proofreading and editing courses online canada

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Proofreading LIBA 9332

Our Proofreading course teaches you the special skills involved in detecting and marking errors in various kinds of copy. Learn about live copy, dead copy, dry reading, and the difference between copyediting and proofreading. Get the skills you need to identify and correct deviations from specifications, problems in technical quality, and issues in language and thought.

Recommendations

You will have the most success in this course if you already have a familiarity with Adobe Acrobat and you have already completed our LIBA 9294 Copyediting (Online) course.

Hours and Fees

Course sections.

CRN : S84922 Delivery Method: Teacher-led Online Date(s) Day(s) Time Location(s) Date(s): 26 May 2025 – 21 Jul 2025 Day(s): M Time: 6:15 – 9:15 p.m. Location(s): Online (teacher-led) Hours: 27 Fee: $222.53 CRN Delivery Method Note : Teacher-led online classes use a learning management system ( LMS ) and videoconferencing software (which may require a camera and a microphone). A welcome letter with details about the LMS will be emailed to you. Register Now

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WRI 120 - Copy Editing and Proofreading

Course description.

You will develop solid copy editing skills (clarity, correctness, conciseness, consistency) by learning to identify and correct content errors, problems in technical quality, style guide conformity and issues in language and thought. Then focus on proofreading skills including proofreader's marks, grammar and spelling errors and basic formatting. Topics may also include working with style sheets, proofing on screen versus proofing hard copy, and proofing electronically generated or scanned material for a variety of English-language texts. Learn through study, practice, peer and instructor feedback, and assignments. Access to a printer and a scanner or high quality camera device is required.

Course Details

Course Learning Outcomes

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Explain the difference between copy editing and proofreading
• Describe other levels of editing and their chief functions
• Mark up a hard copy using editing symbols
• Create an editorial style sheet
• Recognize and correct common errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, capitalization, abbreviations, and numbers using editing symbols
• Identify issues in organization, style, and language choice 

Prerequisites

Applies towards the following program(s).

• Creative Writing Certificate : Core Courses
• Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing : Core Courses
• Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations : Core Courses

WRI 120 - 061

Ce 5% bundle discount, matt adolphe, ba, ma.

Title: The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications Author: Amy Einsohn Publisher: University of California Edition: 4 ISBN: 978-0520286726

Visit the UCalgary Bookstore at www.calgarybookstore.ca .

This course uses Desire2Learn (D2L), an online learning management system. The instructor will post your course outline and other materials in D2L. For more information about D2L, please visit our Online Learning Resources .

Access to a printer and a scanner or high-quality camera device is required.

Unless notified, all online courses are available at 9 am MT the day before the start date. Students who register on (or after) the start date will receive access within one day of registration.

Students who are unfamiliar with online learning are recommended to take our free Digital Skills for Learning Online course.

Unless otherwise stated, notice of withdrawal or transfer from a course must be received at least seven calendar days prior to the start date of the course.

WRI 120 - 060

Jean abrahamson, matc, wri 120 - 062, wri 120 - 063.

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Online asynchronous, instructor-led, with no scheduled live videoconferencing.

Your course will be delivered using Desire2Learn (D2L), the University of Calgary learning management system. Unlike correspondence or self-paced courses, asynchronous courses are instructor-led and require regular student participation throughout. There are learning activities and assignments included in each D2L course that would fall under instruction.

For more information about online learning, see our Online Learning Resources .

Receive a 5% discount for registering in three or more certificate courses at the same time. The three courses must be from the same certificate program.

During checkout, be sure to select the 'Apply a discount' option next to each eligible course. Choose '5% Bundle Discount' from the menu.

This discount applies to courses within the following certificate programs: Adult Learning, Teaching Second Languages, Writing, and Visual Design.

