CONT203: Proofreading Standards
This course will help you develop your skills and knowledge in proofreading. It will also help you determine if you’re working to industry standards. The content is based on well-respected proofreading standards.
You will assess your current level of skills and knowledge, and then make a plan to improve them as you
- build your existing knowledge and skills
- expand your ability to apply those competencies in topics and publication genres outside your current experience
Course activities entail research and reflection, solo and group exploration, and then solo practice. Your instructor will suggest sources of research and experimentation, and will help you to assess your progress and find appropriate resources and practice opportunities for further learning.
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
- individuals wanting to enhance their proofreading skills and adhere to high standard of accuracy
- proofreaders looking for guidance and support from an expert in the field
- editors, writers, or students involved in creating written content looking to assess their strengths and areas for improvement
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
- Understand the extent and limitations of proofreading services.
- Write a plan to improve your skills and knowledge as you progress toward a proficient level in proofreading.
- Access proofreading resources recommended in this course.
- Create personal tools that you can use in your work outside this course.
- Establish an ongoing personal learning network with your course peers.
Course Outline
| Modules |
| Module 1: The Professional Proofreader |
| Module 2: Communication |
| Module 3: Proofreading Practices |
| Module 4: Judgement |
| Module 5: Error Correction Part 1 |
| Module 6: Error Correction Part 2 |
| Total hours: 60 |
Course Schedule
| Session | Course Dates | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Winter 2025 | Feb 17, 2025 – Apr 18, 2025 | Feb 11, 2025 at 4pm ET | Feb 13, 2025 at 4pm ET |
| Winter 2025 | Jan 20, 2025 – Apr 04, 2025 | Jan 14, 2025 at 4pm ET | Jan 14, 2025 at 4pm ET |
Late Winter 2025
- Dates: Feb 17, 2025 – Apr 18, 2025
- Deadline: Feb 11, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Feb 13, 2025 at 4pm ET
Winter 2025
- Dates: Jan 20, 2025 – Apr 04, 2025
- Deadline: Jan 14, 2025 at 4pm ET
- Payment Due: Jan 14, 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 course text:
80 Common Layout Errors to Flag When Proofreading Book Interiors. Available in print or as an ebook at Amazon and Lulu.
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.