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If I want to be a proofreading editor, what steps do I need to take to get there?
From high school, what classes should I take? In college, what should my major be? Do you have any advice?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kayla !
In order to be a professional proofreader, you have some awesome Majors to choose from.
You can major in Journalism, Writing, and Communication, or English. They're all great so some thought will need to be given to choosing. I would advise a major and a minor. If it were me, I would Major in Writing with a Minor in English. I would also take one or two Journalism courses, specifically the ones that focus on Proofreading. I took Journalism in High School and there was a chapter on proofreading specific to newspapers. You learn different symbols used for editing. Things most likely have changed over the decades so based on that, I do recommend the major and minor I suggested for this career.
Look at some colleges' programs at their websites and see which one will have a lot of writing focused courses and even if there may be a proofreading course. They usually teach it in journalism. It would be great if you can find a college that actually offers a Major for Writing. Sometimes the Major names are Creative Writing or Writing Studies, so if you can find a major like those, that would be best. I am thinking that you'll want to work at a publishing house or for web content or a magazine.
The California and West Coast colleges (and in Utah) that you may find a Writing Studies or Creative Writing Major at would be California College of the Arts in San Francisco, Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, Chapman University in Orange, CA, and University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. There are some on the East Coast, too.
While you are in High School, take English classes all four years, Creative Writing, Journalism if your high school offers these. If your high school doesn't offer these classes, look online for online courses that will help you. Start writing and collect everything you write for samples of your writing whenever you apply for work. They always want you to send/e-mail samples of your writing.
In high school, either join or start a writing group and work on various writing projects to expand your versatility and collection of works. Inquire about writing for your school newspaper and or website. With writing, you can get lots of experience before college. College will provide you with opportunity and meeting like minded people that you can possibly collaborate with.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in one of the most exciting career paths !
In order to be a professional proofreader, you have some awesome Majors to choose from.
You can major in Journalism, Writing, and Communication, or English. They're all great so some thought will need to be given to choosing. I would advise a major and a minor. If it were me, I would Major in Writing with a Minor in English. I would also take one or two Journalism courses, specifically the ones that focus on Proofreading. I took Journalism in High School and there was a chapter on proofreading specific to newspapers. You learn different symbols used for editing. Things most likely have changed over the decades so based on that, I do recommend the major and minor I suggested for this career.
Look at some colleges' programs at their websites and see which one will have a lot of writing focused courses and even if there may be a proofreading course. They usually teach it in journalism. It would be great if you can find a college that actually offers a Major for Writing. Sometimes the Major names are Creative Writing or Writing Studies, so if you can find a major like those, that would be best. I am thinking that you'll want to work at a publishing house or for web content or a magazine.
The California and West Coast colleges (and in Utah) that you may find a Writing Studies or Creative Writing Major at would be California College of the Arts in San Francisco, Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, Chapman University in Orange, CA, and University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. There are some on the East Coast, too.
While you are in High School, take English classes all four years, Creative Writing, Journalism if your high school offers these. If your high school doesn't offer these classes, look online for online courses that will help you. Start writing and collect everything you write for samples of your writing whenever you apply for work. They always want you to send/e-mail samples of your writing.
In high school, either join or start a writing group and work on various writing projects to expand your versatility and collection of works. Inquire about writing for your school newspaper and or website. With writing, you can get lots of experience before college. College will provide you with opportunity and meeting like minded people that you can possibly collaborate with.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in one of the most exciting career paths !
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Studying English, Writing, Grammar and Technical Editing. Be aware of different style requirements such as MLA and APA.
Looking for jobs editing on a magazine, a newspaper or as a freelancer. And develop your network.
Good luck
Looking for jobs editing on a magazine, a newspaper or as a freelancer. And develop your network.
Good luck
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Kayla,
Certainly! If you are aiming to become a proofreading editor, start in high school by taking English and journalism classes to improve your grammar skills. Adding a foreign language can also be beneficial. In college, consider majoring in English, journalism, or linguistics to deepen your understanding of language. I recommend to gain practical experience by volunteering with school magazines or local newspapers, and build a portfolio to showcase your abilities. Obtaining a certification in editing can improve your qualifications, and networking can provide valuable mentorship. Hope this helps!
Certainly! If you are aiming to become a proofreading editor, start in high school by taking English and journalism classes to improve your grammar skills. Adding a foreign language can also be beneficial. In college, consider majoring in English, journalism, or linguistics to deepen your understanding of language. I recommend to gain practical experience by volunteering with school magazines or local newspapers, and build a portfolio to showcase your abilities. Obtaining a certification in editing can improve your qualifications, and networking can provide valuable mentorship. Hope this helps!