Subediting skills for writers

Learn how the subbing process can improve your writing

Writers can learn lots of valuable lessons from subeditors – from how to minimise errors to how to establish a tone of voice. At this revealing evening course, Time Out London’s chief subeditor Chris Waywell shows writers what subeditors do, why subediting is important and how they can use it to improve their writing.

Over the course of the evening, you’ll assemble a writer’s toolkit that will prevent you from making common mistakes, and help you to become a sharper, leaner and more versatile writer. With practical exercises to bring the major points home, you’ll leave the course with the knowledge and confidence to engage a variety of audiences, and spread your wings as a writer.

This course is for you if…

• You’re an experienced journalist who wants to learn how to prevent your copy from being substantially changed at the edit stage
• You’re a less experienced journalist who wants to open up a valuable channel for future learning
• You’re a newbie subeditor who wants to get an accurate overview of the profession

Course description

This compact evening course mixes talks with practical exercises to explain the subeditor’s role and the major lessons writers can learn from subs. Topics covered include:

• What subeditors do and why you need them
• An introduction to the production process
• The most common mistakes all writers make
• How to establish your tone of voice
• How to tailor your tone of voice to a publication
• How to avoid having your copy changed
• A writer’s essential checklist
• Tutor Q&A

Tutor profile

Chris Waywell is a writer and editor. He is currently associate editor and chief subeditor of Time Out London magazine, and deputy editor of the charity Shelter’s magazine, Here. Chris has previously worked for Channel 4 and as a freelance journalist and copywriter.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website