Publishing training centre proofreading course

[notberrysure]

Have any proofreaders on Mumsnet done this course and is it worthwhile and worth the money?
A long chain of events has meant I have fallen into proofreading and editing in my industry and am starting to make a little money from it as people send me work. I am also enjoying it very much but aware I have no formal qualification (other than an English degree and a postgrad in my field).
Would I be in a better position to get more work if I did this course? What started as a few extra pounds is turning into a possible career change so I would like to maximise my chance of work. Thank you

I'm doing this course at the moment. It teaches you how to proof read professionally and especially with the publishing industry in mind (although not exclusively). I want to take this and then the copy editing one. I needed to do it for my own confidence, even though I have experience with editing previously.
I suggest taking at look at the Sfep which has loads of good advice on making a career out of editing and proofing.

Jumping on here! I am currently doing this course & really struggling! I am on Unit 4 & finding the whole thing with widows & orphans difficult. Any advice please or suggestions as to where I can get advice or tips or further explanations? Thanks in advance & apologies for hijacking the thread

I'm not on module 4 yet but have you used your phone/email time with your tutor?

Hi Georgia, thanks for responding. I haven't used that time yet and, in a way, I guess I'm kind of embarrassed to. I also had issues with Unit 3 & I'm scared she'll tell me not to continue as I'll fail. Plus my deadline is fast approaching & there is more to do than I thought. I'm feeling rather anxious & down about the whole thing

I've done the editing one and it's really boring to be honest, but good to have. I found it tedious and my tutor was patronising but I passed!

Remember they are there to help you succeed. Is it a general understanding of the grammar or spotting errors you're struggling with? You can revise he grammar by googling stuff and reading up and I've been making lists of grammar points and other errors I miss often so I can spend time focusing on those.

Editor here. I haven't done the PTC course as I trained in-house, but it and the SfEP run the best editing/proofreading courses in the UK.

The UK's professional organisation for editors is the Society for
Editors and Proofreaders - www.sfep.org.uk

There are loads of benefits to joining - editors' forums, local groups, discounts on training, CPD, etc. Browse their website to find out more, or PM me. I'm a member, and find it invaluable.

You join as an entry-level member and are encouraged to upgrade - there are various routes. When you are a professional member, you qualify for an entry in their Directory of Editorial Services - where I get most of my clients.

And SfEP's courses are constantly being upgraded to reflect the move from hard copy to online editing and proofing.

If you're having problems with the PTC course, contact your tutor. They should be able to help!

PM me if you'd like any more info.

Confused: Good editing reference books (re widows and orphans) include New Hart's Rules (www.amazon.co.uk/New-Harts-Rules-Oxford-Guides/dp/0199570027/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=791NXGHA3Z05K2NXJCRQ)

Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage

and there are more listed at www.sfep.org.uk/resources/recommended-reference-books/general-editing-publishing-style

Hello,
I’m trying to decide between the SFEP or PCT proof reading courses. I plan to start with proof reading (and progress to copy editing at a later date but I don’t mind copy editing being part of the course).
Any advice or opinions?
Many thanks