Distance learning in Proofreading

[splurge]

I have a class 2.1 BA Honours Degree in English with Media but I am stuck in a dead end job. I really want to embark on a new career which relates to the degree I put so much hard work into. I was thinking of enrolling on a proofreading course so I can progress into publishing. There are a few courses online but how do I know if they are legitimate? www.train4publishing.co.uk has the course I am looking to do.
Has anyone trained through these before?
Does anyone know of any other courses available?

[Karen2005]

hello splurge

I can recommend train4publishing (the publishing training centre, Wandsworth). I currently work for a publishing company and they sent me on a one-day proofreading course there.

I also know many people in the industry who have been on courses at the publishing training centre.

good luck!

Karen

[splurge]

Thanks Karen, if you dont mind me asking, how did you get into publishing?
I live in the NorthWest and i'm sending my CV to places but i have not yet had a response. That is why i have decided to take a course in the subject to see if this increases my chances of finding work.

[Karen2005]

Aaargh, how annoying. I just spent 10 minutes writing an answer, but when I clicked "submit" it wouldn't take my answer and I lost everything i'd written!

Briefly, I graduated in English & American literature and shortly afterwards I found a job in the HR dept in a publishing company. This gave me my first foot in the door and I was able to side-step into the editorial dept.

I'll post this now, just in case I lose everything again, but I'll put some useful links up in a minute...

[Karen2005]

Cont...

Unfortunately, most major publishing companies are clustered in London and the south-east (Oxford to give one example), so finding work in the North-west may be tricky.

here are some websites you may find useful:

http://www.thebookseller.com/?pid=2 (click on the jobs link on the left-hand side to come up with a list of publishing recruitment agencies)

www.guardian.co.uk carries publishing jobs

http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/jobfamily/mediaprintandpublishing/mediaprintandpublishing.cfm?id=159

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_job_sectors/Publishing/p!ekmpXf

Finally, try to get your hands on a copy of the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. It lists all UK publishers, so it would be very useful for locating companies in your area. I'm not sure if they've got an online presence, which would obviously make searching much easier.

Right, must get on with some work now. I'll try to check back here every so often and help when I can.

Best of luck
Karen

[splurge]

Thank you so much, i will look into the sites now! You have been very helpful.