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Accolades |
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Here's what
some current and previous students are saying about the
courses offered through EditorialCourses.com. These comments are unsolicited
accolades posted on the course discussion board. |
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"I’d
never taken an Internet course before so I wasn’t sure what to
expect. To be honest, I was a little skeptical of the course’s
legitimacy. It’s the Internet, after all, and you never know what
you’ll find. But I was pleasantly surprised to find a
well-organized and authoritative course on proofreading. And I’d
say, money well spent.
"Most of the exercises, I found very helpful. Especially those
that made me use the information we’d been given in the
lesson. If I were to mention what I found least useful, I think
it would be the DQs that asked me to write about my feelings at
various points. I understand how these kinds of questions are
helpful to the course developers and maybe to other students, but
they were the ones I liked least.
"As to what surprised me the most about proofreading. The scope,
I think. For whatever reason, it never occurred to me that a
proofreader would be checking things like pagination, caption
placement, alignment, and the like. It makes sense, but as a
reader, those are things I really never gave much thought to.
"So overall, this course has been a positive experience for me and
I’d recommend it to anyone who was looking to learn about
proofreading."
Christina R.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Tucson, Arizona |
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"This course has been invaluable to me. When I first thought about
proofreading I underestimated exactly what it takes to make a book
such a joy to read. It is amazing to me what goes on behind the
scenes to create a book someone will buy and read. The course has
been quite fascinating for the most part. Thank you very much,
Michelle, for all your tips and encouragement."
Kim J.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Syracuse, New York |
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"This course has been a wonderful experience for me. When I first
contemplated pursuing proofreading employment opportunities, I was
well aware that good grammar and spelling skills would probably
not be enough. I knew that I should get some specific training
first, and I am so glad that I decided on this course.
"My perspective on proofreading has changed dramatically, well
beyond my expectations. I was very nervous when I first opened my
copy of Chicago, and astonished by the depth of detail involved.
However, I cannot believe how much I have learned. I was not
surprised that proofreaders check grammar, spelling, and
consistency in formatting. I was, however, very surprised that
proofreaders also check the table of contents, indexes,
bibliographies/references, footnotes, and running heads for style
and consistency, just to mention a few.
"The most valuable thing I learned is a good working knowledge of
Chicago. Also, because the course was so wisely laid out, I now
have a familiarity of the pertinent things that I can look up in
Chicago.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and I would recommend it highly
to anyone interested in proofreading. I would also like to take
this opportunity to thank Michelle for the wonderful layout of
this course. It was very easy to follow, and a fabulous learning
tool. Also, thank you to Joshua as I did not have one single
technical problem throughout."
Janice S.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada |
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"I was drawn to the course because this sort of thing is second
nature to me. I continually notice errors in usage and style in
everything I read or hear, and now I'm learning that I didn't know
the half of it! I've long felt that I could do a better job than
many copy editors and proofreaders out there, and I'm very happy
to be working toward the credentials necessary to try.
"I enjoy the collegial feel of the course, and I appreciate the
supervision of our facilitator and administrator. And the course
software is excellent, smoothly presenting the material without
calling attention to itself."
Joseph B.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Canton, Ohio |
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"The Chicago Manual of Style offers a wealth of information. I
must say, after taking this course, I am definitely a bit more
humbled about my grammar usage. Not only have my skills as a
proofreader improved, but so have my writing skills."
Femi L.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Bronx, New York |
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"I would say that this course has brought me a wonderful array of
emotions and observations. I am excited that I am learning
completely new ways of looking at grammar and the written word. I
now see how it relates to society as a whole. I have realized the
reason why we need proofreaders and editors; If we did not have
them, there would be an awful lot of confused readers out there!
"I find that one of the wonderful "side effects" of this course is
that I am paying more attention to my own writing and punctuation,
while performing some corrections (wanted or unwanted) of other
people's speech and typing.
"I am glad I have embarked on this journey and I am excited to
learn more!"