Matt Adolphe (Manager, Cowichan Campus Operations, Vancouver Island University) facilitates courses in the areas of writing, leadership, and career readiness for Continuing Education at the University of Calgary. He also instructs business and communications courses for Mount Royal University and SAIT. He holds a BA in Indigenous Studies and History from Laurentian University, and an MA in Communication Management from the University of South Australia. Beyond teaching, his professional life has been punctuated with experiences as a political organizer, volunteer, career coach, consultant, actor, radio DJ, studio musician, speechwriter, and media presenter (the first English speaking TV news presenter in Macao). Matt was a founding member of the Metis Nation of Ontario in 1993. He is the author of two books: "Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules" and "Would You Hire You?" Both books are aimed at helping people achieve success in their careers.

Jean Abrahamson’s professional background spans business, marketing, writing, editing, and health care. She’s also been involved in online teaching and learning since 2001, with experience in Canada, the US, and the UK. Topics of courses she’s taught for the private sector, corporations, government, colleges, and universities range from writing, editing, and medical subjects to communication, research, and leadership.

Jean holds a Master of Arts degree in Technical Communication (with distinction). She belongs to the worldwide organization Society for Technical Communication (STC), and she’s a member of STC’s Alpha Sigma Honor Society.

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Professional Editing Extension Certificate

View all programs and courses  

6 required courses (100 hours)

Online | Learn more

Complete in one year, or up to 3 years

Course and program information

Professional editing is the process of reviewing and improving written documents by making or suggesting changes to improve the clarity, precision and effectiveness of the writing.

Enhance your professional writing and editing skills with this newly revised program taught by subject matter experts working in the industry. Gain a solid foundation for a career in the world of editing. Acquire an understanding of the standards, skills and tools of professional copy editors through presentations, readings, editing practice and discussion.

Explore copyediting and proofreading, learn how to use and create house style guides and style sheets, and recognize the importance of copyright, citations and references. Brush up on basic writing skills as you review parts of speech, grammar and common grammatical mistakes.

Identify comprehensive and stylistic editing problems and find solutions. Complete the certificate by creating a portfolio of work samples that show your ability to effectively carry out copyediting, proofreading and comprehensive editing that meets industry standards.

Note: program instructors use and refer to Chicago Manual of Style in class, but discuss a variety of other styles as well.

Highlights and benefits

Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects

Enhance your life | Develop your personal and professional skills

Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals

Gain hands-on experience | Demonstrate workplace competencies to potential employers

Online delivery | Enjoy the flexibility of online learning and complete this program from anywhere

   Information session

Interested in learning more about our Professional Editing Extension Certificate ? Speak with program staff and instructors, and have your questions answered. Join us for a free virtual information session on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, noon - 1:00 p.m. MDT

Learn more about professional writing in business

Interested in becoming more organized and effective in your business communication?

Consider our Writing and Editing for Business Certificate of Completion to help you communicate effectively in writing and correspondence in the workplace.

Course schedule

Course schedule by semester.

BL : Blended (Online & Classroom) CL : Classroom FT : Fast Track ON : Online IDS : Independent Study P : Practicum

This schedule is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration is available in June; Winter schedule and registration is available in November; and Spring/Summer schedule and registration is available in March.

Program questions?

403.440.6861  or  1.888.392.3655 [email protected]

Additional Details

Required courses.

6 Course(s)

Complete six required courses to earn your extension certificate.

Courses in this certificate can be taken in any order.

• XCOM 20008 Grammar and Punctuation Essentials
• XCOM 20002 Editing Fundamentals
• XCOM 20003 Copyediting and Proofreading
• XCOM 20009 Editing Portfolio
• XCOM 20011 Structural Editing
• XCOM 20012 Stylistic Editing

Funding opportunities

This program qualifies for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant and other funding opportunities. Learn more .

Connect with us

Have a question about our programs or need help with course registration? Call or email us:

403.440.6875 or 1.866.775.2673 [email protected]

Stay in touch

Sign up for our e-newsletter and stay informed on what's new at Continuing Education at Mount Royal University.

