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Intro to Copy Editing

Learn copy editing skills, master a copy test, and get freelance work as an editor

Course is closed.
Intro to Copy Editing

WHEN 6 weeks, December 9 - January 27
Chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$425 ($400 for )
more info

Course Details

If you're a true stickler for detail and get a special charge out of spotting grammar errors and typos, copy editing is calling you. This course is for anyone who wants to break into copy editing -- or just feel more confident wrangling words. We'll cover the basics, from proofreader's marks to essential rules of grammar and punctuation. By the end, you'll be a pro at creating smooth, readable copy.

In this class, you will learn:

  • How to determine when a sentence needs tweaking or is best left alone
  • How to understand copy editing lingo, including proofreading symbols and common terms
  • How to navigate stylebooks
  • How to prepare for a copy editing test
  • How to find the best reference materials for a copy editing assignment
  • How to tailor a resume and where to find copy editing jobs

By the end of class, you will have:
An overall knowledge of the copy editing field and the tools to pursue a job as a copy editor.

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest which includes a brief work history.

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.

 Intro to Copy Editing (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Instructor Bio

Indira Ranganathan's Courses

No courses available at this time.

Indira Ranganathan
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

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