Course Details

Do you know the difference between an optician, an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist? Do you know that Philadelphia is also a place in Mississippi? And that "Kleenex" is always capitalized? A good copy editor does—or at least knows where to look to find out. If you're a true stickler for detail and get a special charge out of saving a newspaper, magazine, or Web site from the public embarrassment known as the typo, this introduction to copyediting is perfect for you.

In this class, you can expect to learn:

• How to determine when a sentence needs tweaking or is best left alone
• How to understand copyediting lingo, including proof-reading symbols and common terms
• How to navigate various styles, from AP to the Chicago Manual
• How to find the best reference materials for the job
• How to prepare for and master a copyediting test
• How to find the best reference materials for a copyediting assignment
• How to tailor a resume and where to find copyediting jobs

By the end of class, students can expect to have:
An overall knowledge of the copyediting field and the tools to pursue a job as a copy editor.

• Your instructor's lectures are posted once a week: you can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience. Supplemental material—readings, examples, or handouts—may also be available.
• Students post completed assignments on the course bulletin board, where the class gives feedback. Students ask questions, share resources, and support each other, creating a conversation that continues all week.
• A regular chat time allows your class to converse as a group via instant message. Transcripts are available when you can't attend, or if you want to review the discussion. 
• Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

Instructor Bio

Indira Ranganathan's Courses

Indira Ranganathan is a journalist and attorney who worked as a news and copy editor at Gannett Newspapers. She wrote an online column about her life read by over 30,000 readers when the Internet was just beginning to hit the mainstream. From there, she moved on to Yahoo! where she worked for five years in sales, marketing, and promotions. Indira is currently a freelance editor and writer working on her first novel. She earned her journalism degree from the University of Maryland and her J.D. from Tulane Law School in New Orleans.

Testimonials

Indira is a sharp, succinct, and skilled instructor. It was a very worthwhile class. -- Michele Weston, executive editor, AmaZemagzine.com

"In Indira's class, I picked up more than just the basics. Indira gave us real world advice for job hunting and constructive feedback." -- Jocelyn Hawkes, assistant to the editor, Fast Company Magazine

"Indira made herself available, gave terrific feedback, and really seemed invested in her students." -- Tiffany Napper, communications specialist, American Cancer Society LA

"Indira was very open with her vast array of knowledge and provided a lot of insider tips that might be hard to come by elsewhere." -- Jenny Seay, editorial communications specialist, Northwestern Business College

"Indira taught us how to edit with the author's voice in mind, how to tear a piece apart, how to come up with a great headline, and much more. The quality of my work has increased. -- Heather Ciras

"Indira, thanks so much for a great class. I've mentioned it in my cover letters, and it has made a huge difference!" -- Nina Sharma

"I found the lectures to be very well written, the recommended readings to be very informative, and the optional workbook assignments to be very helpful. -- Joni Lacroix

"Indira was approachable, prepared, and very encouraging. The class has already paid for itself in the skills I have been able to provide my clients." -- Jessica J. Week

"Do yourself a favor, and take a class with Indira! She is a skilled, precise, and fantastic teacher." -- Kelly Deegan