Sub-editing

The sub-editor is the writer's safety net. This hugely demanding role ranges from checking the clarity, accuracy and consistency of everything that goes out to an audience to crafting the headlines that sell newspapers and magazines. This e-learning course dissects the role of the sub-editor – from catching misplaced commas to cutting copy to fit. It provides a step-by-step approach to what must be tackled in a document. You will learn how a sub-editor analyses news and features stories to see where they can be improved and turns an awkward opening paragraph into a guaranteed attention grabber. We also demystify the art of writing headlines and standfirsts that grab the reader.

Suitable for:

Anyone who is asked to check other people's copy, whether for editorial, professional, academic or personal use. Particularly useful for those who are taking on the role of sub-editor for a brand, whether print or digital. Ideal companion to our Top 20 grammar mistakes and how to fix them and Proofreading e-learning courses.

You will learn:

What a sub-editor should do
How to spot common mistakes
How to take a systematic approach to a document
The difference between subbing news and features
What makes a good intro for a news or feature article?
Why order is important
How to improve structure
Different approaches to headlines
What makes a good standfirst
How to improve captions

...and much more.

Looking for an in-company course?

Ask your tutor

The beauty of e-learning is that you can do it at a time and place to suit you. But you won't be alone!

Your trainer will talk you through the key points to improve your skills and knowledge, and at any time during your e-learning course, you can email your course tutor with any queries or comments.

	Course content includes
	What sub-editing is
	Editing material for publication
	Quality control - checking for accuracy, consistency and clarity of message
	Creativity - drawing attention to news and features by writing powerful headlines, standfirsts and captions
	Production - making sure copy fits and that deadlines are met
	The role of the sub
	Checking facts
	Checking spelling and grammar
	Checking for mistakes
	Checking that copy is interesting, readable and relevant to the reader
	Checking queries with writers
	Checking for libel and copyright and other legal issues
	Checking house style
	Writing headlines, standfirsts and captions
	Reading proofs at layout stage
	Signing off pages and sending them to the printer
	Doing simple page layouts
	Writing copy for the contents page
	Making changes in QuarkXpress or InDesign
	Cutting copy to fit
	The skills and knowledge a sub needs
	Where the sub fits in the production process
	The importance of the reader
	Distinguishing between news and features
	Deciding what kind of copy you're dealing with
	Subbing them differently
	Subbing basics
	What always needs to be checked
	Consistency of information


	Language
	Is the language right for your readership?
	How news stories are structured
	The elements that make a good introduction
	The inverse news pyramid
	News language
	A checklist for subbing news
	A step-by-step approach to subbing a feature
	Comparing it to the brief
	Making a mini assessment
	Checking the structure
	Checking the intro
	Checking the conclusion
	How subbing online is different to subbing for print
	Online readers and how they differ
	Rewriting copy online including key words and helping the search engines
	Building and fostering sound relationships with good, valuable writers
	The elements of strong headlines and what they must do
	Styles of headlines for news, features and online copy
	Techniques for writing strong headlines
	The role of the standfirst or "sell" and what it does
	How standfirsts are used and how to write good ones
	Your complete Subbing System

	Exercises and quizzes
	To check your understanding of the theory, during this e-learning course you will be quizzed on all aspects of sub-editing.
	Top tips and checklists
	Handy tips and checklists at key stages of the course. These cover vital topics including: thinking like the reader and always having them in your mind's eye; checking every detail; ensuring continuity when making changes; the inverse news pyramid and where to make cuts; looking for anecdotes/quotes for a conclusion; headlines and standfirst devices; adding some context or detail to the caption.
	Feedback from the trainer
	Our expert trainers are here to provide you with invaluable one-to-one feedback on your progress. Email your subbed copy and the trainer will supply you with individual guidance, comments and practical suggestions. Then, once you've improved your work, the trainer will appraise your revised content and provide a second set of constructive comments. This unique feedback really brings your e-learning to life and makes sure you have truly grasped - and applied - all of the key principles.

Timing: You can dip in and out of this e-learning course as often as you like. It should take you approximately 2-2.5 hours in total to complete. You can work at your own pace and go back at any time, to any part of the course.

If you have any queries, we’d be delighted to help, just email us.

Please note that this course is intended for speakers of English.

Price

Sub-editing is £99 + VAT per user * which gives you full unlimited access to the course for one month.

If you want to add personal one-to-one trainer feedback to the course, the price is £150 + VAT.

If you feel you need feedback at a later stage, you can request it then.

* Discounted rates for multiple users are available. The discount applies to this course or a mix of e-learning courses.

Interested?

You can:

Buy this e-learning course now

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Meet the trainer, Karen May

Email us to buy this e-learning course or discuss bringing it into your company for multiple e-learning users

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Certificate

If you would like to receive a Certificate when you have completed your e-learning course, please just let us know and we will arrange for one to be sent to you.