Fact checking for editors
Fact checking for editors
Join PEG for a webinar about why fact-checking is a valuable skill in editorial work.
Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Time: 18:00-20:00 (Central African Time: GMT +02:00)
Presenter: Linda Pretorius
Platform: Online (Zoom)
Level: Beginner
Prerequisites/foundational knowledge: None
CPD hours: The duration of each webinar in this series is three hours. PEG members will earn CPD hours according to the criteria published on the PEG website. Attendees of the live presentation will receive a certificate confirming their attendance and the duration of the webinar. Those who are unable to attend the webinar live may submit their receipt as proof of having received the recording.
Pre-webinar materials: No pre-work will be necessary, but in-session exercises will be distributed ahead of the webinar.
Recording and PowerPoint slides: Everyone who registers for a webinar will receive a recording of the event and copies of the PowerPoint slides (if applicable) afterwards.
About the webinar
In this webinar, you’ll learn to think twice about statements masquerading as facts when they’re nothing more than folly – especially with AI-generated writing having become commonplace. We’ll look at common red flags when it comes to distinguishing fact from fabrication, discuss tips for spotting authoritative sources, and work through ample illustrative examples to sharpen your fact-checking focus. Short in-session exercises will be an opportunity for shared learning.
About our presenter
Linda Pretorius holds a PhD in Biosystems from the University of Pretoria. She loves both science and working with words. In her career as a science writer, editor and proofreader she has found the best of both worlds.
Linda entered the world of editing in 2008, first as a freelancer and then working in-house as managing editor at a large educational publisher for eight years. She thinks that her science studies and inquisitive nature have taught her to think critically about what the words in a piece of writing mean – and be cautious about accepting everything as fact. In 2019, Linda decided to take the plunge and return to the freelance world, where she shares her experience with others as editorial consultant and hands-on practitioner.
Cost
| Affiliation | Early-bird registration fee1 | Full registration2 |
|---|---|---|
| PEG members | R295 | R380 |
| Members of affiliate organisations3 | R400 | R500 |
| Non-affiliated members | R500 | R600 |
1Early-bird registration fee: Before or on Saturday, 15 August 2026
2Between Sunday, 16 August and Tuesday, 18 August 2026
3Professional Journalists’ Association of South Africa (ProJourn), Southern African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), South African Science Journalists’ Association (SASJA), the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI), Publishers’ Association of South Africa (PASA), Society of English-language professionals in the Netherlands (SENSE), Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd), Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and Nordic Editors and Translators (NEaT).
Take advantage of the early-bird special: save money and secure your spot at this webinar by registering early!
Please register by completing and emailing the registration form to the webinar administrator.
Deadline for registrations: Tuesday, 18 August 2026