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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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