Efficient Editing: Strategies and Tactics

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for experienced copyeditors who already know how to edit, but would like to streamline their methods, save time and take firmer control of their work. Participants must be present at the time of the webcast because direct participation is required.

Course description

To edit efficiently you need strategies and tactics for using existing skills to maximum benefit.

This course assumes competence and experience in copyediting and concentrates on planning and carrying out editorial tasks.

Its focus is books, but the ideas discussed can be used in editing any and every kind of material.

The starting point of the course is the assumption that time and money are always limited. Copyeditors are increasingly required to determine for themselves how to produce the best possible publication in the time available.

The course aims to help editors to:

  • reflect on their working methods and determine how to improve them
  • use their experience and expertise to take control of their work
  • prepare, plan and carry out their work to an appropriate standard
  • adapt their approach flexibly to the demands of each job
  • harness Word to streamline their editing and increase efficiency
  • systematise and improve their record-keeping

What you should know after the course

You should understand:

  • how to analyse and record the editorial work to be done on a script
  • how to plan the edit and tackle it methodically
  • how to prioritise the demands of a text and compromise with 'perfection'
  • how to use Word to improve the mechanics of your editing
  • how to keep work records that will support good editing and feed into future work

Technology

This course is best accessed on a PC/Mac or laptop with a webcam, and not on a tablet.

Availability, prices and upgrade points

We are currently running this course as a series of four live webinar sessions (one session per week).

Each session lasts a maximum of 2 hours, including small-group discussion in breakout rooms. There are homework exercises to complete after sessions 1, 2 and 3.

Maximum of 16 participants per course.

How to book your place

Booking has now closed for the next iteration of Efficient Editing: Strategies and Tactics, which will run on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 3 April, 9.30–11.30am (BST)
  • Wednesday 10 April, 9.30–11.30am (BST)
  • Wednesday 17 April, 9.30–11.30am (BST)
  • Wednesday 24 April, 9.30–11.30am (BST)

Find out more about 2024 sessions

  Virtual learning course
Price (members)  
Price (non-members)  
CIEP upgrade points 3
  Book now

Other price discounts are available. See the fees page.

4 × weekly 2-hour sessions, plus time to complete pre-course questionnaire and homework after sessions 1, 2 and 3.

Prices are exclusive of tax, which will be added automatically at your local rate at checkout.

Virtual learning course programme

Length of course: 8 hours + homework time CIEP upgrade points: 3

Pre-course questionnaire on working methods: sent to participants in advance of course for completion.

Session 1: reflection on current working methods; analysing a brief; doing the ‘best job possible’

Session 2: interrogating a brief; features of a text; analysing a project

Session 3: analysis of analysis (!); generic editing; harnessing technology

Session 4: discussion of final project; reflective discussion of editing practice/Q&A session

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