English 408: Professional Editing (WI)
Course Overview
English 408 prepares students to work as professional editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders in today’s evolving publishing landscape. Through hands-on practice, students learn to distinguish between writing well and editing well—developing the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues in real-world manuscripts across genres.
Course Goals
- Prepare students for professional editorial roles in contemporary publishing
- Strengthen the ability to diagnose and revise complex writing issues at all levels
- Deliver a rigorous Writing Intensive (WI) experience grounded in real editorial practice
- Contemplate the potential of judicious AI usage to help authors develop drafts ethically while preserving originality and voice supporting insight, not replacement
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)
By the end of the course, students will be confident in the following abilities:
- Analyzing manuscripts and apply effective, solution-oriented editing strategies
- Conducting research and applying editorial standards to enhance clarity, consistency, and correctness
- Engaging with real-world texts—from creative to technical—to develop flexible, audience-aware editing skills
- Demonstrating confidence and professional judgment as emerging editors
Course Structure
This 16-week course follows The Copyeditor’s Handbook, with weekly chapters paired with exercises from The Copyeditor’s Workbook.
Classes emphasize active learning through the following:
- In-class editing workshops and “Sentence Corrections”
- Real-world manuscript practice (fiction, academic, technical, and professional writing)
- Guided exploration of editorial decision-making, including AI-assisted review
Assessment
- Weekly quizzes (based on assigned readings)
- Three major writing/editing projects (each with drafting and revision components)
- Weekly written responses (completion-based)
There is no final exam. Consistent attendance (Mondays and Wednesdays) and active participation are required.
Expectations
Students should enter the course with a strong foundation in English grammar and usage and be prepared to work at a professional level. Emphasis will be placed on precision, consistency, and editorial accountability.
Contact
Questions may be directed to the instructor at karyl8@hawaii.edu