By Grace Edwards, Tom Hankin, Misha Manani and Lydia Marshall
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) provides training courses that help with improving English language editing. Members get access to benefits such as forums and an archive of the institute's experience. Most of their courses are delivered via e-learning so learners can study at their own pace. Virtual learning courses allow learners to study collaboratively and experience live sessions with tutors. You can expand your knowledge and network and stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs within publishing. We’ll be sharing valuable tips and information on opportunities and recommended courses.
Opportunities and Services
● Training and Development Courses: CIEP offers a wide variety of virtual and in-person courses on topics such as grammar, editing and proofreading designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. Some workshops and webinars cover more specific topics, including working with self-published authors, business writing and academic editing.
● Certification: Progressing through CIEP’s different levels of membership (Entry-Level, Intermediate, Professional, and Advanced Professional) can enhance your credibility when it comes to proofreading and editing skills. The institute’s accreditation process helps showcase these professional skills developed through the courses and experience to potential clients.
● Job Opportunities: Accredited members can list their varied services in the CIEP’s directory, which is accessible to potential clients. There is also a job board that posts freelance and full-time opportunities in editing, proofreading and related fields. There is also the possibility that CIEP can directly refer work to its members depending on the client’s needs and the member’s qualifications.
● Mentorship and Support: CIEP offers a mentorship programme where experienced members guide and advise newer members through the nuances of a profession in editing and proofreading. The mentorship is typically aimed at helping participants develop their skills, gain confidence and build their professional network. You get paired one-on-one with an experienced professional with regular meetings to receive personalised guidance to meet your individual goals.
Recommended Courses
● Core Proofreading Courses: A superb introduction to the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful proofreader. Designed by experienced industry practitioners, this is the perfect jumping-off point for complete beginners and a valuable development tool for those already within the industry.
● Core Copyediting Courses: Pairing well with the previous course, this is designed to guide you through the steps and processes required to work as an in-house or freelance copyeditor in the publishing industry. For proofreaders looking to expand their skill set, this is the perfect way to enhance their skills portfolio.
● Editorial Skills Course: Editing skills and requirements can vary wildly between genres. The editing style required for say, a young adult romance will be very different to the style of a medical journal, and both will be dramatically different to editing a blog. This offers training in a wide variety of specialist editorial areas, such as fiction editing, digital content, medical and health editing and proofreading dissertations.
● Curriculum for Professional Development: A structured and detailed outline of the skills and knowledge that both editors and proofreaders will use in their careers. It is divided into three domains: working as a professional, editorial knowledge and practice and specialist skills. This has been created by practising editors and is continually updated with additional improvements and learning units.
Top Tips
● Explore the Knowledge Hub: There are glossaries, guides and toolkits to upskill your editorial journey. Read through some free content via the top tips and glossaries section. CIEP members have access to the guides; otherwise, you can purchase them individually. Examples include project management, developmental editing and punctuation. You can also go through the blog articles.
● Check out the events calendar: These are great places to network and learn. The CIEP has a cohesive community, with online webinars and in-person mixers such as its annual conference. It also highlights any virtual training courses here. The local groups are a good option for those who live in different parts of the UK. You are all welcome!
● Search for professionals: You can find proofreaders and editors with various experience, skills, and knowledge who can align with your requirements, whether it be a proofreader checking a crime fiction novel or an editor with expertise in smart thinking books.
● Become a member: You can join as an individual or a business, e.g. whether you are a publishing company looking to support your staff members. Look at the benefits, fees and the different packages. You can also receive discounts on journals, books and courses.
Thank you for reading this issue! Join us in the next one, where we will cover Upskilling Tips with the Publishers Association.
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