Publishing: Sub-editing

Overview

Course duration: 2 days.

Most subs protest that theirs is a closely guarded art and not to be shared. Happily, we believe that successful subbing comes from the range of skills delegates learn over the two days of this practical course.

Is it right for me?

Anyone who has been working as a sub for a short period (from six months to a year) and has had little or no formal tuition. Also suitable for subs with more experience who are keen to polish and fine tune skills such as writing headlines and standfirsts.

What will I learn?

By the end of this two-day course, you will be able to:

•  Employ a wide range of skills to do your job effectively
• Write strong headlines and standfirsts
• Effectively proof read and page handle
• Evaluate copy from your own publication
• Draw up action plans to take back to the office

What will it cover?

Introduction to Sub-editing  

• The task of the sub-editor
• The importance and the difficulties of the job
• The importance of knowing your readership
• The sub as intermediary between writer and reader

Sub Features  

• Assessing the copy
• Reminder of feature structures
• Analysis of intros
• Working on the flow, tone and flavour of the feature
• Links and transitions
• Conclusions

Sub News  

• News structure
• The importance of the intro
• Writing strong headlines
• Writing strong standfirsts
• The importance of good captions
• Working with house style
• Tips on successful proof reading and page handling
• Basic grammar and punctuation