Editing courses enhance your ability to communicate well in writing, which is a skill valued across every industry. Whether it’s proofreading a textbook or creative content writing for a website, employers value writing and editing skills.

Perhaps you want to become a professional editor, or maybe you simply want to improve your own writing, whatever your desire, editing is an important skill and an asset to your resume.

Fortunately, writing is an acquired skill that can be improved with practice. The Certificate of Editing and Proofreading is a comprehensive online professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to edit and proofread copy for a variety of formats.

When you’ve graduated the Certificate of Editing and Proofreading, you can continue your education to master your skills in the Certificate of Editing and Proofreading (Advanced). 

Learning Outcomes  

In these editing courses, you’ll develop a solid grasp on the theory and principles of professional editing and proofreading and will achieve the following learning outcomes. 

• Principles of editing and proofreading
• Types of editing
• Setting priorities
• Editing symbols
• Style guides
• Proofreading tips and tools
• Plagiarism 
• Interpersonal skills for editors 
• Editing for a variety of mediums
• Print and online content 
• How to find editing work
• How to sell and market your services 
• The production processes 
• Overview of who does what in publishing 
• Mechanics of clear writing 
• Assessing manuscripts 
• Copyediting
• Editing headlines 
• Proofing graphics
• Editing and design 
• Legal and ethical issues in publishing 
• Copyright 
• Reporting restrictions 
• Law and the internet 
• Electronic publishing 
• Desktop publishing software
• Image manipulation 
• Designing with photos 
• Editing terminology 
• Traditional and modern editing 
• …. and more 

 

Careers to Explore in Writing and Editing 

When you study editing courses, there are many career opportunities available across multiple industries, from content writing to journalism. 

Online Writers & Editors 

The proliferation of websites has created many opportunities for those skilled in writing online content. Whether you’re hired to create content for a business’s website, or you craft your own as a blogger – there’s a huge demand for talented writers with the ability to write SEO articles. 

Key skills include:

• Research and writing
• SEO/keyword research 
• Create SEO-friendly copy
• Secure relevant images 
• Edit copy 
• Conduct interviews 
• Use CMS’s to publish content 
• Promote content on social media 

 

Technical Writer 

A technical writer is responsible for researching and writing on technical subjects for articles, manuals and reports. If you’re an expert in a specific field and you undertake writing and editing courses, you’ll be in demand as a technical writer.

Key skills include:

• Research and writing and technical topics
• Writing articles, manuals and reports
• Co-ordinate images
• Production of a document
• Write updates on procedures
• Secure expert content
• Interview experts
• Use industry-specific terminology
• Use technical documentation software

 

Proposal Writer 

A proposal writer often works in sales, consulting or large organisations. This type of writer’s primary purpose is to create an opportunity for business development through proposals and bids. They work closely with sales teams, marketing and advertising professionals and product design experts.

Key skills include:

• Research and writing
• Proofreading documents and projects
• Adhere to tight deadlines
• Word-processing
• Document design
• Knowledge of industry terminology

 

Journalist 

Journalists must have a curious mind, research know-how and sharp communication skills. Journalists write for television, radio, web and print publications. 

Key skills include: 

• Research and writing 
• Fact-checking 
• Interviewing 
• Write to word limits
• Adhere to style guides 
• On-page SEO ability (web content) 
• Editing and proofreading 

 

Editor 

An editor is the ‘manager’ of the publication material, whether for a magazine, website or other publication. They select and prepare copy for publication and are in charge of maintaining editorial policies and plans. 

Key skills include:

• Journalism experience/knowledge 
• Editing and proofreading
• Management 
• Fact-checking 
• Adhere to style guides 
• Content writing 

Advertising Copywriter 

Advertising copywriters are creative and sales professionals who use words to work magic in advertising. Copywriters can work for advertising agencies, public relations firms or independent businesses to create the copy for advertising and promotional collateral. 

Key skills include: 

• Creativity 
• Writing 
• Content writing 
• Deadline-driven 
• Draft concept pitches 
• Cool under pressure 
• Marketing or advertising knowledge  

 

Marketing and Communications Specialist 

Writers working in the marketing and communications field create programs and communication collateral. Their written work is primarily used to promote an organisation and its products or services. Writing for brochures, flyers, fact sheets, promotional literature, annual reports, and press releases are common in this job. 

Key skills include:

• Writing and editing 
• Proofreading 
• Marketing/business knowledge 
• Content writing 
• SEO-content ability 

 

5 Vital Qualities Editors Need to Succeed 

Taking an editing course is an excellent way to hone your editing and proofreading skills, but in addition to theory, you’ll also need on the job experience. If you have the following five

qualities, you have what it takes to become an editor!

 

1. Knowledgeable

If you want to become an editor, it’s crucial to invest in your education. Editors require knowledge on a range of subject matter to make meaning of content. An editing course is an excellent starting point, but to become an editor for a major publication, you’ll also need higher education and/or on-the-job experience. 

 

2. Detail-Oriented 

Do people say you’re a noticer? Editors need a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in all content, whether it’s for a magazine or company website. After all, the reputation of a publication and/or a business is at stake. 

 

3.   Collaborative 

Editors are generally in charge, but they also need to work as part of a writing, design and management team. As such, you’ll need to work well with others and be able to collaborate and accept constructive criticism. 

 

4. Highly Literate

Editors need to know all the rules of language, have an extensive vocabulary and need to know how to spell. Editing requires skill and speed – so being knowledgeable in grammar and spelling is vital. 

 

5. Inspired 

Editors work with words to improve content, but they also need to work with ideas. Editors will receive hundreds of pitches from writers throughout their careers. It’s the ability to spot the good ones that sets great editors (and publications) apart.

 

Are you interested in gaining outstanding editing and proofreading skills? Study the Certificate of Editing and Proofreading and Certificate of Editing and Proofreading (Advanced) to make your way into this exciting industry today!