Proofreading And Editing Skills
This workshop, based on the premise that work must be letter-perfect when it leaves the desk, is designed for those whose job requires them to proofread their own and others’ written work. Since the workshop provides basic skills, those new to the field will gain a working ability to proofread and edit. Experienced participants will gain a refresher, the introduction to new techniques and the opportunity to practise. All will benefit from feedback on their progress.
With our extensive knowledge of the different software currently on the market, including all Microsoft and Adobe applications, ON-TRACK Corporate Training Ltd. has a diverse and flexible schedule that can be customized to your needs – we offer group course (both public and corporate), one-on-one training, and on-site training options. We also have easily accessible on-line training videos available.
Duration: 2 Days
Methodologies
Learning methods comprise (including, if desired, documents brought in by the participants), lecturettes, discussions and a video.
Objectives
After this workshop, participants will be able to :
- Explain the necessity of proofreading perfectly and assess the consequence of error
- Recognize the difference between proofreading and editing.
- Improve their “proofing eye” through practice.
- Practise the six key proofreading categories, including spelling
- Proofread copy using basic proofreading marks
- Edit various texts, including emails, using five editing concepts
- Improve written clarity using Plain English techniques
- Use common proofreading and editing reference texts
Outline
- Part I. Introduction : Roles, goals and participant expectations
- Reasons for proofreading, and the consequences of error
- How the role of the proofreader differs from that of the editor
- Training the proofreader’s eye
- Why we need more than Spell check
- Choosing and using standard reference texts
- Part II. Proofreading Guidelines
- Techniques for proofreading more thoroughly and quickly
- Necessary supplies the proofreader needs
- Some basic proofreading tips
- Part III. The Six Categories of Proofreading Errors
- Spelling: common errors, including English-French look-alikes
- Keyboarding
- Punctuation and mechanics
- Formatting, layout and style
- Typeface and fonts
- Grammar
- Part IV. Proofreader’s Marks
- Marks in the text and marks in the margin
- Proofreading lists of numbers
- Practising proofreading using the marks
- Part V. The Basics of Editing
- The difference between reviewing and editing
- The modern paragraph
- Some principles of good style
- Part VI. Plain English
- Editing and proofreading checklists
- Simplifying “gobbledygook”
- Choosing clear and simple wordings
- Gender-free writing
- The editor writes
- Does the document require a communication plan?
- Practice editing simple texts
- Working with a commercial printing company
- Part VII. Course Evaluation and Closure