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PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Faculty of Education

CONT203: Proofreading Standards

This course will help you develop your skills and knowledge in proofreading. It will also help you determine if you’re working to industry standards. The content is based on well-respected proofreading standards.

You will assess your current level of skills and knowledge, and then make a plan to improve them as you

• build your existing knowledge and skills
• expand your ability to apply those competencies in topics and publication genres outside your current experience

Course activities entail research and reflection, solo and group exploration, and then solo practice. Your instructor will suggest sources of research and experimentation, and will help you to assess your progress and find appropriate resources and practice opportunities for further learning.

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) recognises Queen's University Canada's courses as quality training that will count towards CIEP membership upgrade .

Who should take this course?

The course is ideal for

• editors interested in earning a Professional Editing Standards Certificate
• intermediate and advanced editors with more than 5 years of experience
• individuals wanting to enhance their proofreading skills and adhere to high standard of accuracy
• proofreaders looking for guidance and support from an expert in the field
• editors, writers, or students involved in creating written content looking to assess their strengths and areas for improvement

Delivery Method

This course is delivered asynchronously online allowing participants to engage with flexibility at their own convenience. This method provides a balance between self-paced learning and structured coursework while promoting a supportive community where participants can share experiences and ideas.

Professional Development

This course will count towards completion of the  Professional Editing Standards Certificate .

Course Fees

Course fees include

• full access to comprehensive course content
• timely feedback from a subject matter expert on assignments
• shareable Badge of Completion (Queen's University)
• credit toward the  Professional Editing Standards Certificate

Policies and more information

• Professional Studies Policies
• Fees, Refunds and Financial Support
• Learn more about  Queen’s University , the  Faculty of Education  and  Kingston
• Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the extent and limitations of proofreading services.
• Write a plan to improve your skills and knowledge as you progress toward a proficient level in proofreading.
• Access proofreading resources recommended in this course.
• Create personal tools that you can use in your work outside this course.
• Establish an ongoing personal learning network with your course peers.

Course Outline

Course schedule, late winter 2025.

• Dates: Feb 17, 2025 – Apr 18, 2025
• Deadline: Feb 11, 2025 at 4pm ET
• Payment Due: Feb 13, 2025 at 4pm ET

Winter 2025

• Dates: Jan 20, 2025 – Apr 04, 2025
• Deadline: Jan 14, 2025 at 4pm ET
• Payment Due: Jan 14, 2025 at 4pm ET

Application Requirements

This course is applicable to intermediate and advanced editors of English (more than five years’) from all geographical locations. 

If you are new to the field of editing and are looking for an introductory course, we recommend  CONT205: How to Copyedit . If you have some experience as an editor (less than five years’), you may enroll in this course and assess whether the course material matches your current skills. You have the option to withdraw from the course and receive a full refund if you do this before the course’s midpoint.  View our refund policy here .

Course Materials

Required course text:

80 Common Layout Errors to Flag When Proofreading Book Interiors. Available in print or as an ebook at Amazon and Lulu.

Accommodations

Applicants who require special accommodations are asked to:

• Contact us at least 1 week prior to the start of the course to allow enough time for appropriate accommodations to be made.
• Provide necessary documentation upon request.

Editors Canada Professional Certification

Benefits of Professional Certification

Whether you’re an editor or someone who hires editors, you can benefit from the landmark professional certification program offered by Editors Canada.

Editors Canada Professional Certification sets objective standards for recognizing high levels of knowledge and skill. It’s the gold standard of editing.

