Description

In addition to finding and correcting typos and spelling errors, proofreading is a complex process that often includes a wide range of related tasks. Along with a brief review of basic techniques from Proofreading 101, Proofreading 201 covers:

• Developing a style guide/glossary
• Fact-checking
• Finding and correcting inconsistencies
• Evaluating and correcting layouts
• Ensuring audience-appropriate spelling and terminology
• Making judgment calls
• Building a library of resources
• Working with clients

Each week, Proofreading 201 participants complete exercises, with detailed answer keys provided the following week. Students review the answer keys against their own work, and send questions/comments to the instructor for additional feedback.

Although light editing is occasionally required when proofreading, Proofreading 101 and 201 focus only on proofreading; please check the EFA catalogue for editing courses.

To receive maximum benefit from the Proofreading 201 course, you should already have taken Proofreading 101, or you have equivalent training or experience. NOTE: If you have taken Proofreading 101, there will be a review of some of the content from that course.

To take Proofreading 201, you will need access to:

• Adobe Acrobat Standard or Pro, or the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word
• Access to at least one print dictionary, or online dictionary such as Merriam-Webster, which is free at m-w.com

You should be comfortable with:

• File creation and management in Word (especially Tracked Changes)
• Opening and printing out Acrobat files

Instructor Sharon McInnis, the owner of ProofingQueen, has been providing proofreading and fact-checking services to a wide range of clients for over 18 years. Recognized by clients as expert and tenacious proofreaders, Sharon and her colleagues have reviewed thousands of files— from three-word billboards, two-page flyers and single-page ads, to 40-page consumer magazines, 100-page annual reports and 5,000-page environmental studies.

Student testimonials:

“Thoroughness of content was excellent; worth the price of the course all by itself in my opinion. Clarity was very good.”

“Content exceeded my expectations. The range of subjects from basic definitions to examples of how the instructor interacts with her clients in real life were invaluable.”