Sub-editing courses, etc

[Dirty Martini]

It's occurred to me to do a sub-editing course. I've been translating, editing and proofreading for about ten years now and would like to get some formal training in order to move into other areas. I'm currently working for a translation company; most of what I do is not for general public consumption. I'd like to work on magazines or similar.

Are there any sub-editors out there?

Has anyone got any course recommendations, preferably in London or the southeast? Any other advice would be very welcome.

Thanks

 

[kea]

the NUJ run subbing courses, my former housemate did one and i believe it helped her career-wise.

 

[chooch]

I'd like to work on magazines

Delete 'boner', add 'probe'

We have all this series at work. They're pretty good.

 

[Streathamite]

DM; you could ask IntoStella - I believe she's a layout editor who also has subbing skills

 

[Skim]

Try the London College of Printing... it's called something else now, can't remember what. I did a two-day course there and then just sent my CV out to loads of mags and have been freelancing ever since.

I found their intro to subbing course a bit easy, though, even through I'd never worked as a sub before the course (although I'd done some subbing in my work). To be honest, I just wanted something on my CV. I learnt a lot more just being on the job, tbh.

If you don't know it already, try and get yourself a copy of Adobe InDesign (or QuarkXPress, although everything's moving to InDesign) and make sure you can work on page. And buy Harold Evans' Essential English for Journalists book – it's very good.

 

[Streathamite]

oh bugger forgot to mention skim!

 

[Streathamite]

edit wrong thread

 

[Dirty Martini]

Thanks for all the really useful information so far. The NUJ are doing a couple of one-dayers in February, so I might start with one of those to get a feel for it. I do have a LCP prospectus somewhere from a couple of years ago, I'd forgotten about them (though the really fussy design and layout made trawling through it a bit of a task ).

And ta for the software tip, Skim.

 

[Skim]

Martini, I imagine you'll be able to find some work because of your proofreading experience. You only need to know enough XPress/InDesign to work on a basic layout, although occasionally some people work in Word. I don't know how much experience you've got of writing headlines, standfirsts, etc, but that Harold Evans book should give you a few pointers.

Another book I've just thought of is this Wynford Hicks one. There's a list of jargon at the back, which can be useful:

Subediting for Journalists

When I started subbing someone advised me to try and get work on listings publications (like PA, etc). I never did so but they may be more willing to take on a less experienced sub. Good luck!

 

[Leon]

Being a sub-editor is not just about being good at spelling and knowing a bit of Adobe.

You've got to have a good understanding of media law if you're ever going to get further than the bottom rung.

McNae is the book everyone seems to use but I'd suggest getting a copy of Tom Crone's Media Law. It is much more readable and relevant. Then do a media law course to demonstrate youve got the knowledge.

 

[Skim]

Then do a media law course to demonstrate youve got the knowledge.

I don't know of any subs who have taken a media law course It helps to have some knowledge of libel law obviously, but taking a course seems a bit extreme for the vast majority of subbing work. In any case, if you're working for a big publisher, then you just call the legal department.

 

[Leon]

Well, you do where I work and in every newsroom I've worked in. All of them have in-house lawyers.

Suppose it depends on what type of subbing you want to do - if it is TV listings there's no need.

 

[chooch]

Sorry for thread revival...
Was having a poke around this nctj distance learning thing. Any guesses as to whether it would be up to much?

 

[Dubversion]

i learned my subbing skills on the job (being a pedant helps ) but was tempted by the LCP course, it's highly regarded but can't ever compete with experience...

 

[Firky]

im gonna be doing layout editing / design for next week for some girly teenage mag... im kinda worried that i'm gonna get stuck doing that kind of mag. but ive only just started this lark... plenty of time to move sideways and upwards

oh well, apologies for the derail

p.s

guardian on a monday often has such courses in the appointments, or you london college of printing / communication - whatever the fuck its decided to call its self.

 

[Firky]

i learned my subbing skills on the job (being a pedant helps ) but was tempted by the LCP course, it's highly regarded but can't ever compete with experience...

i agree with this. i got fuck all qualifications, but experience and that gets me passed graduates and people with a degree.

50% blag 25% who you know 25% experience = my 'career'