Proofreading & Editing Skills

Proven Tips from Top Professionals

Class Summary

(based on last 3 sessions)

Sending out well-composed documents free of error is critical to the credibility of individuals and organizations. In this half-day session, you’ll learn tips and techniques for ensuring a professional image in all written communication.

COM461 6.0
One 8-hour session

Anyone who is responsible for error-free documentation or supports management and others by editing memos, letters, or reports.

  • Project a positive, professional image in all written communication.
  • Save time and ensure document quality.
  • Increased confidence in your ability as a writer.

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

  • Explain the practical differences between rewriting, substantive editing, line editing, and proofreading.
  • Query items like audience and objective before you start editing.
  • Find and correct logic and syntax mistakes in your own writing.
  • Use copyediting marks to mark up copy by hand.
  • Spot grammar and punctuation mistakes and edit sentences to read correctly.
  • Explain where most writing errors occur.
  • Manage your time and work space to proofread more effectively.
  • Increase speed and accuracy in finding errors.
  • Different Process for Editing
    • Rewriting
    • Substantive Editing
      • Who is the audience?
      • What is the document’s objective?
      • Why is the document being written?
    • Line Editing
    • Copyediting
    • Word-Level Editing (also called Proofreading)
  • Line Editing
    • Sentence Fragments
    • Run-On Sentences
    • Use Transition Words to Fix Fragments and Run-Ons
    • Smothered Verbs Bore Your Reader
  • Copyediting
    • Punctuation Tips: Quotes
    • Punctuation Tips: Commas
    • Traditional Copy Editing Marks
  • Manage Your Time and Space
    • Your Time
    • Your Space
  • Know Common Errors
  • Exercises to Increase Speed and Accuracy
    • Character Accuracy 1
    • Character Accuracy 2
    • Character Accuracy 3
  • Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization, and Usage Exercise
  • Proofing a Sample Letter
  • Proofing an Email