How to be a Sub-editing Superhero 

From style guides to proof reading, SEO to copy flow – learn how to sub edit with style  

This one-day sub-editing course will give you a solid understanding of best practices for online and help you to work through copy speedily and effectively.

What You’ll Learn: Sub-editing fundamentals, headlines and SEO, copy-editing skills

In a world of mis- and disinformation, we need sub-editors and proof readers more than ever. As online editors race to publish breaking news quickly, it’s vital that speed doesn’t mean sacrificing accuracy.    

We’ll begin with the fundamentals of sub-editing, from common spelling and grammar errors to the punctuation pitfalls of writing under pressure. After each section of key theory, you’ll work on practical exercises to put your learning into practice. You’ll receive tips on how to strengthen introductions and choose the right pictures for stories without breaching any usage guidelines or laws.   

This session will take a deep dive into the world of digital publishing and the best practices for online writing and editing – including how to use house style guides, develop a tone of voice and consistently create engaging copy. Hands-on exercises will explore how to craft brilliant headlines, why standfirsts matter and tips on utilising extras such as graphics and pull quotes for maximum impact.  

How you’ll learn 

This three-module subediting course will be led by an experienced editor and trainer who will share their practical expertise through presentations, discussion and practical exercises – ensuring you have opportunity to reinforce your learning and test your understanding.  

Who the course is for  

This course is for anyone who holds – or aspires to – a role that involves hitting ‘publish’ online. It’s perfect for content editors who want to refine their skills and improve their headline writing. If you’re looking for more support with writing skills, you might like our News Writing Fundamentals course.

BOOK AS AN INDIVIDUAL: Check out the scheduled dates below and book your place now. This will be a remote course. 

BOOK FOR YOUR TEAM: The course will be tailored to your needs and can be delivered remotely or in your offices. Get in touch using the button below to discuss times and dates for bespoke training. 

Course Modules

Subbing Fundamentals

  1. Why sub-editing and proofreading matter  
  2. The basics  
  3. The importance of copy flow  
  4. Using plain English  
  5. Practise correcting errors 

Subbing In Practice

  1. House style and style guides 
  2. Tone of voice
  3. Digital headline writing  
  4. Headline writing and SEO  
  5. Headline writing for your audience

Advanced Subbing

  1. Supporting headlines with a strong standfirst ​ 
  2. Meaningful introductions that benefit your readers​ 
  3. Why good page furniture matters​ 
  4. Choosing the right pictures​ 
  5. Review of the sub-editor’s role
Subediting course - woman works at a laptop

How to be a Sub-editing Superhero 

From style guides to proof reading, SEO to copy flow – learn how to sub edit with style  

Get in touch

What our students say

View all testimonials

The small class sizes nurture a comfortable environment where everyone supports and learns from each other. The staff helped me hone in on my writing skills and develop the confidence to feel comfortable on camera.

Camilla Foster
, Reporter
, Newsquest

The lifelike interview settings and tasks that PA Media Training deal in replicate perfectly the real-world feel of a tough media interview and help the delegates come out of the day feeling much more confident that they can play an active role in representing their organisation.

Transport for London
, Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs

The training scenarios are as real to life as you could possibly get. They took considerable time to research our current plans and issues and used these to design a series of true to life radio and TV interviews. The team is outstanding, and their expertise and knowledge has been invaluable. Book them – you’ll be glad you did.

NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group
, Communications Manager

Being equipped with an NCTJ Diploma does massive favours for your future, and the skills the course taught me are ones I lean on every single day. The simple fact is, I wouldn’t be where I am without that course. 

Alex Barker
, Videographer & Presenter
, The Athletic

PA Media Training were efficient, well organised and genuinely lovely people to deal with and, importantly for us, able to provide flexibility around our needs to create the bespoke training we required. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for further training or to recommend them to other organisations.

Mayor of London’s Press Office
, Head of Media

My time at PA Training was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. The full-time NCTJ course in London is fast-paced and hard work but perfectly sets you up for what to expect in a reporter role.

Camilla Foster
, Reporter
, Newsquest

Contact us

For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.