Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting

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.