Text Editor

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Text Editor. A Text Editor evaluates content to determine whether the text is ready for production, and applies editorial, production and project-management processes in preparation of this material (print, digital, audio, or composite text). The content includes all published materials except film and news media and the function is carried out in a freelance capacity or in-house at the relevant business. The typical attributes of a graduate include, amongst others, leadership, communication, advisor, mentor and entrepreneurship. A qualified learner will be able to: • Edit the contents of one or more publications according to the relevant style, the editorial policy, and other publishing requirements using appropriate language skills. • Proof-read proofs of content during the production process. • Under supervision of publishing personnel who deal with rights issues for the publishing enterprise, request and authorise the use of copyright material, alert publisher to plagiarism, copyright and defamation issues when necessary. • Project manage the editorial process of a manuscript/raw text or composite material to ensure deadlines and budgets are met and quality standards are attained and consistently maintained.

Text editing ensures that grammar, syntax, and spelling are correct; the established style for a book is followed; and the book's language is suitable and understandable to the readers. Skipping text editing lowers the quality of the textbook. Editing and proof-reading are essential parts of the writing process. They help with the effectiveness of the writing style and the clarity of ideas. In South Africa, awareness of career options in publishing and editing is limited, and publishing is perceived to be language-oriented, even though the industry can be accessed from various other fields (e.g. science and mathematics). Access into the industry is limited. Few institution-based training opportunities are available at this level as most learning takes place on the job and through informal mentoring. In-house training is scarce and the responsibility for training lies with proof-readers and editors themselves. The publishing industry is experiencing transformation created by changes in technology because of moving from printed matter to digital matter; and thus, requires new skills and training. The proofreading and editing functions are generally outsourced to freelancers and this creates more jobs in this sector. Therefore, there is a need for the Occupational Certificate: Text Editing. Similar qualifications registered on the NQF, other than the one used for horizontal articulation, have expired as of June 2021 and therefore are no longer relevant. The industry is racially skewed. This qualification will offer a variety of benefits to society, the industry and learners, including: • opening the industry.> creating employment for new-generation job seekers. • creating business opportunities. • supporting entrepreneurs and enabling them to develop their own businesses. This qualification will create entry into the industry, creating a suitable career path and mobility in the sector. The society and economy of South Africa will benefit from this qualification since it is aimed at all official languages, thereby furthering the production of materials and communication in indigenous languages, and broadening readership. It supports legislation promoting indigenous languages in South Africa. Mostly, editors work as freelance entrepreneurs, or find formal employment within publishing houses, government departments, in the business and corporate communication field or at legal institutions. They will be employed as management editors, project editors, language and media practitioners. This qualification is suitable for recent graduates, those changing careers and those already in editing without formal qualifications. Persons with a higher certificate in any field trying to develop marketable skills can enrol for this qualification. Industry bodies consulted during the development of this qualification included amongst others in the South African Book Development Council, Publishers Association of South Africa, Professional Editors Guild and Language and Media Practitioners of South Africa. There is professional registration is needed to function as a Text Editor. This qualification encompasses two part-qualifications. These two part-qualifications prepare learners to function according to editing standards set by the industry. They also provide successful learners with respective sets of employable skills, whereby enabling leaners to enter employment and start a career within the text editing career path. Learners qualified in terms of these part-qualifications will suitably fill the skills gap and provide a competent service to the publishing sector, the economy and consumers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. RPL for Access to the Qualification • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development providers or workplaces accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. • RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 5 qualification.

• Pay attention to detail and apply language skills when interpreting a brief and editing text.
• Pay attention to detail and apply language skills when interpreting a brief and proofreading text.
• Identify and alert publisher to copyright, plagiarism, defamation and permissions issues in text, and request and authorise use of copyright material.
• Plan and manage an editorial project ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Compile briefs that are in line with the requirements of the content and the target audience; and that serve as a basis for the editing and proofreading of the text.
• Manage project resources, ensuring efficient completion of the editorial process of a manuscript.
• Quality assure a publication throughout the pre-publication process, ensuring quality standards are attained.