A good copyedit is more than just a spell-check. It’s sensitive to author voice and intent and makes the text more accessible for the reader. Copyediting requires a mindset of thoughtful attentiveness, staying on the alert for errors while balancing the author’s goals and the reader's needs.

In this two-day class, you’ll learn the basics of good copyediting and implement those basics over a number of sample texts. We’ll start with becoming familiar with The Chicago Manual of Style and the Merriam-Webster dictionary, then move on to the different things copyeditors should be looking for when approaching a text. Over three hours of class time each day, you’ll get hands-on experience with live copy, guided directly by the instructor, and participate in group discussions on how to approach copyedits with sensitivity and earn the client’s trust.

This class is designed for those looking to start copyediting professionally, as well as editors of all levels who want to better understand feedback they receive from copyeditors. You’ll come away with a heightened understanding of how to tackle any manuscript with confidence and care.

Jordan Koluch (she/her) is a print production professional with a decade of experience in the book publishing industry, most recently as the copy chief at Catapult, Counterpoint, and Soft Skull Press. She has copyedited and proofread for ABRAMS, HarperCollins, Milkweed Editions, Simon & Schuster, and a number of other publishers, big and small.