Who will benefit from this course?

• Anyone wishing to set up as a freelance proofreader

• New editorial staff

• Anyone who proofreads as part of their job, but who has had no formal training

What qualifications do I need?

No specific qualifications are required. However you will need:

• an eye for detail

• the ability to concentrate

• a good command of English grammar, spelling and punctuation

• good general knowledge and an enquiring mind.

Is the course certificate a recognised qualification in proofreading?

Since the demise of the publishing NVQs, there is no generally accepted formal qualification or nationally recognised diploma in proofreading. However, if you complete this course successfully you will be awarded a graded certificate that will be widely recognised throughout the publishing world. As the industry and government approved training body for the book and journal publishing sector, our reputation is second to none.

Will I find work as a proofreader if I complete this course?

A proofreading course cannot guarantee immediate freelance or in-house work. However, on successful completion of the course we are confident that publishers will view your applications for work more seriously. It can take time to become established, however, and our experience shows that you will need 6 to 9 months' work experience in proofreading.

Read a case study about how two of our former students got started.

How long will it take me to complete the course?

You will need to spend at least 35 hours of intensive study time to complete Basic Proofreading. The estimated time including post, administration and marking is 6 months. Many students choose to take longer, but if you don't complete the course within 12 months of enrolment you'll need to pay a further registration fee of £20.

Which distance learning course should I do first?

Without any previous publishing experience, start with Basic Proofreading. Once you have successfully completed that, and have gained professional work experience as a proofreader, you will be ready to go on to Copy-Editing. Although proofreading is covered in the editing course, it does not give you the intensive practice that you need when you are starting out.

If you are already working in publishing or have had proofreading experience (either as a freelance or in-house), and you now want to broaden or refresh your skills Copy-Editing is the course for you. Or you may have valuable specialist subject knowledge that you want to exploit as an editor (e.g. medical or legal); if so, you can choose to go directly to Copy-Editing for the broader grounding in publishing skills.

Can I enrol if I live outside the UK?

Yes. We have had students from all over the world. The skills you will gain from the course can be applied in any English speaking country. However, if you will be working on American English text this course is not recommended. If you're based overseas there is an extra £20 charge to cover additional postage.

When can I enrol?

You can enrol at any time of year.

Is the course only for freelances?

No. If you already work in publishing, the courses supplement and consolidate in-company training or work experience. Companies who have registered their staff include: AA Publishing, BMJ Books, Blackwell Publishers, Blackstaff Press, Cambridge University Press, Churchill Livingstone, Haynes Publishing, Heinemann Educational Books, Larousse, Macmillan Publishers Ltd, Royal Society of Medicine, Scholastic Ltd, Times Mirror International.

How will I know if freelance proofreading is for me?

If you are planning on a career as a freelance, the Society for Editors and Proofreaders runs a one-day introductory course in proofreading, designed to give people a taste of the industry and to let them know what to expect.

Do I need a computer?

A computer is not necessary, as all the course materials you need are paper based. However, if you have Internet access you will be able to take full advantage of the additional online training and support we now offer. You can access the pre-course material now, free of charge, but as a student on Basic Proofreading you will be entitled to much more. Follow this link to Online Training for full details. It is still perfectly possible to complete the course without accessing the online material - when the online element was added, nothing was taken away from the paper based course.

What do the different grades mean?

Pass - you have an aptitude for proofreading but need further practice before applying for paid work.

Merit - you show an aptitude for proofreading and could apply for paid work.

Distinction - you have reached a high standard and should feel confident about applying for paid work.

What is the pass mark?

Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning is a vocational course and as such we have set a relatively high pass mark of 65%. This mark reflects the high expectations publishers have of their staff and freelances.