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Advanced Copy Editing

The finer points of grammar and the larger issues of style

Course is closed.
Advanced Copy Editing

WHEN 4 weeks, June 28 - July 19
Chats Thursdays, 8-9 pm ET

ONLINE CLASS INFO See our eClasses info page.

LEVEL Advanced

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

Course Details

Does your blood boil when you see possessives used improperly? (Hamburger's, anyone?) Does your head explode when someone says "between you and I"? Then you likely already have the eye of a good copy editor -- and will love every minutia-filled minute of Advanced Copy Editing. This online class is for junior copy editors, writers, editors, or anyone with some background in copy editing who wishes to learn more about the profession.

In this class you can expect to learn:

  • Finer points of grammar, including rules on danglers, collective nouns, and misplaced modifiers.
  • Advanced punctuation rules, including proper comma and hyphen usage.
  • How to create your own in-house style guide.
  • 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 with a piece of copy.
  • Resources for the advanced copy editor.
Admission Requirements:
At least one year copyediting experience, or the equivalent. Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history with details about your copyediting experience).

The online classroom has several interactive components:
  • 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

Cheryl Della Pietra's Courses

Advanced Copy Editing – (Class starts January 14)
Copy Editing Essentials – New York (Seminar on January 23)

Cheryl Della Pietra
Cheryl Della Pietra has been a freelancer for Elle, Us Weekly, LIFE, and Fast Company, where she not-so-quietly obsessed over comma splices and misplaced modifiers. She has previously copyedited at SmartMoney.com and also supervised the copy department at P.O.V. magazine, where she was the research editor. Yearning to have her work copyedited for a change, she has written for Redbook and Marie Claire. Many moons ago, she was Hunter S. Thompson's editorial assistant, a job that honed her margarita-making skills.

Testimonials


Cheryl is an excellent instructor. She is knowledgeable and communicates with warmth and humor. She was encouraging, stimulating, and spoke to each participant with respect. -- Miranda Smith

"Cheryl is a great editor and clear communicator. Any level editor will come away improved from her class." -- Sherri Devaney

"Cheryl was amazing. Her teaching skills are excellent and she clearly knows her stuff. Very impressive." -- Carol Wallace

"Cheryl is a phenomenal instructor. She shows that it is possible to be a wordsmith with a sense of humor!" -- Shannon Martin, editor & writer, New York Road Runners

"Cheryl's experience is a huge asset, providing us all with valuable practical advice. I would gladly take another course with her." -- Kelle Walsh

"Cheryl is patient and caring. Her great sense of humor lent to a lot of bantering back and forth. I will definitely take courses with her in the future." -- Michael Maynard

"This class was the shot in the arm that I needed as I tackle new freelance assignments. Cheryl brought real-world experience and answered our various questions with ease and a sharp sense of professionalism." -- Jay Franco

"Cheryl is wonderful! She was extremely thorough in going over our assignments, and very generous in sharing her insights into the publishing industry." -- Susan Case

"Cheryl is a direct, witty, and brilliant instructor! Her seminars are overflowing with invaluable content for entry and seasoned editors." -- Phylencia Taylor

"Cheryl was warm, engaging, and funny. I would definitely take another class with her." -- Diana Tetterton

"Cheryl's a real pro! She did an excellent job of boiling the information down to essentials, and is clearly at the top of her game." -- Alison Mundy

"Cheryl united a diversified class with her personable, approachable style and professionalism. Her course content far surpassed my expectations. I've recommended her class to friends and colleagues." -- Katie Sherman

"It was a pleasure to be in Cheryl's class. She knew her material and the industry, and was very supportive." -- Ellen Ryan

"Cheryl was prepared, knowledgeable, professional, engaging, and giving. I would recommend her to anyone. -- Daniel McCourt

"Cheryl has the perfect qualities in an instructor. She knows her stuff, can explain complex ideas in simple terms, and obviously enjoys teaching." -- Joanne Hus

"Cheryl was all I had hoped for in a teacher: experienced, serious about the subject matter, and able to present lectures and hold chats with a sense of humor." -- Kimberly Stravers

"Cheryl is clear and knowledgeable with a nice and friendly approach to teaching." -- Mindy Liss

"For anyone intimidated by the world of copy editing, Cheryl will quickly put you at ease with her keen insight into the field." -- Alvin Blanco

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