Editing skills

Do you need the key skills to edit copy effectively?

Learn the essentials everyone needs to check or oversee other people’s work – whether that’s a report, news story or press release.

These highly practical sessions are delivered remotely in 2.5 hour slots.

Martin Lloyd, the former BBC writing standards editor, will show you how to:

• Sub-edit stories in a more analytical and critical way
• Spot errors quickly and turn raw copy into captivating content
• Gain the confidence to rewrite text to create concise and compelling editorial at high speed

The course is ideal for:

• Editors, news editors, sub-editors, proofreaders
• Marketing, social media, PR and comms staff
• Executives/managers looking to communicate effectively

Session 1: Proofreading and punctuation

• Proofreading: principles and practice
• Typographical checklist
• How to punctuate sentences properly
• When punctuation errors change the meaning

Session 2: House style and spelling problem words

• Spotting spelling errors: rules and exceptions to the rule
• Cliches and jargon: problem words and better alternatives
• Ensuring a consistent house style
• Developing your tone of voice

Session 3: Engaging your readers

• How to target and engage your audiences
• Simplifying complex and/or passive sentences
• Choosing words your audience will understand
• Replacing long expressions with tight copy

Session 4: Story structure and grammar

• Story structure: making dense copy easy to read
• Constructing articles that read and flow well
• How to write in the active, rather than passive, voice
• Common grammar pitfalls and how to avoid them

Session 5: Writing for the web, SEO and headlines

• Writing for online audiences
• SEO for editors
• How to link well
• Producing powerful headlines and intros