Marketing, Writing and Social Media
Sub-editing Skills
Learn sub-editing techniques to sharpen copy, fix errors and enforce house style. One-day course for marketers and writing professionals.
Format
Live instructor-led
Hands-on, question-led sessions
Location
London NW10 or online
9 Station Terrace, NW10 5RT
Level
All levels
Small groups, hands-on, expert-led
Upcoming dates
Fri 18 September 2026
Live Online
£375£395
Thu 15 October 2026
Classroom
£395
Wed 18 November 2026
Live Online
£395
Thu 17 December 2026
Classroom
£395
Booking for a team? Want a different date?
Get team trainingInvoice payment available · Prices subject to VAT
Who this course is for
This course is for editors, journalists, content managers and communication professionals responsible for editing copy, from beginners to those seeking to refresh their skills. It suits anyone who needs to sharpen their error-spotting abilities, enforce house style and prepare text for publication across print or digital channels.
Prerequisites
You should be comfortable with basic writing and editing principles, or have some experience working with written content in a professional context.
What you'll learn
Exploring sub-editing and its importance for content and conversion success.
How to check facts and ensure accuracy.
Understanding the power of visual stories and marketing to convert clients.
How to write for different mediums, creating an improved portfolio.
Exploring new marketing opportunities.
How to create a unique brand and voice.
Understanding how visual and written mediums are crucial to promotion.
Course outline
What you’ll cover
Sub-Editing
- The role of the sub-editor
- Building a process
- The sub-editor as the reader’s last line of defence
- How to be a gatekeeper of editorial quality
The Sub's Eye
- Six essential checks for catching errors
- Tailoring your own checklists
- Breaking down the process: spelling and fact checking
- Refreshing your command of grammar and punctuation
- The importance of a style guide
Reworking Difficult Copy
- Identifying common problems
- Spotting unanswered questions and gaps in raw copy
- When to apply a quick fix and when to rewrite
- How to work sympathetically with writers and contributors
Headlines and Attention-Grabbers
- Writing short-form content and captions
- The skill of writing great headlines
- Choosing the right pull-quotes
- Using sub-heads to guide the reader
Proofreading
- Defining the proofreading stage of copy editing
- Tips for fast and efficient proofreading
- Cutting copy to fit
Included
- Live expert-led instruction
- Practical exercises and workflow examples
- Live Q and A and troubleshooting with the trainer
- Follow-up support guidance
Meet your trainer
Taught by working industry experts
Nick H.
Course Trainer
Industry expert delivering this course.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Sub-editing Skills course suitable for me?
This course is designed for people who are new to sub-editing or have been subbing for a while but have never had formal training or who would like to learn best practice in sub-editing. If you are have any questions about whether the course could meet your needs, please speak to our customer service team, who will be delighted to advise you.
How is the content taught throughout the Sub-editing Skills course?
Our Sub-editing Skills course is extremely interactive. You will be learning how to sub-edit effectively throughout the day, working through examples and live projects under the guidance of our trainer, who will be supporting you through each step.
What is the recommended number of people for the class when I attend the Sub-editing Skills course?
For private classes in Sub-editing Skills, we recommend a maximum of 8 to 10 people from the same company in the class. Please ask our customer service team to help you find the right balance of people per class and the number of days training you need.
Should I attend the Sub-editing Skills course in person or live online?
For in-person courses at our London training centre, you will receive a warm personal welcome, your choice of the latest Mac or PC and morning and afternoon refreshments. If you prefer to attend remotely, rest assured that you will be taught live by the same experts that deliver our in-person courses, covering the same training content, using the same exercises and materials. A second monitor is recommended but not essential.
What support is available after I attend the Sub-editing Skills course?
We offer ongoing support to our Sub-editing Skills course attendees through email and by arrangement, phone calls. You are welcome to ask any questions on topics covered during training. Our trainer will always do their best to explain principles and help you with any issues you encounter.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my Sub-editing Skills course?
