Back to Writing and Editing: Revising
University of Michigan

Writing and Editing: Revising

This fourth and final course in the “Good with Words: Writing and Editing” series will help you master perhaps the most important step in the writing process: revising. You’ll learn about the difference between editing and proofreading. You’ll practice “un-numbing the numbers” so that data and statistics you use are clear and compelling. And you’ll be introduced to a framework for giving and receiving feedback that helpfully systematizes what should be cut and what should be kept from each draft. As with the other three courses in this series, you will also get access to a wide range of books and other resources you can use even after you finish the course. These include: (1) the readings and exercises provided to the students who have taken the in-person version of this course at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago; (2) two digital libraries of excellent writing from a diverse collection of journalists, scientists, novelists, poets, historians, and entrepreneurs; and (3) a monthly “Good Sentences” email.

Status: Creativity
Status: Time Management
BeginnerCourse14 hours

Featured reviews

Reviewed Aug 10, 2022

I did forget to leave this feedback on a previous review I gave, but I wish I had known this course was 4 of 4 prior to joining this class. I would have enjoyed taking the series in order.

Reviewed Jul 9, 2020

A wonderful course. It has opened my eyes to the power of editing and has given me the tools to maximize the impacts of my revisions of the final writing product.

Reviewed Oct 24, 2022

I​ have always had a passion and skill for editing. This course honed my skills and improved my existing knowledge. Teachers are awesome and know their stuff.

Reviewed Sep 7, 2020

I have learned how to write and edit with practical examples.The course is good to learn and practice, I am so grateful to Prof. Patrick Barry and Coursera.

Reviewed Mar 29, 2021

Excellent course. Professor Barry brings English to life through engaging lectures and video presentations, to recommended readings, the course flows.

Reviewed Mar 5, 2025

A great primer for early career editors who work with academics or experts. Empowering to hear an expert speak to needing cuts and to streamline or make more simple.

Reviewed May 31, 2023

This is a MUST for everyone! Professor Patrick Barry is an exceptional mentor that you will get hooked into becoming better and better as a writer.

Reviewed Jun 2, 2026

I truly enjoyed Professor Barry's presentations. I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to write with confidence.

Reviewed Feb 25, 2021

This is one of the best courses I have taken through Coursera. Very well thought out and informative.

Reviewed Dec 31, 2022

Helped me a lot through the concept of editing, writing and revising the written piece.

Reviewed Jan 20, 2022

Well done. Now that I have completed all 4 courses, I am as excited to use some of these concepts as I was to learn them. Professor Barry is awesome in his approach.

Reviewed Jul 16, 2020

Mr. Barry is a great teacher. He explained the whole "menu of concepts" clearly, warmly and well. I'm very satisfied with this course.

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