The Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing is an intensive program for writers, editors, and content creators ready to elevate their skills. Combining creative writing, non-fiction writing, and editing expertise, it equips you to produce compelling, polished work for print, digital, and professional publication. You’ll gain the creative techniques, technical precision, and industry knowledge to stand out in a competitive market.
In this online editing and proofreading course you will explore fiction and non-fiction writing, mastering narrative structure, character development, memoir, biography, news, features, and digital content. Learn to adapt style, voice, and tone for different audiences, and create vivid, engaging work across genres, from travel and food writing to SEO-driven online content.
The course also develops advanced editing and proofreading skills, covering substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, style guide use, fact-checking, and accuracy. You’ll learn to edit for fiction, non-fiction, academic, business, and digital formats, and work confidently with industry tools and technology.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to take any writing project from concept to publication, with the skills to market your work, build your platform, and navigate traditional or self-publishing. Your portfolio will demonstrate readiness for careers in publishing, content creation, communications, journalism, or freelance writing and editing.
Course Structure
Creative Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction to Fiction Writing
- Understanding fiction genres
- Writing styles
- Fundamentals of storytelling
- Building a writing routine
- Overcoming writer’s block
- Defining your audience
- Clarifying your audience
Unit 2 – Character Development
- Introduction to character development
- Creating memorable and believable characters
- Character motivation
- Types of conflict
- Character arcs
- Types of character arcs
- Character arc progression
- Dialogue and voice techniques
- Building relationships between characters
Unit 3 – Plot and Structure
- Introduction to plot and structure
- What is a story arc?
- Narrative structure
- Alternative structures
- Outlining vs organic writing
- Tension – keeping readers hooked
- Pacing – controlling momentum
- Conflict – the heart of every story
- Techniques for stronger beginnings and endings
Unit 4 – Setting and World Building
- Introduction to world building
- Developing immersive settings
- Setting as a storytelling tool
- Writing authentic descriptions
- World building for different genres
- Fantasy
- Science fiction
- Dystopian and post-apocaplytic
- Historical fiction
- Contempary fiction
- Mood and theme
Unit 5 – Writing Styles and Techniques
- Strengthening voice
- Strengthening tone
- Strengthening dialogue
- Avoiding cliches
- Using precise language
- Common writing pitfalls
- Showing vs telling
- Literary devices
- Figurative language
Unit 6 – Editing and Revision
- Self-editing techniques
- Understanding feedback and critique
- Rewriting vs line-editing
- Grammar issues in fiction
- Style issues in fiction
Unit 7 – Publishing and Writing Industry
- Traditional publishing
- Self-publishing
- Vanity publishing
- Query letters
- The role of literary agents
- Marketing for authors
- Building an author platform
- Social media marketing
Unit 8 – Developing Your Story
- Writing and refining your work
- Writing the first draft
- Applying writing techniques
- Receiving feedback
- Revising and polishing
- Writing goals and challenges
- Writing communities
- Publishing options
- Learning and improving
Non-Fiction Writing
Unit 1: Introduction to Non-Fiction Writing
- Introduction to non-fiction writing
- Non-fiction genres
- Fact vs fiction
- Understanding audience and platform
Unit 2: Storytelling for Non-Fiction
- Storytelling for non-fiction
- Narrative arc
- Techniques for building a strong arc
- Using imagery
- Using specific, relevant details
- Scene-building in non-fiction
- Engaging readers with real events
Unit 3: Research and Interviewing
- Research and interviewing
- Research methods
- Fact checking
- Source validation
- Structuring and conducting interviews
Unit 4: Travel and Food Writing
- Travel and food writing
- Crafting place and atmosphere
- Structuring for flow
- Evoking the senses: Food writing
- Ethical considerations
Unit 5: News and Feature Writing
- News and feature writing
- News articles
- News article structure
- News writing style
- Writing leads
- Nut grafs
- Writing conclusions
- Writing features
Unit 6: Memoir, Biography, and Personal Essay
- Memoir, Biography, and Personal Essay
- Personal voice
- Memory versus record
- Subjectivity: owning perspective
- Honesty and ethics
- Biography: Balancing facts and narrative
- Structuring personal essays
Unit 7: Blog and Digital Writing
- Blog and digital writing
- Developing and using voice
- Understanding audience and purpose
- Headlines: Capturing attention
- Multimedia: Enhancing engagement
- SEO basics
- Building a digital portfolio
- Establishing an online presence
Unit 8: Editing, Revising, and Publishing
- Editing, revising, and publishing
- Clarity, impact, and accuracy
- Working with editorial and peer feedback
- Preparing for publication
- Traditional publishing
- Self-publishing
- Hybrid publishing
- Vanity publishing
- Marketing and launch strategy
- Build and leverage author platform
- Launch events and advanced buzz
- Advanced reviews and engagement
- Broaden your media exposure
- Ongoing engagement and analytics
- Legal and rights considerations
Editing and Proofreading
Unit 1: Foundations of Editing and Proofreading
- Foundations of editing and proofreading
- Editing vs proofreading
- The role of editors and proofreaders
- Substantive editing
- Copyediting
- Copyediting process
- Proofreading
- Proofreading process
- Industry standards
- Ethical considerations
Unit 2: Language and Grammar Essentials
- Language and grammar essentials
- Common grammar terms
- Common spelling errors
- Sentence structure
- Punctuation rules
- Australian English
- Plain language principles
Unit 3: Style, Tone, and Consistency
- Style, tone, and consistency
- Maintaining voice and tone
- Consistent tense and point of view
- Identifying redundancies
- Improving readability
- Simplifying complex sentences
- Logical flow and coherence
- Citations and references
- Style guides
- Adapting to different clients/employers
Unit 4: Proofreading Techniques
- Proofreading techniques
- Techniques for catching errors
- Spelling and typographical errors
- Final checks before publication
- Proofreading checklist
Unit 5: Editing in Different Contexts
- Editing in different contexts
- Editing fiction
- Editing non-fiction
- Editing academic work
- Editing business documents
- Editing technical documents
- Editing for print content
- Editing for digital content
- Editing blogs
- Editing articles
- Editing reports
- Editing for online platforms
Unit 6: Tools and Technology for Editors
- Tools and technology for editors
- Editing software and plugins
- Track changes and version control
- Traditional proofreading marks
- Proofreading symbols
- Proofreading marks in digital documents
- AI for Editors
- AI tools
- Using AI and Grammarly responsibly
Unit 7: Fact Checking and Accuracy
- Fact checking and accuracy
- Verifying sources and references
- Identifying bias and misinformation
- Legal and ethical concerns
- Strategies for improving content
Unit 8: Professional Practice and Career Development
- Professional practice and career development
- Freelancing vs in-house
- Building client relationships
- Setting rates and managing contracts
- Professional development
- Career pathways
Study Hours
Estimated duration 120 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.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
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
I really enjoyed my experience studying with Australian Online Courses. The lessons were well structured, and the assignments were clear to follow and work through. The feedback/assessment from the tutor was prompt and helpful.
Amanda | Brighton, VIC | Advanced 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
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (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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