Proofreading and Editing

You’ll start by learning the key differences between proofreading and copyediting, where each role fits into the editorial process, and how they’re used across different industries like journalism and publishing.

Build Your Editing and Proofreading Skillset

This accredited copyediting course covers everything you need to start confidently editing and proofreading:

• How to copyedit tables, captions, footnotes, and figures.

• What a style guide and style sheet are, and how to create your own.

• The essentials of marking up text, including BSI symbols.

• Practical tips for staying focused and reducing fatigue.

• Why fact-checking matters, and how to do it effectively.

You’ll also explore how to identify and fix common spelling and grammar mistakes. You'll understand why they happen and apply ten essential spelling rules, with clear examples and exceptions.

Strengthen Language, Flow and Clarity

Once you've grasped the basics, the course will teach you how to edit writing for clarity and tone. You’ll learn how to:

• Spot common grammar issues like dangling modifiers and sentence fragments.

• Refine word choice, eliminate redundancy, and vary sentence structure.

• Understand the use of verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs in context.

This section will help you move beyond surface-level corrections and begin editing for fluency, style, and reader engagement.

Understand the Final Proof and Production Stage

Before a document is published, the final proof is your last chance to catch errors and inconsistencies. This module teaches you how to review a final manuscript, from interior content to front and back covers, and what to prioritise before sign-off.

Learn to Copyedit and Launch a Freelance Career

The final module takes you through working as a freelance proofreader or copy editor. If you want to turn your new skills into a business, you'll learn how to:

• Write a business plan.

• Set up as a sole trader.

• Understand your tax obligations.

• Market yourself and find your niche clients.

This section is ideal if you're interested in flexible, independent work or launching a side hustle.

By the End of the Course, You’ll Be Able To:

• Learn to copyedit confidently and professionally.

• Understand the full editorial process and where your skills fit in.

• Identify and correct common errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Use standard proofreading symbols and style sheets.

• Create clearer, more polished documents for yourself or others.

• Build your freelance profile and start taking on paid editing or proofreading work.

Whether you're aiming for certification or just want to brush up your skills, this proofreading course gives you everything you need to get started.

Please note that audio courses do not include certification.

If you want to learn how to proofread professionally and progress to a career as a proofreader or copy editor, this course will provide you with the knowledge and guidance to get started. This course is a great starting point for:

• Aspiring proofreaders and copy editors who want to learn the fundamentals and start freelancing.

• Writers and bloggers looking to improve the quality and polish of their own work.

• Professionals who need to produce or review written content in their job.

• Students who want to sharpen their grammar and proofreading skills.

• Virtual assistants and admin staff hoping to offer editing as an additional service.

• Anyone looking to learn how to proofread or learn to copyedit in a structured, practical way.

• Editors looking to formalise their skills with a CPD proofreading certification.