CONT205: How to Copyedit


This course is a standalone editing course. It will not apply towards the Professional Editing Standards Certificate.

Wondering if a career in copyediting is for you? Looking to learn the basics of what a copyeditor does?

How To Copyedit will help you build the underlying concepts needed for a strong foundation in copyediting.

In this course, you will be immersed in the workflow of a copyediting job from start to finish. Using interactive activities, readings, and other resources, you will learn and apply fundamental topics in copyediting, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, editorial style, basic editing tools, statements of work, and clear, professional editing correspondence.

This course is applicable to those exploring a career in editing and/or beginning editors of English from all geographical locations.

Who should take this course?

The course is ideal for

  • beginners seeking to understand the basics of copyediting
  • individuals eager to acquire knowledge about the basic editing tools, statements of work, and professional editing correspondence
  • those looking to establish a solid foundation in copyediting principles

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.

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)

Policies and more information


Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the role of a copyeditor and distinguish it from other editing roles.
  • Identify and apply the steps needed to complete a text-only copyedit.
  • Compose professional editing correspondence around statements of work, scope of work, and timelines.
  • Plan workflows, formulate professional queries and author notes, and explain editorial approach and changes.
  • Demonstrate competence in the use of standard copyediting tools.
  • Apply consistency, correctness, and accuracy standard to text-only documents.

Course Outline

Modules
Module 1: What is Copyediting?
Module 2: Identifying Scope of Work
Module 3: Evaluating Correctness
Module 4: Discovering Resources
Module 5: Queries and Checklists
Module 6: Bringing It All Together
Total hours: 60

Course Schedule

Session Course Dates Registration Deadline Payment Deadline
Winter 2025 Jan 20, 2025 – Apr 04, 2025 Jan 10, 2025 at 4pm ET Jan 16, 2025 at 4pm ET
Spring 2025 Apr 07, 2025 – Jun 06, 2025 Mar 28, 2025 at 4pm ET Apr 03, 2025 at 4pm ET
Summer 2025 Jun 23, 2025 – Aug 08, 2025 Jun 13, 2025 at 4pm ET Jun 19, 2025 at 4pm ET

Winter 2025

  • Dates: Jan 20, 2025 – Apr 04, 2025
  • Deadline: Jan 10, 2025 at 4pm ET
  • Payment Due: Jan 16, 2025 at 4pm ET

Spring 2025

  • Dates: Apr 07, 2025 – Jun 06, 2025
  • Deadline: Mar 28, 2025 at 4pm ET
  • Payment Due: Apr 03, 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 has no application requirements.


Course Materials

Download the course outline [DOCX]

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.