Lisa B.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Jersey City, New Jersey |
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"I am really loving this course. It can be overwhelming when we
are reading the chapters in Chicago, but I feel as if I
am learning so much that I just want to keep reading more. I know
that I am not remembering half of everything we have read, but
some of the stuff has definitely stuck with a first read. I am
excited about just going forward right now. I haven't started my
"Proofreading Binder" yet, but I bought a new binder. I am going
to go back through the chapters in Chicago, and make
notes on all the rules that I may have been doing wrong or the
ones I never heard of before. I will also start using the sticky
notes. I have only used a couple so far, but I want to create a
more detailed system. I feel as if I am getting a really solid
grounding in all the Chicago rules, and even if I don't
remember all of them...I will know how to find them. This
resonates with me because--as a librarian--that's my motto. I
don't know all the answers, but I know how to find them. I am
finding the postings by other students to be interesting and fun.
I love the quizzes; I wish there were more questions in each quiz.
It's great to know that we are about halfway through the course,
because that means I am closer to finding work as a professional
proofreader. On the other hand, I think when it's over I will miss
doing the course.
"Thanks to Michelle and to all my 'classmates.'"
Linda C.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Guilford, Vermont |
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"One of the wisest career investments I’ve ever made! I began the
Essential Skills for Proofreaders course not as a total novice
with Chicago, but I was definitely wondering if I would ever be
able to cut the mustard in the “real” world of proofreading. Time
will soon tell the answer to that question, but the lessons in
this course have been awesome at instilling knowledge, hands-on
application of the material, and confidence. Thank you, Michelle,
for making it available.
"From a practical viewpoint, the grammar, punctuation, and
documentation sections provided a much-needed review and
education; learning the official proofreading symbols was very
helpful; and the explanation of the difference between copyediting
and proofreading really clarified a lot of things. And yet, even
above all those, I feel that the most valuable of all were the
tricks of the trade gleaned from Michelle’s professional wisdom
and insight, not the least of which were the examples of style
sheets and the idea of a searchable proofreading notebook.
"Thank you to everyone—Michelle, Joshua, and my fellow students in
the discussion postings—for making it so enjoyable to interact
with you and be a part of this class. I feel that taking this
course has been one of the wisest career investments I’ve ever
made!"
Trish C.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Bedford, Virginia |
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"I have been delighted to take this course. The challenge has been
good for me. My perspective on proofreading is one of great
admiration for those who are already pursuing this career. I have
taken a few days off to review certain areas of Chicago before I
attempt any employment in the field; however, with this manual at
hand, it seems clear that the bumps and bruises going forward
won't be quite as fierce as I'd first imagined!
"It's impossible to list everything learned during this course.
Besides the obvious "facts," one thing in particular stands out
for me: I now know basically where to look for answers in Chicago.
"I've had a blast!
"Michelle -- thank you again for your assistance."
Margaret H.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Garland, Texas |
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"I have enjoyed this course tremendously and I have learned a lot.
I have found that punctuation and bibliography to be the most
tedious. I had a little knowledge of the punctuation but not to
this extent. There hasn't been anything in this course that really
surprised me as I didn't have anything to base a comparison. When
I passed the quizzes, that was most rewarding for me as I get
concerned wondering if I know enough. One of my concerns is am I
good enough and do I know enough. There are so many rules to
remember and to keep track of. I do want to succeed as a
proofreader. I believe that I would enjoy proofreading as a
career."
Janet Z.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Pensacola, Florida |
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"The
course itself has been extremely informative. I absolutely love
the tone in which the lessons are written. It makes me feel more
like a person is speaking to me. A little crazy, I know, but I
think that having a human tone to the lessons has made them more
interesting and less mind numbing. I think that the order of the
lessons is very well thought out, and I loved the break from all
of the grammar and punctuation information. And then there is the
discussion board. Brilliant! Whenever I have been stuck on a
concept, I undoubtedly found a helpful answer on the board.
"Overall, the course has been wonderful. I am delighted that I
finally got myself in gear and finally took it. While I am still
feeling shaky in my new-found knowledge, I know that with time it
will all become second nature---with the exception of that blasted
dash issue---and I will look back at this time and shake my head
at what a silly person I was to be so scared. Until that time, I
will be reading and re-reading the manual, as well as my course
sheets."
