Whether you want to be a freelance writer, pursue a career in the publishing or communications industries, or simply want to improve your writing skills, this course is ideal for you.
The Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing is an online professional development program that will strengthen and develop your professional writing and editing skills.
In this writing and editing course, you will learn how to write and edit content for a range of media, including news and feature stories, online content, reviews and more. You will also learn about media law and ethics, plagiarism, and copyright as it relates to the publishing industry.
You will gain a solid foundation in the principles of editing and proofreading, including types of editing, setting priorities, editing symbols, style guides, and proofreading tips and tools. And you will discover how to conduct a professional interview, write for different audiences and understand the content creation process, from research to writing and editing the final draft.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong understanding of the theory, principles, and practice of professional editing, proofreading, and writing.
Course Structure
Freelance Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Introduction to freelance writing
- Getting started
- Necessary resources (including equipment)
- Researching the market
- Sources of information
- How to develop yourself as a freelance writer
- Publishing options
- Industry terminology
Unit 2 – Basic writing skills
- How to improve a piece of writing
- Essential writing skills
- Informative language
- Persuasive language
- Imaginative language
- Connotation and denotation
- Literal and figurative language
- Formal and informal language
- Clear communication
- Making meanings clear
- Causes of confusion
- Ambiguity
- Concise wording
- Condensing your writing
- In-concise writing
- Phrases linked in a wordy fashion
- Tautologies
- Abstract nouns
- Using too many words
- Ellipsis
- Active and passive language
- Grammatical rules
- Grammatical errors
- Rules of speech
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Sentence structure
- Types of sentences
- Composing sentences
- Building a paragraph
Unit 3 – Planning what you write
- Conceptualisation
- Developing a concept
- Writing an outline synopsis
- Planning your writing
- Word budget
- Writing structure
- Research
- The writing process
- Feature writing conventions
- Feature article structure
- Introduction, billboard paragraph, body, ending and closer
- References
- A writing routine
Unit 4- The publishing world
- Contacting publishers
- Periodicals
- Books
- Sample publishers contract
- Protecting the writers work
- Copyright
- Income from writing
- Lending rights
Unit 5 – Manuscripts
- Preparing and presenting your manuscript
- Editing
- The editing process
- Self editing
- Editing articles and manuscripts
- Writing a sales package
- Target reader synopsis
- The title
- Statement of objectives
- The publishing process
- Presentation requirements
- Submitting your work
- Publishing processes for ebooks
- Self publishing online
Unit 6 – Newspaper writing
- News articles
- Short features
- Investigative article
- Regular columns
- Fillers
- Human interest article
- Local newspaper articles
- Interviews
- Conducting an interview
- Planning the questions
- Drawing out answers
- Accuracy of notes
Unit 7 – Magazine writing
- Magazine articles
- What does a publisher or editor consider
- Feature articles
- Types of articles
- Service articles
- Travel writing
- Interviews
Unit 8 – Writing books
- Fiction books
- Writing fiction –plot, viewpoint, characterisation. setting, dialogue, conflict, structure.
- Target audience
- Believability
- Non Fiction books
- Text books
- Fact finding
- Getting book contracts
- Books in print
Unit 9 – Writing advertising
- Writing for public relations
- Media releases
- Writing promotional campaigns
- Messages
- Selling
- Effectiveness
- Writing online advertising copy
Unit 10 – Special project
- Reviewing your writing
- Planning a small book
- Writing the first chapter
Editing 1
Unit 1 – Introduction to editing
- The role and scope of editing
- Tools for editing
- Editing skills
- The production process
- An overview; who does what in publishing
Unit 2 – The mechanics of clear writing
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Grammar
- Language
- Style
- Tense
Unit 3 – Assessing manuscripts
- Readability
- Word length
- Structure
- Consistencies and inaccuracies
- The reader’s report
- Substantive editing
- The author’s responsibilities
- The author/editor relationship
Unit 4 – Copy editing I
- What the copy editor does
- The procedure
- House style
- Style sheets
Unit 5 – Copy editing II
- Marking up
- Parts of a publication
- Editing non-text material
- Illustration
Unit 6 – Preparing copy for printing
- Type design
- Page layout
- Proof stages
Unit 7 – Proof reading
- Role
- Procedures
- Tips
Unit 8 – The final stages
- Indexes
- Blurbs
- Checking final proofs
Study Hours
Estimated duration 100 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I enjoyed the flexibility of the course which allowed me to complete it at my pace as well as the prompt response from the online tutor when I required clarification.
M. Clements, Singapore | Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Content Specialist / Writer
- Digital Editor
- Social Media Editor
- Media Relations Officer
- Digital Content Coordinator
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