CONT200: Fundamentals of Editing Standards
Are you thinking about taking one or more of the Editors Canada certification tests? Or just looking for a way to brush up on your editing knowledge and skills?
Led by an industry expert, the Fundamentals of Editing will provide you with the chance to do both, in an interactive, focused examination of the underlying concepts needed for a strong foundation in editing.
The first step in a series of courses as part of the Professional Editing Standards Certificate, this course introduces you to Editors Canada’s certification program and then takes you through topics such as the publishing and editorial process, how the scope and scheduling of a project impact the editing, techniques and skills at the heart of all types of editing, and the legal and ethical considerations that editors need to know. For those wishing to go on to write the Editors Canada certification tests, this course also helps you prepare for that process.
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) recognises Queen's University Canada's courses as quality training that will count towards CIEP membership upgrade.
Who should take this course?
The course is ideal for
- editors interested in earning a Professional Editing Standards Certificate
- intermediate and advanced editors with more than 5 years of experience
- those looking to establish a strong foundation in editing principles
- individuals who want to gain insights into the publishing and editorial process
- those looking to acquire essential editing techniques and skills
Delivery Method
This course is delivered asynchronously online allowing participants to engage with flexibility at their own convenience. This method provides a balance between self-paced learning and structured coursework while promoting a supportive community where participants can share experiences and ideas.
Professional Development
This course will count towards completion of the Professional Editing Standards Certificate.
Course Fees
Course fees include
- full access to comprehensive course content
- timely feedback from a subject matter expert on assignments
- shareable Badge of Completion (Queen's University)
- credit toward the Professional Editing Standards Certificate
Policies and more information
Learning Outcomes
- Discover how editors fit into the larger publishing and editorial process.
- Discuss factors relating to project scope and scheduling that impact on the editor’s role.
- Apply the work of editors, including acquiring resources, techniques, and skills, as well as the basics of the design and production process.
- Interpret the legal and ethical requirements of editing and the editor’s role related to these issues.
Course Outline
| Modules |
| Module 1: Welcome and Introduction |
| Module 2: Publishing and Editorial Process |
| Module 3: Project Scope and Scheduling |
| Module 4: Editorial Work |
| Module 5: Legal and Ethical Requirements |
| Module 6: Bringing It All Together |
| Total hours: 60 |
Course Schedule
| Session | Course Dates | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Spring 2025 | May 05, 2025 – Jun 27, 2025 | Apr 25, 2025 at 4pm ET | May 01, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| Summer 2025 | Jun 23, 2025 – Aug 08, 2025 | Jun 13, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jun 19, 2025 at 4pm ET |
Late Spring 2025
- Dates: May 05, 2025 – Jun 27, 2025
- Deadline: Apr 25, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: May 01, 2025 at 4pm ET
Summer 2025
- Dates: Jun 23, 2025 – Aug 08, 2025
- Deadline: Jun 13, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jun 19, 2025 at 4pm ET
Application Requirements
This course is applicable to intermediate and advanced editors of English (more than five years’) from all geographical locations.
If you are new to the field of editing and are looking for an introductory course, we recommend CONT205: How to Copyedit. If you have some experience as an editor (less than five years’), you may enroll in this course and assess whether the course material matches your current skills. You have the option to withdraw from the course and receive a full refund if you do this before the course’s midpoint. View our refund policy here.
Course Materials
Download the course outline [DOCX]Required text: Editors' Association of Canada. (2015). Editorial Niches: A Companion to Editing Canadian English, 3rd edition, available at Chapters Indigo.
Accommodations
Applicants who require special accommodations are asked to:
- Contact us at least 1 week prior to the start of the course to allow enough time for appropriate accommodations to be made.
- Provide necessary documentation upon request.