Yes, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Transmedia, demonstrating your knowledge and attendance on our Sub-editing Skills course. Our certificates note our Authorised Training Centre status.
Reviews
Piers was an excellent and interesting trainer!
Microbiology Society · Sub-editing Skills — May 2026
Piers took us through the course at a good pace and tailored it to the type of content we deal with at work. He had great examples and explained the concepts really well. It was enjoyable! Thanks.
Microbiology Society · Sub-editing Skills — May 2026
piers is great!
Microbiology Society · Sub-editing Skills — May 2026
The trainer took us through the course at a good pace and tailored it to the type of content we deal with at work. He had great examples and explained the concepts really well. Very enjoyable! Thanks.
Microbiology Society · Sub-editing Skills — October 2023
The trainer was an excellent and made everything very interesting.
Microbiology Society · Sub-editing Skills — October 2023
The trainer was great!
Microbiology Society · Sub-editing Skills — October 2023
Just finished a bespoke course in Photoshop and AI. Learned an awful lot. My trainer was very knowledgeable and was very happy to answer lots of questions that I had throughout. Highly recommend.
Rachel P — June 2026
Gorgeous premises and lovely, knowledgeable team. I really enjoyed my course - the tutor was friendly and professional and happy to answer any questions and tailor the course.
Quadrotech — June 2026
The trainer was excellent. He kept the course interactive and engaging. The small sessions made it easy to get clarifications. The pleasant office is well situated, so easy to find and get to.
UNICEF — June 2026
Fantastic and super valuable training! Our trainer shaped the training fully to our needs, adapted, accelerated and deep diving when needed. I learned so much these past days with tangible examples.
Adobe — June 2026
The trainer, Lee, was excellent. He rattled through the key elements of Premiere Pro while keeping the course interactive and engaging. The small sessions made it easy to get 1:1 support or clarifications. The pleasant and well equipped office is well situated in Kensal Rise, so easy to find and get to. I learnt a alot - and now feel up to date with latest Premiere Pro options and AI integrations.
UNICEF — June 2026
Fantastic and super valuable training! Fantastic and super valuable training! Tony shaped the training fully to our needs, adapted, accelerated and deep diving when needed. I learned so much these past days with tangible examples Tony provided.
Adobe — June 2026
The training was great, thank you. My trainer was very thorough with everything and I definitely left with new knowledge and skills. And thanks for sending the materials across.
Live Union — June 2026
Hi Brook, Sorry for the delay - I was on AL yesterday! The training was great, thank you. Tony was very thorough with everything and I definitely left with some new knowledge and skills. I'll leave a review later today. Thanks for sending the materials across. Have a lovely rest of your day!
Live Union — June 2026
One of the better training sessions I've had in years. I highly recommend anyone who wants to learn more about Figma, but also any other Adobe Creative Cloud application, to take courses here.
Adobe — June 2026
Our trainer was great. Very knowledgeable and also flexible with adjusting to our very specific questions and scenarios. I learned loads and look forward to using my new Figma skills.
Adobe — June 2026
I wish all training courses were run this well!
RPS Design — June 2026
The Design and Development areas of Clarks shoes has been using Transmedia as a training partner for eight years now, mainly in the 'creative' Adobe applications - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere. In that time we have built an excellent working relationship with the management and admin teams and several of their core trainers. This has had a major influence in raising the skill levels and quality of our artwork across our design teams- recently extending across the Atlantic, delivering training to our US based designers. Staying with Transmedia has given us continuity and enabled the trainers to really come to understand what Clarks require and thus able to deliver real value for money. The staff are always friendly and a pleasure to deal with - whilst being efficient and professional throughout. Nothing is ever too much trouble. I really can't recommend Transmedia highly enough.
Clarks International — June 2026
The course was excellent - exactly to my company's needs. All questions were answered and concepts explained very clearly.
Hannah Griffiths — June 2026
First class - The trainer was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions.
MOD — June 2026
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