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Study the more complex aspects of copyediting and the fine points of editorial style that editors of book-length manuscripts must master. Refine querying technique and learn how to approach the issues that arise when working progressively on segments of a longer manuscript, including how to estimate time and cost for editing. Practice content editing by working with tables, references and footnotes. Enrollment is limited.
Course Outline
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Course Objectives
- Explain the role of an editor in a variety of realms, including print and online.
- Explain levels of editing and how they apply to projects.
- Write a cover letter to an author.
- Formulate appropriate, effective and respectful author queries.
- Resolve the trickier problems of grammar and usage, based on sound editorial principles and authorities.
- Identify problems of organization and flow in a manuscript and suggest a reorganization that meets the needs of the text's audience and author.
- Identify problems of wordiness and redundancy in a manuscript and suggest effective alternatives.
- Edit a technical manuscript including figures, tables, and other elements.
- Create and follow a style sheet. Understand the copyeditor's role in the publishing process, including the responsibilities and the limitations of authority.
- Prepare for the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry for both in-house and freelance copyeditors.
What You Learn
- Steps in making a manuscript into a book
- Sizing up the job, including levels and types of editing and time and cost estimates
- Brief comparison of editorial styles, including author’s versus house style; when to use a particular style; and the tricky points of editorial style
- Grammar, usage and concision
- Editing for cohesion, including organization, transitions and topic flow, tone, accuracy and lists
- Editing special elements, including tabular matter; illustrations; captions, labels and legends; glossaries; and indexes
- Different types of reference systems
- Footnotes, endnotes and in-text notes
- Bibliographies and reference lists
- Business of editing and a new world for editors, including in-house editing and the realities of freelancing; technology and the publishing business; and growth areas and new jobs for editors
How You Learn
- Online lectures
- Reading assignments
- Editing exercises
- Discussion participation
- Midterm
- Final editing assignment