If you’re an editor

Editors Canada Professional Certification:

• Helps you identify strengths and fill in gaps in your knowledge and skill sets
• Provides professional recognition of your high level of knowledge and skill
• Provides a powerful marketing advantage
• Allows you to command a higher salary or charge higher fees
• In some cases, allows you to skip time-consuming steps in the process of bidding for contracts
• Earns the respect of your peers
• Helps raise the profile of editing as a highly skilled profession

If you hire in-house or contract editors

• Allows you to identify potential employees and/or contractors who meet industry standards for high quality of work
• Eliminates the need to test prospective employees or contractors
• Offers a marketing advantage (“We use Editors Canada-certified editors, who have achieved a level of excellence in their craft”)

If you supervise in-house editors

• Ensures that your employees meet industry standards for high quality of work
• Provides meaningful professional development opportunities

Recognizing excellence

Editors Canada Professional Certification identifies editors who have achieved a level of excellence in their craft, not just competence or proficiency.

It’s therefore not surprising that certified editors are finding new opportunities and making more money than ever before. They’re able to demonstrate to employers and clients that they provide immense value.

The Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, several national non-governmental organizations and the Certified General Accountants’ Association of Canada are just some of the organizations that recognize the value of Editors Canada Professional Certification when they hire editors.

Read what certified editors are saying about the benefits of Editors Canada Professional Certification.

Credentials

Editors Canada Professional Certification is for editors of written material who work in English. It’s available to both Editors Canada members and non-members.

There are five credentials. To earn an editing credential, you must pass the required exam(s), as indicated in the table below.

Because Editors Canada Professional Certification tests for excellence (rather than proficiency), we recommend that you have at least five years of full-time experience as a working editor before taking one of the exams.

Your credential year is the one  after  the administration of your successful exam. If you successfully write an exam in 2018, for example, you will be awarded the credential in 2019.

Learn about credential maintenance .

Upcoming exams

Two professional certification exams will be offered on Saturday, November 16, 2024:

Copy Editing

Saturday, November 16, 2024 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., local time to candidate

Stylistic Editing

Saturday, November 16, 2024 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., local time to candidate

The other exams will be offered in the coming years; stay tuned for details. Exams are offered every November, typically in two-year rotations. 

• Registration

Registration for the Copy Editing and Stylistic Editing exams closed on October 16, 2024. The professional certification exams for Structural Editing and Proofreading will be offered in 2025.

Cancellation

If Editors Canada cancels an exam for which you have registered, you’ll have the opportunity to either transfer your registration or receive a full refund of your registration fees. If you cancel your registration for any other reason and the association receives written notice of your cancellation on or before October 25, 2024, Editors Canada will refund your registration less a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after October 25, 2024

Exam locations

For the foreseeable future, we will not be offering in-person exam locations. The 2024 professional certification exams in Copy Editing and Stylistic Editing will be offered by remote testing (online and onscreen) only.

(Before the pandemic, Editors Canada Professional Certification exams were typically offered at official exam sites in Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa. We also offered them from time to time in other locations within Canada if we received enough applications from candidates there.)

Remote locations

2024 exams to be offered remotely only (online and onscreen).

In 2020, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Editors Canada moved all professional certification exams to a fully electronic format. This means that moving forward, all exams will be written onscreen (including proofreading, which was previously offered on paper, but is now in PDF format; candidates should be familiar with electronic markup in Adobe Acrobat).

Once again in 2024, we will not offer in-person exam locations.

Remote testing

Candidates are able to write the exam on their own computer at home (PC or Mac). We’ll provide you with the exam in .docx format and ask you to download it, complete it and upload it within the exam timeframe. You will need access to Google Drive. Please register with an email address that has a Google account associated with it. You will need to have reliable internet access and Microsoft Word installed on your home computer (NOT Google Docs). You should also have a quiet, private space in your home during the exam, in which to write the exam.

