Mark your words: editing to perfection

Polished, error-free copy ensures efficient communication and helps you and your firm leave a sparkling impression. This one-day course equips you with the editing and proofreading skills needed to smooth out the roughest copy.
Learn how to master the tricky bits of punctuation and grammar; build crisp, clear sentences; and eradicate embarrassing errors. Upgrade your editing skills and clear up some common confusions in this lively workshop.

What you will learn

Big-picture editing: the all-important overview
  • Is it logical? Skimming for sense.
  • Word counts and fitting copy.
  • Checking that the tone is right for your audience.
  • Ensuring the right material is included.
  • Structure and balance: does the document work as a whole?
  • Signposting with headings and subheadings.
  • Employing version control and tracking changes.

 Copy editing: knocking your content into shape
  • Selecting style guides and compiling style sheets.
  • Getting the grammar, punctuation and spelling right.
  • Making sure sentences are clear and compelling.
  • Checking word choice, including eliminating unnecessary jargon and buzzwords.
  • Cutting out cliches.
  • Using details that count.
   
  Proofreading: the final quality control stage
  • Proofreading techniques.
  • Checking for accuracy and consistency.
  • Using proofreading marks.
  • Online editing resources.
Who should attend?
Anyone who wants to produce polished, error-free documents; PR and communication professionals who want to upgrade their editing skills.

We hold public sessions of this course, and can also organise in-house group sessions at any time convenient to you. Just phone us on 02 4308-9152 to find out more.

Trainer
Tony Spencer-Smith, award-winning author, a former Editor-in-Chief of Reader's Digest Australia and highly experienced corporate writing trainer.

“Tony's editing training was the soothing balm that our fast-moving Agile content team needed to feel confident and more in control. Considered, erudite and gently entertaining, his workshop gave us the chance to brush up on our weaknesses, revisit our strengths and spend a whole delicious day unpicking the nuances of language to a make sure we're doing the best job we can.” Libby Varcoe, Director, Content, Digital Transformation Agency, Australian Government.

“Tony's editing and proofreading course was extremely valuable. As someone who isn't from a writing or editing background, the way he broke the course up into the three phases of structural editing, copy editing and proofreading was really helpful in understanding the whole process and the importance of each step. The practical exercises in each section showed how to put it all into practice.” Nicole Swanson, Communications and Digital Marketing, Universities Admissions Centre.

“The course demystified the process of editing, and gave me confidence in my approach. Tony is a great communicator, very helpful in answering curly questions. He often did additional research so he could provide specific answers.” Fleur Miskell, freelance corporate video script and copy writer.

“I found Tony Spencer-Smith's editing course engaging, enjoyable and very instructive. I learned a lot in a short time and the exercises he gave us were challenging and relevant.”
Wendy Farley, Anthouse Communications