Those taking the course will enjoy finding the errors, marking editorial errors in blue and typographical or typesetting errors in red, and sending in lists of queries. Two editing pens are included FREE with the course.  

The typescript (PS1) is an interesting and exciting story about the Greek island of Santorini – its history, population, attractions, places to visit, etc. – and how the presence of the volcano has made its effects felt throughout the centuries. The generally accepted date of the volcanic explosion that destroyed part of the island was c. 1500 BC.  

Scientists and archaeologists, however, have now proposed a new and very precise date of 1628 BC, based on the study of tree rings. That is more than a century earlier than the accepted date of 1500 BC, derived from pottery styles and Egyptian dynastic chronologies.  

[I am of course biased in my liking for this particular Greek island, as I expect you have already noticed. Some years ago I went there on holiday and fell in love with the place and a young Greek girl, Irini, to whom I addressed many poems. This was a favourite - Sappho's To A Young Girl:  

EQUAL of the gods seems to me that man who sits opposite you and,  
close to you, listens to your sweet words  
And lovely laugh, which has passionately excited the heart in my  
breast. For whenever I look at you, even for a moment, no voice comes to me,  
But my tongue is frozen, and at once a delicate fire flickers under my  
skin. I no longer see anything with my eyes, and my ears of full of  
strange sounds.  
Sweat pours down me, and trembling seizes me all over. I am paler  
than grass, and I seem to be little short of death. . .]  

It certainly is a strange and beautiful place: see, for example, the views at  www.greece.org/poseidon/work/islands/cyclades/santorini/index.html 
or go to Google when you have time enter "Santorini" in the search box. You'll find over 2.5 million results of pages to choose from! Like this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santorini  

If you like "art", you can look at Howard Behrens "Santorini View" at www.artbrokerage.com/retail/behrens/behrenssantoriniview.htm but this attractive serigraph unfortunately costs $3,000... This lovely picture has been withdrawn from the site, so here it is below: 
 
 

You should enjoy the whole course – and finding the errors. There are over 170 of them to "track down" in PS1. Learning should be a positive, enjoyable experience and you'll find the course equally useful and beneficial whether as a second-income opportunity, a new career, or just for fun!   

Please do not look at the answers in PS2 (other than a brief glance!) until you have completed your work on the first set of proofs (PS1). Any errors that remain are my responsibility alone, and I apologise for any that may have been overlooked. You'll also discover that it's a great way to master your use of the English language.  

Any comments you may have are warmly welcomed and will be gratefully acknowledged.

Best wishes.  

WILLIAM CRITCHLEY 

Managing Editor 

PS. The freelancers.co.uk course is one of the best ways to begin if you're interested in freelance editing and/or copyediting.  

PPS. You don't need a 'certificate' to find work. Some firms offer them but publishers take no notice of them. What they want to know is whether you can pass a short test of 3-4 pages. More details in the course.

('old faithful': slow) 

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"A good book is the best of friends, the same to-day and for ever."  
 

WHO WROTE THAT?  
 
 
 
 

Find out in the 5-min. quiz: see Getting the Motivation & Working Holiday.  

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ENJOY IT!