Well done for being nominated, Em, and good luck!

Glad I found you before I brought this proofreading course...

Oh yes, Maple...

We receive a lot of applications from their graduates, too, almost always in the form of near-identical formula letters: "I am writing to introduce myself as a Professional Proof-reader and Copy Editor available for additional assignments.

To give you a little background on myself...

I have studied the Professional Proof-reading and Copy Editing course run by
Maple Publishing and acheived their diploma in Proof-reading and Copy Editing skills.

I have a fully equipped home office that includes my own PC with internet access.
On a personal level, I am reliable, and will take pride in performing a
professional job for my clients.

I should of course be happy to undertake any test of my Proofreading or Copy
Editing skills you may wish to set.
If you would like any further information, please do give me a call /email me."

While I can see that formula letters might be reassuring for applicants, it's a shame that Maple don't seem to have warned their customers against following them too closely.

phew
glad I came across this entry before I went 'Maple' too

I am thinking of joining Maple for their proofreading course. Can any past students give me feedback about the usefulness of course?

I've been thinking of doing a proof reading course but the above comments aren't very encouraging. What is the best way to break into proof reading, and is a course absolutely necessary?
Claire

Work done in this blog is very wonderful and valuable.

I am shocked by the messages posted, the course which i have completed i have found to be very well structured and the course has given me a good insight into proof-reading and has given me the skills needed to take this my full time proffession. I fully reccomend anyone who is looking for a easy to understand and a informative proof-reading course to use Maple's course, as I have personally completed the course and found it very useful.

I know this is going to sound snide, Tom, but there's a proper point here. When you write anything on the subject of proof-reading, I think it's super important to check for mistakes. You've made a couple of spelling mistakes in your comment which risks undermining your point. Do, for goodness sake, triple-check any applications you make for employment because a proof-reader who slips up on their first impression is going to struggle.

I don't think Rob's comments were snide; just accurate. If Tom has been given a diploma by Maple Academy it doesn't say a lot for their examination techniques.

exactly!

Distance-learning course in proofreading can only give the methodology plus tips and hints.
It is only through direct exposure and practice that one becomes adept.

I have been trying to contact Maple Academy about their classes. I am currently employed as Senior Editor for a couple of small e-presses, and am under-skilled for the position. I have not been able to contact anyone at Maple Academy and their form won't even let me order the course (it won't change the mail settings from UK to International, and won't take my money unless I can change that). Is there anyone else teaching courses like this?

Those of you looking for work as proofers or editors, feel free to write my boss, Kim Richards-Gilchrist, kim@damnationbooks.com . We have plenty of editors right now, but too few proofers. We do our own testing.

I came across Maple today, I must say the courses look too good to be true at such a tempting low offer price, I was actually reading about the private investigation course, but came across 2 text mistakes - 'businesse's and councials'
I've mailed them about whether their courses are genuine and recognised. You never know, maybe I'll get a discount for spotting the mistakes!