Sub-editing and proofreading course | Public workshop and staff training

Learn how to edit and proofread with confidence

I offer customised staff training, live webinars that are open to the public, as well as one-on-one training.

My sub-editing and proofreading training covers all the essentials, including how to:

tighten copy
write in the active voice (and know when to use the passive)
make sure the lead isn’t buried
write strong intros
restructure copy so it flows well
know when to change other people’s writing
cut copy the right way
write headlines that work across print and online
improve search engine optimisation (SEO)
spot common grammatical mistakes
use punctuation marks, including apostrophes, commas, hyphens, dashes, semicolons and more
proofread like a pro
use proofreading mark-up symbols
manage production flow
provide feedback to writers and designers
avoid common defamation and media law issues.

This is a fun and practical course filled with plenty of editing exercises.

Public sub-editing and proofreading course – live online webinar

The next course will run over two half days (9.30am to 12.45pm AEDT) on 18 and 19 February.

Only eight places are available to ensure everyone can easily participate and receive feedback. Tickets cost $390 (plus GST).

Digital handbooks and certificates will be given, in addition to a recording of the webinar.

Find out more and register for the February course

Customised sub-editing and proofreading training for your staff – online or in person

I provide staff training across Australia and New Zealand that can be run online or on your premises.

The training can be customised to suit your needs and content. To make the training as relevant as possible, exercises and examples can be based on your copy.

Ask for more information

One-on-one training

Personalised one-on-one sessions are available, allowing me to focus on the specific copy editing and proofreading skills you want to build.

The sessions can be taught online or in person.

Contact me to find out more

Who am I?

I’m a former Sydney Morning Herald editor with over 25 years of experience across print and online.

I’ve been teaching sub-editing courses for over 15 years, including at the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism (ACIJ) and UTS.

Who can benefit from this sub-editing and proofreading course?

This subbing course will help anyone improve their editing skills, whether they’re just starting out or are an experienced editor who wants a refresher.

Participants often work in:

marketing
communications
publishing
journalism
public relations (PR)
blogging.

“I would recommend the sub-editing and proofreading course to anyone working in media, regardless of skill level. As an editor, I enrolled to brush up on the essentials but I ended up learning a great deal about grammar, punctuation and even editing, that I had never heard articulated before. Dan is a fantastic facilitator and the course was practical and engaging.”
Danielle Gay – Gritty Pretty
"Would happily recommend to journalists, editors and sub-editors. Dan knows his subject and this info needs to be passed on to every media participant."
Darren Snyder – Money magazine
"This sub-editing and proofreading webinar is easily the best PD I have ever done. The webinar was practical, relevant, interactive, enjoyable and well-paced. Dan is an engaging facilitator who is really generous with both his knowledge and resources."
Michelle McDonald – Director of News, Anglican Church Southern Queensland
"This workshop was incredibly useful and served as a solid reminder to edit, edit, edit! I learnt some great tips and tricks to take away and think this will improve my copywriting ten-fold."
Rachel Jones – GrainCorp
"The sub-editing course was a great refresher on everyday grammatical mistakes and has made me rethink the way I write and edit. I started using the rules and tips Dan taught us straight away. I highly recommend the course."
Jenna McGowan – Optometry Australia
“Dan was very responsive to creating a workshop that suited the team’s needs. His knowledge is excellent and all examples and tasks were relevant to meet the learning objectives. My team was very enthusiastic about the workshop and remained engaged throughout the whole session.”
Jo White – Director, Public Affairs, Department of Education Queensland
"The sub-editing workshop was enjoyable and informative. I liked Dan’s relaxed teaching style and would be keen to sign up for future workshops."
Jasmin Gray
"This workshop has helped me to develop a clear understanding of grammar, punctuation and copy. I've learnt about common mistakes I've been making for years – I won't now. The practice and activities helped to put it into action and I can't wait to get back to work with these skills. Thank you!"
Annie Waterworth
"Dan is brilliant! This workshop has really helped me understand more about editing. The skills and tools I have learned will assist me in my daily work. Thank you."
Allyson Jennings – World Nomads
"Great advice, wish I'd done this course in uni – and it should be part of uni! Thank you!"
Milly McGrath
"Writing and sub editing is an important part of my role. Despite my experience in journalism and content creation, Dan Kaufman’s workshop was engaging and challenging. It taught me new skills and refreshed my knowledge for several platforms and writing disciplines."
Rebekah Clark – Sydney Swans
"Absolutely loved how practical the sessions were and I’ve been able to immediately put the lessons learned into practice. It was an enjoyable experience."
Stevie Bal – Bunnings
"Enjoyable workshop – Dan is a great presenter/teacher. It was amazing to find out how much I did and didn't know."
Jamie Williamson – Rainmaker Group
"The course was great – very hands on with great resources to take away."
Lili Sparke
"I really enjoyed the workshop. Very practical and I think it will improve my writing. Very eye opening and I had many aha moments!"
Ilana Lourival – City of Gold Coast
"Dan Kaufman is a wonderful presenter, mellow but focussed. And his wisdom shines, without ever the need to force it at his listeners. He is thoughtful, easy to understand and very open to interpretations and collaboration. I learned things I’d forgotten I once knew. I learned brand new things too. I sharpened up, and could feel Dan’s years of experience having impact during every section of his workshop."
Simon Sweetman – Victoria University of Wellington
"Really good refresher workshop. Helped to clarify often-made grammatical errors and simplify concise writing habits."
Rebecca Sands – Knight Frank
"I absolutely enjoyed the course and found it very helpful. Dan is an excellent teacher. He is kind and welcoming, creating a safe space to learn and share ideas. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to brush up on their writing or proofing skills – it is engaging, practical and a lot of fun!"
Emma Maciaszek
"Top job – I was engaged the entire time! Definitely taken away some great lessons I'll use in the future."
Jesse Welsh – Nine Entertainment
"After trawling for the right editor to teach me the trade, from square one I knew I'd found the right person in Dan. He's an incredible teacher, with amusing anecdotes to boot. After just a few sessions, I was seeing English in an entirely new way and, with his help, I knew I was ready."
Gavin A
"Dan was an engaging presenter and answered all questions well. The exercises were extremely helpful in understanding the content."
Lurline Byles – Department of Fire and Emergency Services
"I'm feeling very motivated to work on my copy and improve it. Thank you!"
Melissa Knapp – Yoganic
"Thank you for a fantastic learning experience. It was great to learn so many new things. I will be a much better writer because of today."
Andrew Hill – The Salvation Army
"Dan is adaptable to the various audience’s requirements and has a tremendous scope of information and experience which he delivers very well."
Maggie Videan – Cancer Council