Editing for Style: A Hands-On Lesson in Copyediting with Jordan Koluch — Starts March 5

A good copyedit is more than just a spell-check—it’s sensitive to author voice and intent and makes the text more accessible for the reader.

In this class, you’ll learn the basics of good copyediting and implement those basics over a number of sample texts. We’ll start with becoming familiar with The Chicago Manual Style and Merriam Webster, then move on to the different things copy editors should always be looking for when approaching a text.

What you will learn

Students will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in class, as well as feedback from the instructor and peers on their work. We’ll also discuss tips for how to get freelance copyediting jobs.

Workshop takeaways

• • Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam Webster, and house style guides

• Experience copyediting example texts in a number of genres

• Personalized feedback from instructor and peers on copyedits • Skills to craft style sheets for copyediting jobs

What you will be reading

• Recommended readings: Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer, A World Without “Whom” by Emmy J. Favilla, BuzzFeed style guide, Conscious Style Guide

Meeting Dates

March 5

March 12

March 19

Testimonials

Jordan is a rockstar! So knowledgeable and super adept at teaching us complicated concepts. Loved the practice sheets and the fact they were from real manuscripts!

Jordan is articulate, witty, energetic and patient. She delivers valuable content in an accessible format and is also very accessible herself. She was a great guide and cheerleader throughout.

This class was so engaging - you could tell Jordan was extremely experienced and really likes the work that she does. The exercises we did in class were really helpful.

Additional Info

In an effort to center anyone who feels underrepresented in the industry—whether you're BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, or have another underrepresented identity, and for whom the fee might be a financial hardship—we'd love to offer a scholarship for two participants. Our goal is to eliminate barriers and make our classes as accessible and equitable as possible. If you find that you are interested in this class but would need a scholarship to enroll, please send an email to hello@writeordiemag.com by February 26, 2025, with the subject line "Jordan Koluch Class Scholarship," and two writers will be selected through a lottery.

About the Instructor

Jordan Koluch a print production professional with a decade of experience in the book publishing industry, most recently as the copy chief at Catapult, Counterpoint, and Soft Skull Press. She has copyedited and proofread for ABRAMS, HarperCollins, Milkweed Editions, Simon & Schuster, and a number of other publishers, big and small.