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Copy Editing: Advanced

The finer points of grammar and the larger issues of style

Copy Editing: Advanced
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WHEN Materials available starting August 13
Discussions start Tuesday, August 20, 9-10 pm ET - Full Schedule

WHERE Online

CERTIFICATE Use this course to earn a certificate in Copy Editing.

PRICE
$385 (or $360 for AvantGuild members - details)

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ALSO STARTS:  Online - 10/22/2013


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Details

Working copy editors know there are exceptions to almost every rule, but do you know what they are? This class aims to examine the finer points of copy editing, with an emphasis on trickier grammar and punctuation examples. We will also discuss issues in the marketplace including freelance v. staff considerations, titles, duties, and the murky waters of office politics. This class is for junior copy editors, writers, editors, or anyone with some background in copy editing who wishes to discuss the realities of working in this profession.

In this class, you will learn how to:

  • Understand finer points of grammar, including rules on danglers, collective nouns, and misplaced modifiers
  • Apply advanced punctuation rules, including proper comma and hyphen usage
  • Create and update your own in-house style guide
  • Be aware of issues in the marketplace: copy editing online, navigating office politics, job titles and responsibilities of the advanced copy editor, and when you've overstepped your bounds 
  • Use resources for the advanced copy editor

By the end of class, you will have:
Advanced skills to update in-house style guides and get work as a copy editor.

Admission Requirements:
At least one year copyediting experience, or the equivalent. Apply with a note to explain your interest in this topic and a brief work history with details about your copyediting experience.

The online classroom has several components:

  • Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
  • Discussion: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via IM and video
  • Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
  • Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

Course Syllabus

course materials
View a sample syllabus for the class here.

Related

Instructor

Magdalena Alagna Schmidt
Magdalena Alagna Schmidt has worked as a copy editor for Infobase Publishing, a copy chief and copy editor for Rosen Publishing, and a proofreader for The National Law Journal. She has edited hundreds of books on subjects ranging from the life and times of Abigail Adams to the dangers of cosmetic surgery. She holds strong opinions about split infinitives and serial commas.

Magdalena Alagna Schmidt's Courses
Copy Editing: Advanced – (Starts August 13)
Copy Editing: Advanced – (Starts October 22)
Grammar: Advanced – (Starts November 6)
Grammar: Advanced – (Starts September 25)

Testimonials

Magdalena is the high priestess of grammar. She will teach you how to make dangling participles, misplaced modifiers, and poorly formed sentences disappear from your life. -- Peter Messina

"Magdalena is a wordsmith. Her class allowed me to walk away with the tools and guides to find answers to my grammar questions." -- Grace Cavallo

"Magdalena gave me the tools to excel at copy editing. She met all my expectations in terms of course content and exceeded them in terms of her teaching style." -- Henry Visotski

"Magdalena was enthusiastic about every topic and had an obvious fervor for the art of constructing sentences. She was approachable and professional." -- Katie Sherman

"Magdalena makes learning and relearning grammar rules fun! Having such an easy-going, knowledgeable instructor made class worth every minute and penny." -- Patricia DeLuca

"Magdalena's presentations were engaging because she not only has an academic grasp of the subject, but also a hands-on approach which showed us what to expect in the industry." -- Nirvana Williams

"Magdelena gives you the skills and confidence to become a copy editor in just weeks. Her extensive knowledge of grammar and language is an amazing added bonus." -- Karen Grant

"Magdalena is outstanding! She really knows her stuff, communicates clearly, and inspires confidence. She offered great insights." -- Jody Potter

"Magdalena was inspired about grammar and her passion for it was infectious." -- Gabrielle Zuckerman

"I began using the material we covered on the job right after the first class. This is real-world grammar at its best." -- Gloria Dawson

"Magdalena is smart, knowledgeable, lighthearted yet serious, respectful, and very encouraging. I can't imagine anyone being better." -- Fran Schoenfeld

"I took this class together with my daughter, and we both felt the information Magdalena presented was useful, important, and relevant." -- Mary Brown

"Magdalena really knows grammar. She is approachable and emphasizes practicality over jargon. This course will benefit everyone from the novice to the seasoned professional." -- Stuart Ellison
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