So, proofreading classes: are they really necessary? If by ‘proofreading classes’ you mean actually attending an educational establishment (college, night school etc), then I would honestly say you’re wasting your time, not to mention your money. And proofreading classes can be exorbitantly expensive, can’t they?
Don’t get me wrong, there are people who lack self-motivation or confidence who really do need to be guided through a traditional educational programme. And that’s fine. But if you’re not one of those people and you’re rather fond of saving money instead of flittering it away unnecessarily, then you can dispense with proofreading classes entirely and march with assurance down the self-learning route. The rewards are the same as you would obtain from the more traditional proofreading classes, plus you can keep your money in your pocket or spend it on something altogether more worthwhile.
As for the proofreading qualifications many of these courses promise, well I’m afraid they really aren’t worth the paper upon which they are printed. Find out my views on proofreading qualifications here.
Learning to proofread isn’t like learning a foreign language or getting to grips with an entirely new science. Essentially, learning to proofread is about augmenting innate abilities with a robust proofreading methodology.
If you already consider yourself to be patient with a good eye for detail and you have a solid appreciation of grammar and spelling, then you already have what it takes to be a proofreader. There are various proofreading methodologies. Most just go for the ‘read it slowly, then read it backwards’ approach. The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course (an easy-to-digest downloadable eBook) offers something a little more comprehensive, yet simple to learn and follow.
Once you have your methodology, you just need to practice.
You’ll find lots of free proofreading exercises here, and some great ideas for where you can get your hands on free (not to mention resume-boosting) proofreading practice here.
No proofreading classes required, just a little focus, a little effort and The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course: 25 years of proofreading expertise crammed into a single downloadable eBook for just $43.99, a fraction of the cost of traditional proofreading classes.
Find out what’s in the eBook here.
Best of luck with all your proofreading endeavours.
Don’t get me wrong, there are people who lack self-motivation or confidence who really do need to be guided through a traditional educational programme. And that’s fine. But if you’re not one of those people and you’re rather fond of saving money instead of flittering it away unnecessarily, then you can dispense with proofreading classes entirely and march with assurance down the self-learning route. The rewards are the same as you would obtain from the more traditional proofreading classes, plus you can keep your money in your pocket or spend it on something altogether more worthwhile.
As for the proofreading qualifications many of these courses promise, well I’m afraid they really aren’t worth the paper upon which they are printed. Find out my views on proofreading qualifications here.
Learning to proofread isn’t like learning a foreign language or getting to grips with an entirely new science. Essentially, learning to proofread is about augmenting innate abilities with a robust proofreading methodology.
If you already consider yourself to be patient with a good eye for detail and you have a solid appreciation of grammar and spelling, then you already have what it takes to be a proofreader. There are various proofreading methodologies. Most just go for the ‘read it slowly, then read it backwards’ approach. The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course (an easy-to-digest downloadable eBook) offers something a little more comprehensive, yet simple to learn and follow.
Once you have your methodology, you just need to practice.
You’ll find lots of free proofreading exercises here, and some great ideas for where you can get your hands on free (not to mention resume-boosting) proofreading practice here.
No proofreading classes required, just a little focus, a little effort and The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course: 25 years of proofreading expertise crammed into a single downloadable eBook for just $43.99, a fraction of the cost of traditional proofreading classes.
Find out what’s in the eBook here.
Best of luck with all your proofreading endeavours.