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.

• Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
• Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
• Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend. 
• 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 that didn't just say what was wrong, it asked why you made that choice. The confidence I gained from her instruction allowed me to integrate my new skills at work and advance my career." -- Jocelyn Hawkes, assistant to the editor, Fast Company Magazine

"Indira's class was a great refresher for me as an editor. She made herself available, gave terrific feedback, and really seemed invested in her students. I would take another online class again in a heartbeat!" -- 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. She knows her stuff, and is dedicated to helping others gain the skills and expertise necessary to succeed as well." -- Jenny Seay, editorial communications specialist, Northwestern Business College

"Indira taught me, and my classmates of varying expertise, 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

"After Indira's class, I got an interview with Time Out Kids to work as a copy editor. 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

"The content of this course covered more than I expected and has really helped me in my professional and everyday life. The feedback I received on my assignments was very helpful. 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. She provided challenging and interesting assignments with thorough and constructive feedback. The class has already paid for itself in the skills I have been able to provide my clients." -- Jessica J. Week