An editor's guide to editing references
Citing the work of other authors is a common characteristic of a broad range of publications. Such references have two purposes: for the author to provide evidence for their assertions, or show where the facts come from, and to enable the reader to locate the source of a quotation, and if interested then follow it up.
This course is designed to ensure that a copy-editor has a good understanding of the three principal reference systems in use and how to copy-edit them effectively and efficiently. Please note that this is an introductory course, designed for those who are new to or inexperienced in editing references and want to learn the basics to feel confident when approaching references.
e-Learning modules are optimised for desktop and laptop devices and not tablets and smartphones.
Course content
- Why do we need references?
- Where do we put references?
- What are all the elements of references?
- What might you be expected to edit?
- Useful Latin terms
- Three styles of referencing
- Sample texts
- Further reading
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module you will:
- understand how and why references are used
- know the workings of the three main reference systems in use
- be able to edit a work that uses these systems efficiently
How does the course work?
An editor's guide to editing references has six lessons, each of which includes exercises to self-check your learning. A second component provides further sample texts and suggest further reading. The final component is "test your knowledge" quiz. Successful completion of the final test leads to your completion certificate being issued.
About the author
Margaret Aherne has worked since 1986 as a proofreader, copy-editor, project manager and tutor/mentor, for clients including Blackwell Publishers, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Arnold, Routledge/Taylor & Francis and Robinson Publishing, covering both academic (arts, humanities and social sciences) and more popular subjects, as well as for bodies such as the Audit Commission.
In 2005, Margaret became a tutor on PTC's Essential Proofreading course (formerly Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning) and subsequently co-author with Gillian Clarke of the latest edition. She was also commissioned to create and deliver the PTC's Advanced Copy-Editing one-day course.
This e-Learning Module was developed with the support of the Unwin Charitable Trust.
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Five to seven hours with eight months access to the module.
PTC e-Learning Modules are concentrated, online courses that focus on specialist topics relevant to publishing working life. They are designed to build on a foundation of existing skills and experience.