Copyediting I
WCWP-X402.36
Grammar Lab is a prerequisite for this ten-week online Copyediting I course. As a copyeditor (or copy editor), you will be expected to proofread text for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling and check for readability, style, and agreement with editorial style. To be successful, you must be meticulous to ensure that material is error-free and matches the style of a publication. Copyeditors suggest revisions, such as changing words and rearranging sentences and paragraphs to improve clarity or accuracy. You may also carry out research, confirm sources, and verify facts, dates, and statistics. Through the Copyediting Certificate Program, you will learn about all of the aforementioned areas. You will also identify your own professional goals and create a personalized plan to help you take the first steps toward a new career in copyediting upon completing the program.
The Copyediting I course is the first class in a series of three courses: Copyediting I, Copyediting II, and Copyediting III. It is designed to help you improve your copyediting skills and will begin to prepare you for an in-house or freelance career in copyediting. You will learn light copyediting, which involves the correction of errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and usage. You will also explore the tools and techniques the professionals use.
The goal of this course is to teach you to execute an effective light edit using standard editing marks and Microsoft Word tools, such as tracking, commenting, Find and Replace, spell-check, and basic macros, as well as learn about style guides, and create style sheets. In addition, you'll practice ways to communicate clearly and professionally with authors and writers via queries and comments.
What you will learn:
- Copyediting (or copy editing) and proofreading symbols to correct indisputable errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and usage on hard-copy content.
- Identifying the varying levels of editorial depth (light, medium, heavy).
- The common reference books and resources used to guide and support changes for accuracy and consistency.
- Effective strategies for communicating clearly, succinctly, and professionally with authors and writers via queries/comments.
- How to create style sheets and why they are important.
- Microsoft Word tools and techniques for performing effective light editing (tracking, commenting, Find and Replace, spell-check, and basic macros).
- Editorial processes, types of editors, and resources professionals use.
- Career information and personal goal setting to guide you toward your next step in the field.
- AI ethics for copyeditors.
Required Textbooks:
- The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications, 4th Edition by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz
ISBN: 9780520286726 - The Copyeditor’s Workbook by Erika Buky, Marilyn Schwartz, and Amy Einsohn
ISBN: 9780520294356 - Online subscription to The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition
- Free online Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Quarters Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall | 10 weeks | Online
Prerequisite: Grammar Lab (WCWP-40234)
Requirements: Microsoft Word 2016/Office 365 (PC or Mac) or higher required. Access to a printer and scanner or scanning app required.
Next Class: To continue progress in the Copyediting Certificate, the next class is Copyediting II.
Note: Fulfills 3 units toward requirements for the Copyediting Certificate. This online course is not self-paced. There are assignments and readings with weekly due dates. Please purchase textbooks before class begins.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
Withdrawal End Date:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Linda Oestreich, B.A.
A senior consultant with The Marlin Alliance, and has a lifetime teaching credential from the California Community College System
Linda Oestreich teaches Basics of Technical Editing and Critical Thinking for Communicators for UC San Diego Extension's Technical Communication Certificate Program.
Linda is an STC (Society for Technical Communication) Fellow and the 2007-2008 President of STC, where she served as board member at the international level of STC for more than 10 years. Linda recently retired from her position as the Project Manager for Talent and Leadership Development at Headquarters, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). Prior to taking on that position, she worked as a contracting consultant with The Marlin Alliance, where she supported the Director of Human Resources and EEO for SPAWAR. Also at SPAWAR, she was a Senior Strategic Planner/Analyst in the Strategic Management and Business Planning Office. For 5 years preceding her work with SPAWAR, Linda served as Systems and Software Engineering Manager for Service and Portfolio Management products for Hewlett Packard Enterprises. In the past, Linda worked as the principal of a consulting company, recruiter for that company, human resource advocate, corporate communications manager, documentation manager, and technical writer/editor in various industries including software development, oil and gas, government, science and engineering R&D, and property management.
In 2008, Linda was chosen to lead a delegation of technical communicators to China through the People to People Ambassador program. She currently does contract work in various areas of technical communication including teaching and presenting workshops in basic editing, creativity, information design, and leadership. Linda has had a lifelong passion to help other communicators and leaders. Her instructional skills are well-received and appreciated by her students. She has a lifetime teaching credential from the California Community College System and is currently teaching communication courses at the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) Extension. Linda holds a BA in English from UCSD, with minors in creative writing and scientific perspectives, and has a certificate in Project Management from Rice University. She is a respected, accomplished communicator.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
Withdrawal End Date:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Robin Wilkinson
