Proofreading and Editing Career Tracks
Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start your training when entering a new career. Our career tracks can help you get started in your freelance proofreading or editing business. If your freelance editing career is humming along nicely but you’re ready to add new skills, The PEN Institute offers several courses for you too!
Each track is designed to prepare you for a new career or help you advance in your existing profession.
Most courses are available in three formats to give you the flexibility you need and want:
- Group Courses include lesson material, optional homework, additional instructor handouts, an email group forum to learn from other students, and direct instructor feedback. These are scheduled throughout the year.
- Digital Curriculum is the same lesson material from the Group Courses, including the optional homework assignments. These self-guided lessons offer limited instructor feedback but no online discussions with fellow students. Available as individual courses or save money on Digital Curriculum Bundles.
- One-on-One Instruction includes the lesson material, homework assignments, additional instructor handouts, and individual feedback from the instructor. Students can choose this option throughout the year and scheduled directly with the instructor.
Career Tracks
Whether you are just beginning your editing career or are looking for advanced classes to update and expand your skills, we have a track for you.
The courses are listed in the order we suggest you take them. Those with an asterisk (*) can be taken in any order.
Beginning Proofreaders
Proofreading and copyediting share some basic skills; however, proofreading looks for mistakes. Right or wrong. Black or white. Its focus is on punctuation, usage, grammar, spelling, consistency, and formatting. The following courses teach what every successful proofreader needs to begin their freelance career.
- Freelance Editing Essentials
- Establishing Your Freelance Business*
- Grammar Essentials*
- Proofreading Essentials*
- Copyediting Fiction*
- Avoiding IRS Audits, Webinar*
Specialty Editing
Breaking into new fields of editing can be difficult. These courses teach the skills and knowledge you need to take your business to the next level.
GENERAL*
- Ebook Formatting for Editors
- Editing Children’s Books
Beginning Editors
Copyediting improves the manuscript’s flow, syntax, organization, logic, pace, tone, and so much more. The following core courses teach the basics every copyeditor must know. On completion, the copyeditor is equipped to open his or her freelance business.
- Freelance Editing Essentials
- Editing in MS Word (Options in Mac or Windows)
- Navigating Style Guides
- Establishing Your Freelance Business
- Avoiding IRS Audits, Webinar
FICTION EMPHASIS ADD:
- Copyediting Fiction
- Fiction Editing Fundamentals Part 1
- Fiction Editing Fundamentals Part 2
NONFICTION EMPHASIS ADD:
- Copyediting Nonfiction
- Editing Devotionals*
- Editing Bible Studies and Theology*
- Grant Writing and Editing Fundamentals*
