Editing and Publishing | UCLA Extension (2024)

FAQs

What is an editing and publishing certificate? ›

For those interested in the commercial aspect of creative writing, the Certificate in Editing and Publishing provides the knowledge and skills needed to pursue roles such as editor, managing editor, copyeditor, or developmental editor.

Absolutely. This is especially true if you did not go to college for writing or editing but still need to stand out to potential employers. On top of that, certifications often cost way less than going back to school to get your degree, so it is a good option to save you money as well.

Many UCLA Extension courses offered to undergraduate students are the same courses offered by our main campus (same syllabus, course instruction, and curriculum) offered at a reduced tuition rate.

Who Can Enroll. As UCLA's principal provider of continuing education, the majority of UCLA Extension courses are designed for the post-baccalaureate professional-level student. Enrollment is typically reserved for adult students 18 years of age and older.

This certificate combines core editorial skill development and publishing industry knowledge with practical hands-on experiential opportunities through internships. Graduates are well-positioned for jobs as editors in publishing or business, managing editors, copyeditors and developmental editors.

An editor must have a bachelor's degree, and advanced degrees are highly recommended for book editors and magazine editors. Most editors have degrees in English or journalism, but it is not unheard of for editors to major in one of the other liberal arts.

However, it is possible to get an editing job without a degree. You may just have to work a little harder for it. Editors without a college degree usually work with individual clients on a freelance basis. They may also work for small publishing houses, internet publications, and various other companies.

Proofreading is the correcting of surface errors such as grammar, spelling and punctuation. While it still requires a nuanced understanding of the English language, it differs from editing, which seeks to improve the overall quality of writing by enhancing flow, readability and structure.

UCLA Extension is ranked 13 in Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Are UCLA Extension courses graded? ›

UCLA Extension employs the undergraduate grading scale for undergraduate level courses 1-199 whereby the level of achievement of students shall be designated in the following terms: A+ (extraordinary), A (superior), B (good), C (fair), D (poor), F (fail), I (incomplete), IP (in progress), P (passed), NP (not passed), ...

UCLA Extension is accredited, through UCLA, by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

With your complimentary membership, you can take advantage of access to UCLA Recreation and campus cultural events, discounts to select sporting events, travel and insurance opportunities, and career-development resources such as counseling and the UCLA Alumni LinkedIn page.

As one of the nation's oldest, largest and most comprehensive continuing and professional studies providers, UCLA Extension gives you a wide range of options to advance in your career, switch careers, or achieve personal growth.

Students who complete an Academic Certificate at UCLA Extension receive automatic membership in the UCLA Alumni Association*, joining a vast and vibrant global Bruin community.

There are no certification or licensure requirements to work as an editor. How long does it take to become an editor? It takes most people around four years to earn a bachelor's degree. Those who pursue graduate publishing or editing degrees or certificates will take another year or two to complete their education.

The difference between an editor and publisher, is that an editor will be more focused on project-managing a book through the editorial process, while a publisher focuses more on strategic planning of authors' careers and managing the development and growth of the list of books they're responsible for.

An editor's role is very similar in a way to that of a project manager, as they oversee all parts of the book's life cycle. From reading the manuscript and commissioning an author, to identifying an audience and helping to decide the direction of a book cover, the editor is there for the whole process.