Description:
What does a copyeditor do? What’s the typical workflow for copyediting a book manuscript? How do copyeditors know when to leave something alone and when to change it? What’s the Show Changes function in Microsoft Word, and how does it work? How does freelancing compare with in-house work?

If you have a strong foundation in grammar and want to learn more about copyediting, you’ll find answers to these and other questions in this seven-session video course.

You’ll get an overview of the copyediting process, a grammar refresher, and practice in resolving the writing issues copyeditors face every day. Specific topics will include (1) the basic tools of copyediting, including style manuals, style guides, style sheets, reference books, and online resources; (2) basic copyediting issues and techniques, like paper-and-pencil and electronic markup, issues of style and special treatment of words with a focus on The Chicago Manual of Style, effective queries, typecoding, and editorial judgment; and (3) tips for establishing yourself as an in-house or freelance copyeditor.

Reading and homework will be assigned with each session. Keys will be provided for many of the assignments so you can correct your own work, and the instructor will review the rest and return them to you with feedback. Opportunities for practice will include a practice copyediting test at the end of the course.

Convenient format:
The seven instructional sessions of this course will be offered as video recordings, available through the instructor’s password-protected channel. You’ll work through the videos and assignments at your own pace, so long as you finish the work by January 21, 2019.

Added value:
The instructor welcomes questions as you work, and at the end of the course you will be invited to take advantage of a 20-minute consultation by phone or Zoom. You will also be invited to join a Facebook group of course alumni, where you can share questions, resources, and experiences.

Additional recommended texts:
Other style manuals relevant to the type of work you prefer (e.g., Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association or The Gregg Reference Manual).
A usage dictionary (e.g., A Dictionary of Modern English Usage or Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage).
Fuller, Barbara. How to Start a Home-Based Editorial Services Business. Guilford, Conn.: Globe Pequot Press, 2013.

Instructor:
Patricia Heinicke Jr. has worked as a publishing professional for over 20 years, first in acquisitions at a small scholarly press and then as a freelance copyeditor, developmental editor, writing coach, and ghost writer. Her clients include authors of scholarly books and articles, biomedical abstracts and posters, and self-published memoirs. She has taught courses and workshops on copyediting, grammar, and other topics at Editcetera, UC Berkeley Extension, and Media Alliance and for corporate clients in the Bay Area and beyond.