Barbara P.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Phoenix, Arizona |
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"I have to be honest and say I was extremely overwhelmed when I
first started the course. I never imagined that proofreading was
as detailed and involved as it is. When I first had to read the
"long" grammar chapter, I wondered what I got myself into. I have
since paced myself and find that highlighting the important
information in Chicago-things I will probably come across
frequently-helps a lot. The sensible side of me realizes that
every single rule we are learning is not going to show up in every
single thing we proofread. I am still amazed at the amount of
information we are learning-things I never knew existed. I think a
lot of the rules go a little overboard, but rules are rules, and
sooner or later I am sure they will come naturally to me. I am
finding that now when I read a magazine, newspaper, etc., I am
taking note of the punctuation styles, grammar, etc., as giving me
further insight into the proofreading skills which I am
learning. I guess that will always be an occupational hazard! All
in all, I really am enjoying the course and am very pleased with
the way it is being taught. It is very well-organized and I get
comfort knowing that the other students feel the same way I do
when I am having trouble. I almost had an anxiety attack when I
first opened Chicago and now, through this course, I am very
comfortable with it. I wouldn't pick it as my favorite reading
material, but I know it will someday become my bible. I have to
admit, though, I am extremely nervous about taking the final exam.
I am going to read through Chicago and all my notes thoroughly,
over and over, before even attempting to take it. I still question
everything I write, but I know in time I will get more
confident. I couldn't even imagine going into the field of
proofreading without taking this course. It is excellent and I
would highly recommend it."
Margie T.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Spring Hill, Florida |
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"I
have had an enjoyable time working through this course. This has
been worth every minute working through the different exercises.
This training will improve my ability to get more work with my
current contracting job in the pharmaceutical industry. I look
forward to having the ability to work with actual publishing
companies on non-technical works."
Eric G.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Austin, Texas |
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"I
enjoyed the course and I'm looking forward to getting some real
practice. The most helpful information for me came at the end in
Lesson 14. It's good to see that no one is perfect and we
shouldn't beat ourselves up if we've tried our hardest. Also,
knowing that it's OK to look for errors in everything you read is
reassuring to me. Sometimes it takes the pleasure out of reading
for fun, but now I know it can be helpful for being a proofreader.
"Thanks so much."
Kristin S.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Carrolton, Texas |
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"Since starting this course, my eyes have been opened quite a
bit. The world of professional proofing is quite a bit different
from what I had originally envisioned, but one that I think I will
enjoy. I hadn't really imagined all the things that a proofreader
or copyeditor or anyone in the printing publishing business has to
look at. I have really learned a lot, more than I expected, and I
am ready to give it a try. The most valuable part of all this was
being hand led by people who know what they're doing. The course
was interesting, informative, and laced with useful advice from
experienced professionals. It was well worth the time and effort
and fun in some parts! Thanks a million for a great course."
Clair W.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Saginaw, Michigan |
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"When I started this online course, I wasn't quite sure what to
think. All I knew was it was going to be good for me to have a
refresher in grammar and style. Some how bits and pieces escaped
my memory. I really enjoyed the course and I'm excited and a
little nervous to get my first proofreading job. I shouldn't sweat
it though, I have Chicago by my side. (not literally)
"The
course, I thought, was very informative and well worth the time
and money!!
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for putting out such a course!!!
"Thanks again!"
Kristy B.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Sarasota, Florida |
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"Yes, eye-opening is the word. I was a little put off that my
future employer wanted me to start with proofreading instead of my
desired profession of copyediting as I am generally a 'big
picture' kind of person. However I found out, not only that I can
be quite detailed when it comes to writing, but that a grammar and
spell checker just isn't adequate, therefore proofreaders are very
necessary. It's apparent that starting with proofreading will lay
a very important foundation for copyediting and will create a lot
of happy proofreaders once I become a copyeditor.
