This course applies to the following programs:

Professional Sequence in Editing

Expand or collapse section

Required Courses

  • Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors
  • Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting
  • Editorial Workshop II: Intermediate Copyediting
  • Advanced Editorial Workshop

Learn More About This Program

Professional Writing Program

Expand or collapse section

Required Courses

  • Effective Writing in the Workplace
  • Introduction to Public Relations Writing
  • Writing for Social Media

Electives

  • Writing Skills Workshop
  • Journalism Workshop
  • Writing the Feature Story
  • Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting
  • Technical Communication I
  • Creative Nonfiction Workshop
  • Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
  • Science Writing

Capstone Project

  • Professional Writing Program - Final Project

Course of Related Interest


Learn More About This Program

Notes

This course requires a fairly recent version of Microsoft Word that enables you to use the track changes feature.

Departmental contact: extension-letters@berkeley.edu


Instructional Types

Live Online
Live Online courses provide an interactive learning experience with scheduled synchronous online sessions held via Zoom video conferencing (Pacific Time). Learn more about the Live Online format.
Online, Start Anytime
Continuous enrollment course begins when you enroll. You have a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 180 days to complete the course.
Online, Fixed Date
Enroll in this course by its start date and complete it by its specified end date. There are no live sessions, but plenty of opportunities to collaborate with your classmates and instructor.
Classroom
Take classes in-person at one of our buildings or partner locations.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All of our courses are taught in English. If English is not your first language, please use the following test scores as guides in order to be successful:

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS Academic Format: 7
  • DAAD: C1
  • TEM-4 or TEM-8: Level 70
  • Duolingo: 125

Note: You do not need to submit test scores.

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Course Fee

Erica Olsen

Erica Olsen, M.A., M.F.A., is a writer and editor. Her freelance copyediting and proofreading clients have included Falcon, Harper San Francisco, the National Academy of Sciences, Princeton Architectural Press, and many other publishers and organizations. She was formerly the editor at California College of the Arts, and she has taught creative writing at the college level. She is the author of Falcon Style Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Travel and Outdoor Writers and Editors (Falcon, 2000) and Recapture & Other Stories (Torrey House Press, 2012). 

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