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.
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Expert trainers Experienced industry expert
- Class size Up to 8 in London, or up to 6 live online
- Support 28 days of helpdesk support
- Cancellation 7 day cancellation
- Certificate Certificate of attendance
- Volume discounts Save with Learning Pots
Sub-Editing Intro Course
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.
Private & team training
Get a quote for Sub-Editing Intro
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Course outline
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
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
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
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
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.
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…
Piers is an exceptional trainer – the course was neatly divided up into sections that were easy to follow and included practical, hands-on…
Excellent personalised course, knowledgeable trainer, good mix of lecture style instruction and practical exercises
The trainer was excellent and very knowledgeable.
I thought the duration was perfect, and the amount of breaks were in the right rhythm. Overall, super fun and engaging!
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…
Clear and concise structure for an online course
Useful and easy-to-understand slides (I particularly appreciated that I was sent them afterwards), interactive format and a friendly, highl…
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Read course reviewsWho attends?
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
You're moving into a new field and need the practical skills it asks for.
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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