Description
Instructor: Lora Doncea
Format: This is the Group Course format, which includes an online email discussion board and instructor feedback. This course will be conducted via Groups.io.
Prerequisite: None
Level: Beginner
Base price: $320 (members of The Christian PEN receive discounts)
Course length: This course is eight lessons; it runs from March 9 to April 27, 2026.
Deadline to register: March 13, 2026
Course outline: Click to download the outline
Certificate of Completion: Upon completion of this course, students will earn a course certificate.
Note: Refunds will not be given for this Group Course after March 6, 2026.
What people have said about this course:
“This class was everything I hoped for! Now, I have a much clearer picture of what each type of editing entails, types of clients, and necessary resources. The group format was great for accountability, encouragement, and getting to know others on this journey with me.” –Irene C.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I learned a lot, especially since this was my first exposure to what freelance editing and proofreading entail. In the beginning, the idea of learning something new intimidated me, even though I was stepping out in faith by taking a first step in what will hopefully become a new career. Your lessons took me on a step-by-step introduction to the world of freelance copyediting and proofreading.
The assignments were just right because you gave us the option to do as many or as few as we liked, so I never felt under pressure. I am going to go back through all the lessons and attempt more assignments as a personal challenge. I also learned a lot by reading the other members’ homework and your critiques. My confidence has grown and I’m ready for the next steps. I am going to continue taking classes through The Christian PEN and I hope to launch my business this year, Lord willing!” —Lisa D.
“Absolutely worth the cost of tuition! I like the fact that I could save everything for later. I read through everything thoroughly and will use the information when I expand my business in the next couple of months. At least, if it works out the way I now have it planned for the long term.” —Amber F.
“Thank you for your willingness to work with so many people at so many different stages of learning how to do this work excellently. I appreciate very much your graciousness in teaching and sharing from your years of experience. The course was great! It was well worth the tuition—as have the other courses I’ve taken. The interaction between the participants was something I especially enjoyed and I know that’s a unique advantage to this network. I learned a lot in every single lesson. A lot of things were covered that I hadn’t even considered and I’m looking forward to reviewing and putting these tools into practice.” —Anna S.
Hannah V. –
Freelance Editing 101 was a wonderful introduction to the world of editing and all the aspects it entails! It gave me a clearer picture of all that professional freelance editing includes—which is more than just editing! By completing the assignments and asking questions on the discussion group, I gained beneficial hands-on experience and received much encouraging and instructional feedback from both the instructor and the other students. And I was able to learn from their different editing experiences and perspectives, which made the class definitely worth it.
Carrie Del Pizzo –
As always, the exercises helped me put my fingers into action instead of just reading about the ideas. Also, this group communicated with each other a ton. I liked hearing everyone’s different ideas and perspectives. The instructor was very responsive and helpful as she joined the discussions with the rest of us. This is a great beginning course to figure out if editing is something you want to do and how to get started.
Galadriel Grace –
I am so glad that I opted for the Freelance Editing 101 course—as a writer and editor with some experience, I couldn’t believe how much I learned, and I can’t wait to put it all into practice. I enjoyed the level of interaction with the teacher and other students—it was lots of fun!
Kirstyn Mayden –
The lessons with the practical quizzes, and the lessons that gave me an opportunity to clarify what type of editing I will do were helpful. I also appreciated being able to create some email templates for future clients. Lora was extremely responsive, engaging and supportive. Thank you for offering this course! It provides a great foundation as I grow as an editor!
Owen Shattuck –
All of the information was great. Even though there were a number of lessons with content I had already been exposed to, I still found insights that were helpful and that added to my knowledge and skills. The assignments that called for actual editing work helped me to apply what I was learning. They also were encouraging in that they helped me to see what I already knew.
What I liked most was the opportunity to put into practice what I was learning right away by way of the assignments. I also appreciated that the class is not high-pressure. I could take my best shot at the assignments without worrying if I didn’t get it all right, knowing that the feedback I received would provide additional learning.
Esther Aardsma –
This class is a good option for someone wondering what it takes to get started. It doesn’t get too in-depth with *how* to edit, but it gives a broad overview of how to launch your editing business, what challenges you might face, and decisions you will need to make. Lora was very responsive as an instructor.
LLBodder77 –
This course covers starting a freelance editing business, the different reference manuals used in the editing world, assessment of personal skills, and encouragement and constructive feedback from both the instructor (Thanks, Lora!) and other classmates. If you’re just starting out your business or need a refresher, this course is for you!