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Intermediate Copy Editing

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Intermediate Copy Editing

WHEN 6 weeks, September 13 - October 23
Chats Tuesdays, 8-9 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$425 ($399 for )
more info

Course Details

So you know a colon from a semicolon -- but how about an en dash from an em dash? Still get your lay and lie mixed up? Not sure when it's ok to rewrite? This class is for the person familiar with the basics of copy editing and ready for the next level. If you are a junior-level copy editor or have some editorial experience, this class will provide a deeper understanding of the copy editing craft.

In this class, you will learn:

  • How to brush up on your grammar
  • The relative merits of the popular style guides
  • How to recast sentences
  • The role and responsibilities of the copy editor
  • Tips on fact-checking as a copy editor

Admission Requirements:
This is an intermediate class for professionals with copy editing experience. Please submit a letter of interest, including a brief work history clearly stating your copy editing experience.

(Beginners: If you want learn how to pass a copyediting test, get freelance or fulltime work, and launch your copy editing career, you should check out our online Intro to Copy Editing class.)

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.com staff.

Instructor Bio

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.

Cheryl Della Pietra's Courses
Advanced Copy Editing – (Class starts January 14)
Copy Editing Essentials – New York (Seminar on January 23)
Copy Editing: 12-Session Self-Paced Course
Copy Editing: One-Day Intensive – New York

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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