
A brief overview of the content of this proofreading course.
An overview of the skills and tools you'll need to complete this proofreading course.
See the resources for your downloadable proofreading course ebook, containing a written summary of each lecture.
Complete this introductory exercise to assess your current proofreading ability.
What is the difference between proofreading and copy editing?
Are you expected to catch every single error?
Strategies for catching more errors when proofreading.
How to proofread when you're on a tight deadline.
Introduction to the marks professional proofreaders use to indicate changes.
Learn how to mark up a proof to indicate that text should be inserted or deleted.
Practise using the symbols to indicate that text should be inserted or deleted.
Learn how to mark up a proof to indicate the insertion of various punctuation marks.
Practise marking up a proof to indicate that punctuation marks should be inserted or deleted.
Learn how to mark up a proof to indicate that text should look different.
Practise marking up a proof to indicate that text should look different.
Learn how to mark up a proof to question the accuracy of a point, to spell out numbers or text, to alter the look of paragraphs and to indicate that you've changed your mind.
An opportunity to practise marking up a proof to question the accuracy of a point, to spell out numbers or text, to alter the look of paragraphs and to indicate that you've changed your mind.
The four types of spelling errors you may encounter as a proofreader.
An opportunity to practise proofreading text for spelling errors.
Strategies for catching two of the most common errors in text: missing or repeated words.
An opportunity to practise proofreading text for repeated and missing words
Three of the most common errors of grammar and syntax that even experienced writers make.
An opportunity to practise proofreading text for errors of grammar and syntax.
Three of the most common punctuation errors to look out for when proofreading a text.
An opportunity to practise proofreading text for errors of punctuation.
An overview of what should - and what shouldn't - be capitalised.
An opportunity to practise proofreading text for errors of capitalisation.
Rules for using bold and italic text.
An opportunity to test your understanding of what to put in bold and what to italicise.
Some hints and tips for spotting factual errors.
An opportunity to test your ability to spot potential errors of fact.
How to ensure the document you're proofreading looks consistent.
An opportunity to practise bringing consistency to a document.
How to approach the proofreading of headings and subheadings for accuracy and consistency - to maximise your chances of catching a howler.
An opportunity to proofread some headings and subheadings for accuracy and consistency.
How to proofread a variety of visual devices that may be found in a document.
An opportunity to practice proofreading charts, tables and other graphics.
How to proofread the footnotes and bibliographies of academic documents.
An opportunity to practice proofreading typical elements of an academic text.
Tips for catching errors in video content.
Test your ability to catch errors in a piece of video content. For an extra challenge, put on the closed captions!
Did you spot all the mistakes in the video?
Where and how to earn an income from your new proofreading skills.
Create an action plan for gaining work as a proofreader
An insight into what you can expect to earn as a proofreader.
Keep your skills honed with these additional proofreading exercises.
Well done for completing the course! Here's how to get your certificate!
Got the writing bug and want to dig deeper into the topic? Check out our other courses.
Would you like to:
· Produce error-free documents every time?
· Use professionally recognised proofreading symbols correctly?
· Know exactly what to look for when proofing any document?
· Learn strategies for catching more mistakes?
· Launch a freelance career as a professional proofreader?
If so, this course is for you.
In this highly detailed and practical proofreading course, you'll learn:
· Strategies for catching more errors – even when proofing in a hurry
· Spelling 'landmines' - and how to avoid them
· The most common errors of punctuation, grammar and syntax
· How to ensure correct use of capitalisation, as well as bold and italic text
· What to look for when fact-checking an article
· How to ensure your document has a consistent style
· How to catch errors in headlines, graphs, charts and tables
· How to proofread academic text
· Tips for proofreading video content
· How to earn an income as a proofreader
You’ll also get detailed instruction on how to use proofreading symbols correctly, to indicate the need to:
· Insert and delete text
· Insert and delete punctuation marks
· Indicate typographical changes (bold, italic etc)
· Raise a question about the text
· Alter the look of paragraphs
· Indicate you've changed your mind about a mark-up
HOW IS THIS COURSE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROOFREADING COURSES?
Proofread Like a Pro is a comprehensive course that digs deep into the skills you need to be a successful proofreader. But what really sets this course apart is its practicality.
Proofreading is a skill you learn best by doing. That’s why, in Proofread Like a Pro, you won’t simply be bombarded with information about proofreading. After almost every lecture, you’ll be presented with a proofreading exercise designed to test your understanding of the material – and hone your ability to catch typical errors.
What’s more, as a professional copywriter, Dr Clare Lynch understands time is money. That's why the most often used words in reviews of her courses are 'clear' and 'concise'. So every lecture is punchy, pacey and packed with easy-to-grasp advice. No fluff. No padding. No repetition.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS INSTRUCTOR?
Dr Clare Lynch has a PhD in English literature from the University of Cambridge, where she also now teaches writing skills.
Clare is also an editor, proofreader and professional copywriter with 20+ years’ experience of helping big-name corporate clients get their messages across clearly, accurately, precisely and compellingly.
Clare is also a qualified and highly experienced corporate trainer and facilitator. So she’s been trained to communicate even the most complex, technical ideas in a way that’s memorable, entertaining and addictively engaging.
That's why, in October 2019, Udemy bestowed their Student Success award on Clare for her dedication to her Udemy students.
A WORD OF WARNING: WHAT THIS COURSE IS NOT
This course is not a superficial beginner’s guide to proofreading. It’s designed to give you the skills to proofread professionally.
Although the course covers some aspects of grammar, spelling and punctuation, it is not a comprehensive guide to the correct use of English.
To get the most out of this course, you should already have a strong grasp of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
If that sounds like you, enrol in Proofread Like a Pro today!