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 November - Friday, 5 November

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Session 1: Proofreading and punctuation
Monday, 1 November 10.00 - 12.30

  • Proofreading: principles and practice
  • Typographical checklist
  • How to punctuate sentences properly
  • When punctuation errors change the meaning

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Session 2: House style and spelling problem words
Tuesday, 2 November 10.00 - 12.30

  • Spotting spelling errors: rules and exceptions to the rule
  • Clinches and jargon: problem words and better alternatives
  • Ensuring a consistent house style
  • Developing your tone of voice

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Session 3: Engaging your readers
Wednesday, 3 November 10.00 - 12.30

  • How to target and engage your audiences
  • Simplifying complex and/or passive sentences
  • Choosing words your audience will understand
  • Replacing long expressions with tight copy

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Session 4: Story structure and grammar
Thursday, 4 November 10.00 - 12.30

  • Story structure: making dense copy easy to read
  • Constructing articles that read and flow well
  • How to write in the active, rather than passive, voice
  • Common grammar pitfalls and how to avoid them

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Session 5: Writing for the web, SEO and headlines
Friday, 5 November 10.00 - 12.30

  • Writing for online audiences
  • SEO for editors
  • How to link well
  • Producing powerful headlines and intros

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