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Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing

The Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing is an online program that will strengthen and develop your professional writing and editing skills. In this professional development 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.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
120 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

If you have a passion for the printed word, you’re a born writer. Why not make it your career? Combining creative writing, non-fiction writing, and editing, this course is an ideal intensive program for aspiring authors, editors and content writers.

The Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing is a professional development program that prepares you to create compelling, polished work for print, digital, and commercial publication.

In this writing and editing course, you will explore fiction and non-fiction writing, mastering narrative structure, character development, memoir, biography, news, features, and digital content. You will 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.

You will learn advanced editing and proofreading skills, including substantive editing, copyediting, and fact-checking for various formats. You will also learn to market your work, build your platform, and navigate publishing options.

On completion of the course, you’ll feel confident to take any writing project from concept to publication.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

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-apocalyptic
  • Historical fiction
  • Contemporary 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
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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.

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Career Outcomes
  • Content Specialist / Writer
  • Digital Editor
  • Social Media Editor
  • Media Relations Officer
  • Digital Content Coordinator
Enrol & start today
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Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing
$999.00
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About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

How to Enrol

You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

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.

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 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

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.

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.

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.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

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.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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