The buzz about Editors Canada Professional Certification

[Editors Canada] certification has opened many doors for me. Presenting myself as a Certified Professional Editor gives me credibility, confidence and a steady stream of clients. Anne Louise Mahoney, CPE Certified Professional Editor Freelance Editor

Certification earned me extra points when bidding on a federal government standing offer for English editing services. Believe me, every point counts! I eventually won the standing offer. Marion Soublière Certified Copy Editor and Certified Proofreader President, M.E.S. Editing and Writing Services

I received a call from a prospective client who chose me from the online directory because I was a Certified Proofreader. This confirmed for me that certification means something to clients. Donna Dawson Certified Copy Editor and Certified Proofreader Freelance Editor

My certification in copy editing gives employers confidence that I can handle a job correctly and with authority. Also, it has earned me respect from my peers. Beverly Ensom Certified Copy Editor English Editor, House of Commons Contract Editor, The Conference Board of Canada

My clients are assured that, as a Certified Proofreader, I am recognized by [Editors Canada] for professional excellence in editing accuracy, judgment, skills and experience. Alan Yoshioka, PhD Certified Proofreader Founder, AY’s Edit

I found it heartening to have my skills validated by an external measure. The process of preparing for certification was also valuable, giving me the occasion, motivation and many of the tools for productive bout of professional development. Laura Cappello Bromling Certified Copy Editor Freelance Editor

One person’s experience

“Being certified,” Donna Dawson recalls, “would show potential clients—and myself—that I am a good editor.”

Read her story in “Are You Certifiable?” published in the Winter 2008 edition of Active Voice.

Certification quick links

• Order the Test Preparation Guide
• Order  Meeting Professional Editorial Standards
• Editors Canada Professional Certification home page
• Qualifying for the exams
• Preparing for Editors Canada Professional Certification
• Frequently asked questions
• Credential maintenance
• Roster of certified editors
• Download our policy on certification

Professional Editing

Faculty Language, Literature & Performing Arts Department Communications Course Code CMNS 3200 Credits 3.00 Semester Length 15 weeks Max Class Size 30 Method(s) Of Instruction Lecture Seminar Online Hybrid

Typically Offered To be determined

1. Editing Fundamentals

Working with documents on screen and on paper, students will

• learn how copy editing, proofreading, and stylistic editing differ from each other and from other types of editing
• edit documents for spelling, grammar, readability, clarity, and appropriateness
• check material for general accuracy and consistency of content
• perform structural and stylistic edits of material, retaining the substance, voice, and intent of the original
• edit material for bias, stereotyping, libelous statements, and sensitivities of the reader
• learn how to use a selected conventional style (for example, Canadian Press style)
• use standard copy-editing symbols and electronic markup (for example, track changes)
• become familiar with basic editing tools, including style sheets
• become familiar with basic legal issues involved in editing, including copyright and permissions
• develop the skills required to present editorial feedback in an effective, professional way
• examine the relationship between the writer and the editor in the creation of documents

2. Editing for Standards of Grammar and Usage

Students will

• become more familiar with Canadian English standards of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage
• compare English, American, and Canadian language conventions
• examine different style manuals, usage manuals, and other reference books
• research and present grammatical concepts in easy-to-understand language
• become aware of language that leads to bias and stereotyping

3. Editing and Production

 Students will

• look at the role of copy editing and proofreading in the publishing of print and electronic documents
• use standard proofreading symbols, tool, and techniques to indicate changes to be made in print and electronic documents

The course will use a combination of lecture, discussion, individual work, and group work, with an emphasis on hands-on editing of documents. 

Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.

Evaluation is in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy and will be based on this general format:

Students who successfully complete this course will

• edit documents for readability, style, substance, and grammatical accuracy
• learn and use standard copy-editing and proofreading symbols
• practise techniques for copy editing, proofreading, and structural and stylistic editing (on paper and on screen)
• practise communicating editing decisions in an effective, professional way
• develop an understanding of the editor’s role in the scheduling and production of print and electronic documents

Texts will include

• current editions of editing resources such as the Canadian Press Stylebook and Caps and Spelling
• coursepack of required readings

Prerequisites

Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication 

A minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher

Permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator

Corequisites

Equivalencies, course guidelines.

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Course Offerings

Winter 2025.

CMNS 3200 001 is prioritized for Post-Degree Diploma Professional Communication students. Students may request permission by contacting Maureen Nicholson at [email protected] . with student number, program, and registration date.