Program Overview

Stylistic Editing

Stylistic editing is editing to transform murky, muddled writing into clear, coherent prose. In this course, you will learn how to clarify the meaning, improve the flow and smooth the language of the most turgid text.

Overview

• Location: Online
• Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Tuition: $485
• Can be applied to: Editing Certificate

Upcoming Offerings

• Start Date: Wed, Feb 4, 2026
  • Schedule: Wed, Feb 4 - Tue, Mar 3 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: Ellie Jean Barton
  • Cost: $485.00
  • Seats Available: 21
• Start Date: Wed, Mar 25, 2026
  • Schedule: Wed, Mar 25 - Tue, Apr 21 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: Ellie Jean Barton
  • Cost: $485.00
  • Seats Available: 25
• Start Date: Wed, Jun 10, 2026
  • Schedule: Wed, Jun 10 - Tue, Jul 7 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $485.00
  • Seats Available: 24

What you will learn

At the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:

• Recognize unclear prose and make it clear
• Recognize incoherent paragraphs or passages and make them coherent
• Differentiate between stylistic editing, copyediting and structural editing
• Identify and correct common stylistic problems such as general or abstract writing, jargon, clichés, noun strings, wordiness, and inappropriate language level for the audience
• Edit manuscripts for clarity, flow and language
• Query writers tactfully
• Edit short manuscripts for a general audience

How you will learn and be evaluated

Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:

• Readings
• Discussions
• Exercises
• Group assignments
• Independent assignments You will be evaluated on:
• Assignments
• Participation in discussions

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online. Recommended reading: The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th or 18th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017 or 2024. Note: Courses use the author-date style from the Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.) citation guide. Once you begin the course you’ll be sent SFU library access information for this text. Alternatively, you may wish to access a 30-day free trial of the online version of Chicago Manual of Style.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning. You will need access to the following:

• Microsoft Word (2010 or newer) and being comfortable with Track Changes function
• A printer
• A scanner or camera to create a digital copy of editing examples to be submitted for one of the assignments
• High-speed internet access
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

English Language Requirements

To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:

• Overall band score minimum 6.5
• No band below 6.0
• Writing band score minimum 8.0 Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate. If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.