Course description
This course is suitable for those who already have a good grounding in proofreading, and preferably some experience, who feel ready to advance to the next level. It is also suitable for proofreaders who are returning after a break, and wish to update, refresh or check their skills.
We strongly recommend that you take Proofreading 1: Introduction and Proofreading 2: Headway before you tackle this course.
The course guides you through more complex general and specialised material, including texts with illustrations, tables, notes and references. It considers strategies for dealing with layout problems such as overmatter and what to do when more than a conventional proofread is required. The nine varied exercises, covering public information to academic texts, provide plenty of scope for practice, including the opportunity to test your proofreading accuracy in the ‘zero tolerance’ challenge.
Proofreading 3: Progress is an assessed course. Two upgrade points are awarded for completing the course, and a further three for passing the final assignment.
After taking this course you will:
- be confident in your ability to proofread on paper or on screen
- be confident in using BSI symbols and PDF tools
- have the knowledge to tackle material that is not necessarily straightforward
- have a good idea of where your proofreading skills – and weaknesses – lie.
At the end of the course you will have sufficient knowledge of proofreading practices to begin to work professionally as a proofreader. Further study will help you to hone your judgement and ability to deal with more complex texts.
Note: This course requires you to understand the basics of proofreading as taught in Proofreading 1: Introduction and Proofreading 2: Headway, including:
- the types of error a proofreader is expected to spot and correct
- how to mark those errors on paper and on screen using BSI symbols, PDF markup tools and Word's Track Changes
- a basic understanding of how to deal with more complex elements such as illustrations, tables, notes and references
- some of the common editorial conventions in the UK and how to apply them
- an understanding of how to exercise judgement in how much to change
- the difference between proofreading and proof-editing
- the importance of obtaining sufficient guidance from the client regarding the work they expect
- where proofreading fits into a variety of publication processes.
If you are unsure about any of these aspects, then you are strongly advised to take Proofreading 1: Introduction and Proofreading 2: Headway before attempting this course.
You will also need:
- fluency in English
- good knowledge of English grammar
- wide general knowledge
- familiarity with the functions of word processing programs; this course assumes use of MS Word (Office 365)
- familiarity with basic markup tools for PDFs (this course assumes knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC).
While this course provides helpful links to information on these requirements, it does not teach the rules of grammar or spelling, or how to use the software.