Masterclass: Editing skills - webinars

Do you need the key skills to edit copy effectively?

Learn the essentials everyone needs to check or oversee other people’s work - whether that’s a report, news story or press release.

These highly practical sessions are delivered remotely in 2.5 hour slots throughout the week, with delegates able to choose as many as they like (see below).

Martin Lloyd, the former BBC writing standards editor, will show you how to:

  • Sub-edit stories in a more analytical and critical way
  • Spot errors quickly and turn raw copy into captivating content
  • Gain the confidence to rewrite text to create concise and compelling editorial at high speed

Why should you do the course?
  • You need to edit text quickly and efficiently
  • You want the skills to edit/write great copy and not rely on anyone else
  • You want to give your team the ability to sub each other’s work
Who is the course ideal for?
  • Editors, news editors, sub-editors, proofreaders
  • Marketing, social media, PR and comms staff
  • Executives/managers looking to communicate effectively
About the trainer

Martin Lloyd spent 10 years as writing standards editor at the BBC’s training division, the BBC Academy, where he was ultimately responsible for training the trainers.

He’s trained BBC News journalists, TV and radio producers and senior managers. He’s coached digital content producers. And he’s produced writing guides for BBC staff.

Since leaving the BBC, Martin has mentored an editor at the Financial Times, trained Filipino journalists remotely and delivered classroom training through the London School of Publishing.

He’s also been a content designer for the Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Earlier in his career Martin edited copy and designed pages for newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, Metro, Broadcast, New Statesman and Marketing Week.

Book on to individual sessions for £62.50 plus VAT or the whole week's training for £300 plus VAT.

Each session is hosted on Zoom and includes a 15 minute comfort break

All-week pass: Monday, 1 March - Friday, 5 March

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Session 1: Monday, 1 March 10.00 - 12.30

  • Proofreading basics and checklists
  • How to punctuate sentences properly, and how errors change meaning

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Session 2: Tuesday, 2 March 10.00 - 12.30

  • Ensuring a consistent house style and tone of voice
  • Problem words and avoiding spelling mistakes

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Session 3: Wednesday, 3 March 10.00 - 12.30

  • Engaging your readers
  • Simplifying the language used

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Session 4: Thursday, 4 March 10.00 - 12.30

  • Story structure: making dense copy easy to read
  • Grammar: common pitfalls and how to avoid them

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Session 5: Friday, 5 March 10.00 - 12.30

  • Writing for the web and SEO for editors
  • Producing catchy headlines and standfirsts

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