Course description
Assuming no special knowledge, the Professional Proofreading & Editing Course gives practical, easy-to-understand advice and information on all the following topics:
What proofreaders and copy editors do.
Terms and proofreading marks/symbols in current use.
Principles of correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Guidance on headings, manuscript layout, etc.
How to convert UK English to American and vice versa (a skill much in demand!)
The Internet - why limit yourself to the UK, when the whole wide world needs your services?
How to set up as a freelance (tax, National Insurance, stationery, etc.)
How to invoice and collect the money due to you.
How to organise yourself in a business-like manner.
How to present yourself to publishers and other potential clients.
Successful time management tips and techniques.
How to successfully market your services (including a sample letter of application for you to use instantly!).
The wide range of potential clients apart from publishers.
Clients' needs and why you need to understand them.
How to apply for advertised jobs.
How to advertise your own services.
The secret of scanning the papers for `hidden' vacancies.
How to overcome the `lack of experience' problem. You'll learn the four tactics to help you overcome this situation for good.
Why you should be persistent with publishers.
Help from new technology - what can a computer do for YOU?
Advice on buying your own computer.
The advantages of having an internet connection - the three most relevant internet services for proofreaders and editors.
The best 15 internet newsgroups for finding online work.
How to find work on the web - eight useful websites listed.
How to get freelance work with electronic publishing companies.
How to go on polishing and developing your skills.
20 leading electronic publishers who may need your services.
A wide range of other profitable sidelines. Opportunities in related areas such as indexing, self-publishing, research, article and short-story writing, writing a book, rewriting, translation, and so on - all explained in detail and much, much more!
