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Topic: Should I take a Copy Editing Class
| Author | Message |
| sarahday3000 | Posted – 1/6/2008 12:14:51 AM | show profile Okay, I've graduated this year with a BA in Journalism, and have not found a job in this field for the past 7 months. I want to become a copy rditor because I know the symbols and the difference between this and proofreading. I see that mediabistro.com is offering a copy editing seminar but I'm a little weary of these kinds of things. I have taken courses like this in the past after graduating that turned out to be scams, promising help in finding work, and never delivering on that promise. The key thing I need from this seminar is a job or great successful advice on how to obtain one with minimal experience. Has anyone on this board taken courses like these from mediabistro.com with either positive or negative results? |
| rhino writer | Posted – 1/6/2008 2:59:13 PM | show profile I haven't taken this class. But from reading the description, it sounds like the focus is on the "how-to" part of copyediting. To get a job, start applying. Freelance copyediting is an option; at many places, you need to take a copyediting test, so experience isn't really an issue. If you know how to do it, don't bother taking a class, I'd say -- spend your time applying for jobs instead. |
| jellybeanbutterfly | Posted – 1/7/2008 12:07:41 AM | show profile | email poster While you may know the difference between proofreading and copy editing doesn't mean you're ready to be a copy editor. That degree will only get you so far. Be humble, and take what you can get for experience. That may mean starting out as (only) a proofreader. So what? Jump in. Earning a degree doesn't automatically qualify you to a corner office, a fab wardrobe, and a cushy paycheck. Seven years ago, I had the same visions you did, but I sure was naive. Take what you can get, and work your way up. If you end up in a job that's not journalism-related, find opportunites within that job to do what you love doing. |
| Mirage | Posted – 1/8/2008 3:41:40 PM | show profile Weary vs. wary, etc. Be careful not to make mistakes such as the ones in your post when you're applying for CE or PR jobs. (I'm not sniping, by the way...little things like this make a big difference when you're looking for detail-oriented positions.) |
| sarahday3000 | Posted – 1/9/2008 9:37:27 PM | show profile Wow!, thank you Mirage. By the way, I made those mistakes on purpose. So congratulations, you have just one the stick up your ass award. Can you spot additional mistakes in this post too? Listen, if any one here wants to be a smart ass, take that somewhere else. I asked a question, if you don't have information pertaining to the question that was asked, then don't waste a post or my time! |
| SPF 30 | Posted – 1/10/2008 12:09:26 AM | show profile Definitely don't take the class, sarahday3000 -- the profession doesn't need someone who's defensive, non-detail-oriented, and wants to fall back on copyediting because she can't get another job. Seriously, please find another specialty. You have to develop a thick, thick skin and learn how to recognize the difference between a verbal attack and constructive criticism in order to succeed in this field. You're obviously not cut out for it. |
| sengan777 | Posted – 1/11/2008 3:27:41 PM | show profile Brush your shoulders off Sarah, grab a drink and relax. At this point like many have said in their posts, persist and pursue all of your options and remember degrees are not the 'be all that ends all'. I have no degree whatsoever but with determination one can do anything they want to do in this world, but only if you try. Keep smiling, writing and reading and you will go far. |
| mb_greg | Posted – 1/15/2008 4:27:56 PM | show profile | email poster Moved to Beginner's Issues This post has been moved to the appropriate forum. Please use MB Suggestion Box for questions and/or suggestions about site improvements. And oh yeah -- let's try to keep things civil, folks. Thanks! ------ Greg Membership Director mediabistro.com |
| Mirage | Posted – 1/15/2008 5:56:57 PM | show profile My apologies... It may not be your carelessness that has kept you unemployed for 7 months. Perhaps it's your attitude. |
| Jen480 | Posted – 1/15/2008 8:32:28 PM | show profile Mirage has a point. Errors like that can get your resume chucked (esp. if you're applying for copy editor positions). I should know, at the magazine where I work I see it happen all the time. |
| sengan777 | Posted – 1/15/2008 10:06:19 PM | show profile Actually, the other day I spotted an error in the WD Writer's Market 2007. That being said, even the very best editor can miss a typo here and there. Yet considering that Sarah was only asking a question, and received more feedback on her errors, I perhaps feel she should be treated with a little more respect. I do understand that she was somewhat sensitive to the issue, but have we not all been in her place before? I ocne raed a psasage auobt hwo ew lal laren dfifretnly, os lnog as teh frist adn lsat ltetres aer in palce taht's waht mtatres. A good editor should be able to read this ! |
| serenity0605 | Posted – 1/16/2008 12:37:54 PM | show profile Sarah, I'm in a similar position as you (recent grad, BA in English/Creative Writing, working for the past 5+ years as an editorial assistant) and after much thought I decided to enroll in the Intro to Copy Editing online course. From all the Googling I've done, the courses given through mediabistro are top-of-the-line. Good luck with whatever you choose to do! Lisa |
| ebh | Posted – 1/16/2008 8:57:26 PM | show profile Sarahday3000 Hi, just wanted to jump in and also suggest NYU's copyediting class. I learned so much and thought it was very thorough. I was able to get some freelance work shortly after completing the class. Good luck which ever way you go. |
| karriew | Posted – 1/28/2008 5:36:59 PM | show profile I can understand being wary, but if you have the time and can afford to do so, taking a class and building on the skills you have cannot hurt. At the very least, you could probably find a way to write it off when you file your taxes next year. Alternatively, is there a one day seminar you could take that is less expensive and not as much of a commitment? Also, I do feel Mirage raised a valid point. He/she was polite and straightforward in their approach. We all make typos and other mistakes, and in this particular situation typos could cost you a job. Being defensive when you are called on your mistakes is not going to help you curry favor with employers. Learn to shrug it off, and proceed as if constructive criticism was the intent. In this case, it truly seems to have been. Good luck! |
