• CONT204: Structural Editing Standards

CONT204: Structural Editing Standards

I enjoyed the learning activities in each module, which helped reinforce some of the learnings. I also liked that there was NO group work. This allowed me to work comfortably at my own pace and not have to worry about working around another classmate's equally busy schedule.
If you're interested in working toward the completion of our Professional Editing Standards Certificate, we strongly recommend starting with the course CONT200: Fundamentals of Editing Standards

This course is designed to address a wide range of aspects expected of editors who perform structural/substantive editing. Course participants will gain an understanding of Editors Canada’s Professional Editorial Standards (PES) for structural editing, prepare for the Editors Canada certification examination for structural editing, and learn about structural/substantive editing at a professional level. The PES for structural editing are used as a guideline throughout the course.

Course participants will achieve these objectives through hands-on exercises and analyses of and practice on actual texts and a variety of materials, keeping in mind the intended audience, medium, market, and purpose. Participants will benefit from interaction with their colleagues in this course in a “safe space” where they are free to make mistakes and creatively solve editorial problems.

At the end of the course, students will work through a structural edit that simulates a task on the Editors Canada’s certification test.

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 seeking advanced knowledge in structural editing
  • editors wanting to explore the expectations and techniques of structural editing
  • editors 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

  • Explain the work of structural editing and editors according to a variety of definitions.
  • Undertake the work of structural editors and the associated range of editing tasks.
  • Discuss the selection, positioning, and editing of a variety of visual and textual elements.
  • Apply the appropriate tools to carry out structural/substantive editing of fiction and non-fiction works.
  • Communicate effectively with authors, colleagues, and clients about editorial changes.

Course Outline

Modules
Module 1: Welcome and Introduction
Module 2: Structural Editing Basics
Module 3: Textual and Supplementary Elements
Module 4: Content Editing-Fiction
Module 5: Content Editing-Non-Fiction
Module 6: Wrapping It Up
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]

Editing Canadian English, 3rd edition, 2015, by the Editors’ Association of Canada, is available as an ebook from Amazon.ca and Kobo. The ebook edition includes the companion guide, Editorial Niches, which is referenced in this course.

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.