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Sub-Editing Intro Course

Develop the skills to check, improve and publish copy to a professional standard.

A two-day introduction to sub-editing covering checking processes, cutting, headlines and legal risk.

Develop the skills to check, improve and publish copy to a professional standard. A two-day introduction to sub-editing covering checking processes, cutting, headlines and legal risk.

229 Reviews
9.7/10 Satisfaction
99.6% Recommend
See reviews
Sub-Editing Intro training course

Sub-Editing Intro Course

All Sub-Editing courses

Develop the skills to check, improve and publish copy to a professional standard on this two-day introduction to sub-editing.

You'll learn how sub-editing differs from proofreading, how to build an effective checking process for different copy types, how to apply the inverted pyramid and write to space, how to cut and restructure copy without losing the writer's voice, how to write accurate and compelling headlines, standfirsts and captions, how to identify legal and factual risks in copy, and how to collaborate constructively with writers.

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Private & team training

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Course outline

1

Understanding the Sub-Editor’s Role

Brief introduction to the role of the sub-editor in your organisation

How sub-editing differs from proofreading

Building a process based on appropriate essential checks for the type of copy

2

The Inverted Pyramid and 5Ws

How to use structure as the foundation for efficient sub-editing

Demonstration of the inverted pyramid for news and online content

Introduction to the 5Ws – a formula to ensure key information is included

3

Alternative Structures and Common Copy Problems

Demonstration of a variety of writing structures: diamond, hexagon, egg, egg timer, multi-pyramid

Identifying and correcting common structural issues

Practical exercise focusing on improving intros and conclusions

4

Collaborating with Writers

Working effectively with writers on opinion and first-person pieces

Respecting individual writing style and voice

Knowing when and how to edit direct quotes and paraphrased content

5

Crafting Effective Headlines

Writing headlines that inform, promise, and engage

Using SEO to enhance headline effectiveness

Balancing creativity with clarity and avoiding clickbait

Writing supporting display copy: blurbs, call-outs, captions

Final practical exercise

Who is this course for?

For editors, content managers, journalists and publishing professionals who want to develop professional sub-editing skills. No prior sub-editing experience required.

229 Reviews
9.7/10 Satisfaction
99.6% Recommend

The course was well-structured, with a good mix of theory and practice. Piers took the time to adapt his examples so they were relevant to…

Tanwen – 5 November 2026

Piers is an exceptional trainer – the course was neatly divided up into sections that were easy to follow and included practical, hands-on…

Amelia – 30 April 2026

Excellent personalised course, knowledgeable trainer, good mix of lecture style instruction and practical exercises

Oz – 12 January 2026

The trainer was excellent and very knowledgeable.

Laura – 5 February 2025

I thought the duration was perfect, and the amount of breaks were in the right rhythm. Overall, super fun and engaging!

Tom – 24 September 2024

I loved working with examples from our own site, and Patsy was just so personable and fun to work with, I really looked forward to spending…

Hattie – 24 September 2024

Clear and concise structure for an online course

Bella – 24 September 2024

Useful and easy-to-understand slides (I particularly appreciated that I was sent them afterwards), interactive format and a friendly, highl…

Laura – 16 September 2024

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Who attends?

Getting better at your job icon

Getting better at your job

You need a skill for the role you already have, or your employer is investing in the team.

Changing career icon

Changing career

You're moving into a new field and need the practical skills it asks for.

Just graduated icon

Just graduated

You know the theory. A practical course and a certificate of attendance show employers you can do the work.

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