Sub-Editing

Learn the core skills required to edit news stories, features, blogs and more to professional journalistic standards.

The two-day course will train you in the fundamental techniques of editing raw copy text, or even your own writing, into attention-grabbing and highly readable stories, as demanded by content publishers worldwide. It is aimed at a broad range of participants, from self-starter bloggers to experienced journalists who require formalised refresher training.

You will learn how to approach written copy critically and reshape it into compelling editorial content that people will want to read. Focusing on practical exercises and using real-world examples, the course also focuses on the different sub-editing approaches required for various types of material, and explains the distinctive subbing methods demanded by print and online media.

Requirements: Participants will need to bring their own laptop or tablet computer, with word processing software such as Word or Pages, to each class and have Internet access throughout the course to help with homework assignments, downloading copies of course material, and tutor support between classes.

 "Thank you for all of your kindness and help from the whole team. Kate was brilliant. It was also so lovely to be in a room full of women who supported you and agreed with you."

- Karolina Cialkaite, Assistant Editor, Architectural Association

Course Content

Getting Started

• What is sub-editing?
• Editorial copy workflows
• Tips for checking your own writing
• Fundamentals of English grammar

Style and Consistency

• Tips on punctuation and spelling
• Aspects of writing style
• Using a style guide

News and Features

• How to write and edit news stories
• Sub-editing feature copy
• Writing good headlines, intros, captions and more

Media Law for Subs

• Defamation and libel
• Copyright and intellectual property
• Social media and reader engagement

Sub-editing for print

• Understanding how people read
• Fitting copy to a fixed space
• Fundamentals of typography
• Essential correction marks

Assessment and Certificate:

Delegates will tackle hands-on exercises at the end of each section to cement their learning, and personal achievement will be assessed throughout the course. 

Certificates will be issued upon completion of the course.

Please contact us on 0207 221 3399 for details, or complete the enquiry form.

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