"Of course fun
is a very relative word. Fun
for me is a round table with my favorite people sharing a meal of
my linguini and clam sauce along with some good belly laughs while
foot-tapping music plays in the background. Did this course
compare with that? Kind of and kind of not. (Stylistically I can
do that, right?) The DQs were a sort-of round table of friends (by
virtue of shared interest), some sections of
Chicago looked and felt like a plate of linguini and clam
sauce (although they didn't go down as easily), I definitely got
some good belly laughs (no further explanation required), and I
regularly did some foot tapping (although the motivation was a bit
different!).
"Thank you, Michelle, for your sensible, personal, and
lighthearted approach to the course material. It was a pleasure!"
Jodyne N.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
San Diego, California |
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"I
am thrilled to have had the opportunity to take this course. I've
appreciated the feedback I've received from colleagues along the
way, and I want to thank Michelle for her hard work.
"My confidence has grown since the first lesson, and I am grateful
to have had a place where I could make mistakes and learn from
them without getting abused (not that I'm often in situations
where I'm abused, but it felt good nonetheless). I had fun with
the course and learned the basics of proofreading that will help
me as I embark on my new career."
Julie V.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Westchester, Ohio |
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"This is the first online course I have ever taken and I didn't
quite know what to expect. I was a little apprehensive until I
started my first few lessons and realized how comprehensive this
course really was! I have worked hard and learned much—much more
than I had anticipated. I have gained an amazing amount of respect
for proofreaders everywhere and look forward to joining their
esteemed ranks.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank Michelle for her
wonderful guidance as well as the "behind the scenes" staff here
at EditorialCourses.com. And, then, of course, there are my fellow
students who have shared their own thoughts and feelings so
openly. I have really enjoyed the sense of camaraderie I have felt
in this forum. How encouraging to find my own feelings mirrored in
so many other posts! Take care and good luck!"
Rae-Ann G.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Coral Gables, Florida |
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"I actually accidentally found myself here. As an avid reader, and
a very detail-oriented person, it would just drive me crazy when
reading a book, or a magazine, or a newspaper, or a business sign,
or just about anything that had words written intended for others
to read, to find simple errors. (I'm sure that is a total run-on
sentence). I would be like "why didn't someone catch this?" I
almost always have to draw a circle around "the the" or a
misspelled word when I come across it. I don't profess to be an
expert, but I seem to have an eye for this, or just "know" when
something doesn't sound or look right.
"I found this course and just had to sign up. It has opened my
eyes to the fact that there is more to proofreading than I
thought. At first it seemed totally overwhelming (Chicago), but I
realize there is no way to know everything in that book, and that
is why it is what it is - a tool, a reference point. I have
enjoyed the review of "things I forgot I knew" and have learned
many new things along the way. I have often joked that I could be
a professional student, because I love to learn."
Cinda V.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Shelbyville, Illinois |
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"I
am not feeling as overwhelmed as I thought I would be. I've
thought about a career in proofreading and editing for a while,
but wasn't sure where to start. Having a vague suspicion that it
involved a bit more than circling misspelled words, I started
doing some investigating. I picked up some books and textbooks and
started slogging my way through them, but became discouraged as
each chapter brought rules upon rules. How was I ever to remember
all this stuff?
"I decided to give it another whirl when I found this online
course. To my relief, the road has been much easier to follow this
time around. I love becoming more intimately acquainted with
Chicago. It has become one of my favorite books. I'm boring people
silly with my conversation on punctuation and grammar. Dare I even
admit that sometimes I see abbreviations, semicolons and lists of
prepositions in my dreams? Although that's a little scary, overall
it's probably a good sign. I think it shows that I'm excited about
this new path and the possibilities before me. Thanks, Michelle!"
Jen G.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Rossville, California |
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"Wow! I can't believe this course is over. I feel that I have
learned so much and have much more respect for proofreaders. I am
looking forward to being included in the proofreaders world. I
have learned so much in this course that I feel my head might
explode. Thank goodness for Chicago. I felt the class work and
discussion questions were the most valuable to my learning
experience. I have enjoyed this class and working with each and
every one of you. Hopefully, we will all meet again."
Betty W.
Essential Skills for Proofreaders Student
Rochester Hills, Michigan |
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