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Catching up with a past proofreading student

August 2008    

Basic proofreading is the PTCs most popular and highly sought after distance learning course. People from all over the country, and many from overseas, from diverse ages and professions, turn to us to receive the best proofreading training. Our distance learning co-ordinators and tutors are on hand to offer help and support throughout the course. But what are our students doing now, and was this the right course for them? We ask Rebecca Mellotte, a past student, about her experience of the Basic Proofreading course.

What made you decide to take this particular course, and why with the PTC?

I needed to find work that suited my lifestyle (lots of travelling) and to work freelance from home. As I love reading and writing, and also wanted to improve my knowledge of grammar/punctuation, proofreading seemed a logical step.

Before I decided to take the course I rang six well-known publishing companies, asking if they used freelance proofreaders and, if so, which company they would recommend. PTC was the name that came up over and over again.

Do you feel it lived up to the promised expectations?

Absolutely.

Did you have enough support from the distance learning co-ordinators and from your assigned tutor throughout?

Yes, my tutor was totally supportive, with advice and support - both in the marking of my assignments and with any general questions that I had.

Did you take the course as a beginner?

Yes

Would you recommend this course to others who are looking to work in freelance proofreading?

I highly recommend the course to anybody who is interested in freelance proofreading. Plus the course is excellent for improving grammar. I really enjoyed studying again.

As a result of the course, what immediate benefits have you found?

Greater confidence and knowledge when writing and reading.

How did you find the transition from studying and gaining your certificate, to going out there on your own to establish yourself?

When I gained my certificate I was working on Boris Johnson’s mayoral campaign and I was asked to proofread some of the different policies and manifestos before they were published.  It was a great experience and a good start.

How successful have you been in finding paid work?

Now the mayoral campaign is over and I’m back from a trip, I’ll start to look for work.

Has this course put you in good stead to have a full time career in freelance proofreading?

Yes – if I put in the effort.  Like anything in life, nothing is going to come to me without some perseverance, determination and effort.

What has been your most enjoyable freelance work since completing the course?

Working on Boris Johnson’s mayoral campaign.

What are you currently working on?

Writing a Mills & Boon book, but I will need to find some part-time work proofreading and am in the process of approaching different publishing companies.

What are your plans for the future?

To write full time for Mills & Boon.

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