Ask any published writer and you will hear that a good editor is not just helpful, but essential. If you aspire to be an editor, this course will teach you the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction. If you’re already working as an editor, you’ll not only brush up on your skills, but will also learn about recent advances in your chosen profession. If you’re a writer, you will learn essential self-editing tools to give your manuscripts the professional look that publishers like to see.

From the language of editing to grammar, punctuation, and syntax to the all-important relationships between editor, author, and publisher, every facet of editing will be explored. Online editing is gaining popularity; its complexities will be unraveled and its advantages and pitfalls explored. Can you make a living as an editor? Tips and resources for finding work will be addressed at length. When you finish with this course, you will feel confident enough to tackle even the most complex of manuscripts.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role of a copyeditor and other editors within the publishing process.
• Recognize and accurately use copyediting symbols.
• Apply the basics of grammar and punctuation while editing.
• Understand the guidelines for building good editor/author/publisher relationships.
• Understand perform electronic editing and copyright law.
• Apply editing rules to artwork and tables, format front and back matter.

“Great course! I was able to use what I learned to edit a manual I’m updating. I know I will use this information often. Thanks!”
— C. Williams, Woodstock, GA

View full course syllabus

For our online course refund policy, click here.

Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, Firefox or Internet Explorer web browser. Although this course will teach English grammar, punctuation, and style, the student must be fluent in English and have a better-than-average spelling ability.

You will need to create a login for your online classroom. Go to www.ed2go.com/ksuconed. Find your course by browsing the catalog or using the search bar. Click the ‘Add to Cart’ button. Select your start date and then create a Username and Password. You must make an 80 or higher on the final exam (online) to successfully complete the course. You may only take the exam once.

If you have questions about this course, please contact the online coordinator at 470-578-6693 or online@kennesaw.edu.