| Introduction to the Editing Process (Paper-Based) |
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| Overview: |
Learn fundamental principles of editing and the responsibilities of an editor. Learn about style, grammar, rhetoric, readability, organization, printing techniques, proofreading, and parts of a publication. Apply the principles through practical work in editing. ACE College Credit Recommendation Service reviewed.
In this independent study paper-based course, you submit assignments to an instructor, who grades them and gives you feedback. Textbook must be purchased separately. Take up to one year to complete.
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| Who Should Attend? |
Persons who want to enter the editing field, as well as those who edit material as part of their work in other professions. This course also serves as a refresher for those whose editorial skills have not been used for some time or who feel uncertain about their level of expertise.
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| Prerequisites: |
| All participants are expected to know the basic rules of language, including grammar, punctuation and spelling. |
| Additional Information: |
| Order textbooks from Specialty Books. Select subject area Editing and Indexing, then select course. |
| Objectives: |
| Employ editorial techniques handling manuscripts from author to printApply fundamental principles of editingExplain the responsibilities of an editorUse knowledge of grammar, rhetoric, readability, organization, printing techniques, proofreading and the parts of a publication to complete editorial tasks |
| Syllabus: |
Syllabus -- Introduction to the Editing Process, EDIT1140C, Grad. School, USDA
Required Textbooks
Order textbooks from Specialty Books.
Contents and Objectives
- Lesson 1. Introduction and Scope of Course
To understand the three levels of editing and the kinds of skills requited of editors; to know how to use proofreaders' marks.
- Role of the Editor
- Levels of Editing
- Mechanics of Editing
- Substantive Editing
- Editorial Skills/Practices
- Use of Style Manuals
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Proofreading
- Graphic Design and Production Skills
- Basic Skills Required
- Rules of Grammar
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 2. Copyediting Style
To use a style manual to edit material covering the use of abbreviations, the use of numbers, compound words, and division or words.
- Reliance on the Copyeditor
- Abbreviations
- Compound Words
- Division of Words
- Use of Numbers
- Consistency is Key
- Unacceptable Errors
- Working Copy
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 3. Editing for Style--Getting the Message to the Reader
To organize topically, correct faulty paragraphing, and make style selections concerning usage of passive/active voice and first/third person.
- Overview of Lesson
- Organization
- Outlining
- Paragraphing
- Active vs. Passive Voice
- Use of First vs. Third Person
- Vocabulary
- Parallelism
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 4. Editing for Style--Use Direct Expression
To strip texts of trite expressions, redundancies, equivocations, ambiguities, and jargon to achieve clear and direct expression.
- Literary Style
- Wordiness
- Trite Expressions
- Jargon
- Gender-Specific Terminology
- Ambiguity (Deliberate vs. Unintentional)
- Some Computer Software
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 5. Punctuation, Italics and Capitalization
To consider two simple mechanical requirements of manuscript preparation, punctuation and italics, and the discretionary use of each.
- Punctuation
- Use of Period
- Use of Comma
- Use of Apostrophe
- Italics
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 6. A Final Word About Grammar
To correct grammatical errors that frequently are made.
- A Final Word About Grammar
- A Few Problem Areas
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 7. The Editing Process-Interpersonal Relationships
To become a better editor in terms of dealing with authors and others in producing publications; to learn how to use editorial marks and other skills in communicating with authors and others.
- Editing and Interpersonal Relationships
- Editorial Marks
- Editor/Author Relationships
- Annotating the Manuscripts
- Reviewing for Changes vs. Checklist of Things that Simply are Not Done
- Review of Author's Manuscript
- Editing by E-Mail
- Up the Editorial Ladder
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 8. Typographical Style
To make formatting choices including effective presentation of data, footnotes, and bibliographies as well as the effective use of headings and typefaces.
- Typographical Style During Initial Editorial Review
- Headings
- Paragraphing
- Tables
- Documentation of Sources
- Bibliographies and References
- Footnotes
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 9. Typographical Planning and Review of Final Manuscript
To assist in planning the typographical design of a publication; to correct layout problems such as widows and other typographical problems; and to copyfit material.
- The Editor as Production Editor
- Leading
- Spacing
- Page Makeup
- Graphics
- Editing-One More Time
- Copyfitting
- Impact of Copyfitting on Layout
- Understanding Type Sizes
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 10. Desktop Publishing
To list the advantages and disadvantages of desktop publishing including printing and photo technology.
- Integration of Text and Graphics
- Advantages of Desktop Publishing
- Disadvantages of Desktop Publishing
- If You Decide to Try It
- Software
- Printers
- Printing of Photos
- Traditional Printing Methods
- Printing Problems
- Written Exercises
- Lesson 11. Front and Rear Matter
To prepare front and rear matter including an index (editorial responsibilities that are often crucial to reader usage of the publication).
- Editor vs. Author Responsibility
- Abstracts and Executive Summaries
- Keywords and Data Bank
- Acknowledgments
- Indexes
- Written Exercises
- Request for Final Examination
NOTE: Mention of computer hardware and software in this Course Guide is solely to provide specific information. It does not constitute endorsement by the Graduate School, USDA of one product over other products.
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