Introduction to Editorial Skills has been created in collaboration with some of the UK’s major publishing houses, to offer a comprehensive introduction to modern publishing processes and the key publishing skills of copy-editing and proofreading.

For the very first time, the PTC is offering new editors the opportunity to learn proofreading and copy-editing skills, on-screen and on paper, in tandem. This is also the first PTC open course to offer PQB certification.

The course includes expert advice and practice carrying out on-screen and paper-based editorial work in a range of different types of content, and for both print and digital output.

Individuals working in book or journal publishing, in-house or freelance, wishing to develop copy-editing and proofreading skills, including editorial assistants, copy-editors, desk editors and production editors will benefit from this course. In addition, students wishing to start a career in publishing with formal training in editorial skills, as well as those who have to proofread and copy-edit as part of their job.

Learn how to: use the key skills of copy-editing and proofreading for various different types of content; understand how different methods of working impact the modern editorial workflow; and appreciate how the roles of the copy-editor and proofreader fit within today’s publishing process.

The course offers a unique three-step blended learning approach that combines self-study, a two-day classroom group course, and distance learning assessment.

You can change an author’s file on-screen relatively easily – but editing it efficiently and effectively requires more skill and specialist knowledge. Through a series of hands-on exercises, this course shows you how to make on-screen editing a more efficient process, improving the speed and quality of your work. You will learn ‘best practice’ in preparing files for import into typesetting programs, and you will also learn how to find the best resources on the internet.

Every student will have sole use of a computer with all relevant software. The basic techniques are applicable to all platforms.

Editorial staff and freelancers who use Word to edit text on-screen or who brief others to edit on-screen will benefit from this course. This course is focused on teaching you how to edit on-screen, not what to edit.

Learn how to: edit efficiently on-screen; prepare files in the best form for typesetting; create macros to ‘clean’ files automatically; flag changes to files electronically; and customise Word for editing.

This practical course focuses on the skills needed to effectively manage both print and digital editorial projects. Using in-depth case studies, you will be taken through the practical tasks required for the job. You will be given tips and guidance on managing everyday issues, drawing on digital project management strategies and solutions where applicable.

By the end of the course, you will have gained skills and knowledge that you can use immediately. There will also be a range of checklists and spreadsheets to take away and use as tools in the future.

Editors, desk editors, project editors, production editors and managing editors who are responsible for the management of complete editorial projects will benefit from this course.

Learn how to: assess the scope, needs and risks of an editorial project; accurately estimate timings to produce a detailed and reliable schedule; create and maintain the project budget to ensure profitability; and effectively manage and communicate with your team and other stakeholders.