General

  • What is Backdraft?

    Backdraft is an online professional development course that teaches you to write with clarity and impact. You’ll learn to spot, name and fix the 36 mistakes that account for 95% of bad writing.

    Backdraft is based in plain language. The self-paced course focuses on clarity, brevity and simplicity. Each lesson uses audio-visual, interactive and written formats to support various learning styles.

    The course content was created by a team of professional writers at a Canadian communications agency called Stiff.

  • Who is Backdraft for?

    Backdraft is for anyone who wishes to become a better writer. The course is designed for individuals, teams and organizations that want to create accessible and inclusive content. Backdraft trainees include professionals from the government, not-for-profit and private organizations.

    The course isn’t just for people who have writer, editor or communicator in their titles. Lawyers, bankers, healthcare workers, researchers, policy analysts, administrators, teachers and more benefit from Backdraft.

  • What are fumbles and fumble codes?

    We use the term fumble to describe a mistake made in writing. These mistakes result in lack of clarity and impact. Each of the 36 fumbles you learn with Backdraft have their own code. This codification helps you review and edit written work as an individual or within a team more efficiently. The codes give you control over your writing and revision process. The use of the Backdraft system also removes bias and subjectivity in the editing and approval process.

  • How will I use Backdraft in my daily life?

    You can apply the Backdraft system to everything you write—from texting or emailing to marketing copy, reports and presentations. You can apply what you learn in the course as a quality-control system. Use the fumble codes to markup and edit any written material.

  • What types of content can I apply the Backdraft system to?

    You can use the Backdraft system to help you write or edit any type of content—emails, reports, briefs, social media posts, website copy, news releases, books, articles, ads and more.

  • Can my company use Backdraft for corporate training?

    Yes, Backdraft is for everyone—even for corporate teams. Whether you're looking to sharpen your team's writing skills or improve the editing process, Backdraft will help your organization fix common mistakes in its communications and elevate writing across the board.

  • Is Backdraft an artificial-intelligence (AI) system?

    No. AI writing tools can be impressive, but they won’t make you a better writer. Backdraft enables you to take full control of your writing. You won’t need to rely on a machine. The course will help you develop an editor’s skill to see deep into your writing. You learn to understand what makes your writing weak, and how to fix it—for good. That’s how you truly improve as a writer.

Taking the course

  • What will I learn through Backdraft?

    Backdraft focuses on the 36 most common mistakes that account for 95% of bad writing. We call these mistakes fumbles. You will learn to spot, name and fix each of these fumbles. The fumbles address syntax, logic, grammar, diction, punctuation and rhetoric. This approach helps you develop vital insight into your own writing, and that of any other writer whose work you review. After the course you will be able to:

    • Produce clear and impactful content quickly.
    • Write plain language content that is accessible to diverse audiences.
    • Fix writing mistakes without bias or AI.
  • How is the course structured?

    The course is organized into 36 lessons that teach you about the different fumbles. These lessons include detailed written explanations, animated videos and practice tests. After every six fumbles, you will take a test to measure your growing knowledge. At the end of the course, you will take a final exam that challenges you on your awareness of all 36 fumbles. You need at least a 70% grade to pass. You can retake any of the tests and the final exam.

  • How long does the course take?

    You can expect to spend between 18 and 24 hours on the course. However, the lessons are self-paced, so the length of time for completion depends on your learning style and pace. We encourage everyone to take their time. The more you can focus on the training, the more you will get out of it.

  • Can I retake tests or the final exam?

    Yes. You can retake any of the tests or the final exam as many times as you need to feel confident in your skills. We encourage you to review lessons regularly for continuous improvement.

  • Will I receive any type of certification or accreditation?

    Yes. Everyone who completes Backdraft successfully will receive a certificate to mark the achievement.

  • What curriculum-based support is available during the training?

    You can contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about course content or need support.

Language and style

  • Are there any prerequisites or language requirements?

    You don’t need any prerequisites to take Backdraft. You do need a reasonable understanding of the English language to get the full benefits of the course. The course is ideally suited to intermediate-level English speakers, which includes those who study English as a second language.

  • What English dialect is the course provided in?

    The Backdraft course is grounded in Canadian English. Our spelling is a mid-Atlantic blend of British and American influences (See Oxford Canadian Dictionary). We follow -re, -our, -ous and -ize spelling conventions. We write labelled, not labeled. Terms and phrases are also influenced by our Canadian roots.

  • What style guide does course follow?

    Backdraft is neutral. You can apply what you learn to any style. You can use Backdraft alongside your organization’s guide or any recognized guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook.

    The Language Portal of Canada, a product of the Government of Canada’s Translation Bureau, is our default style guide. It is comprehensive, non-prescriptive and easy to use for anyone who wants to improve their language skills. Learn more about the portal Canada's language portal here.

    We do not enforce the serial comma, as we believe the specifics of a sentence should dictate the need for it.

  • How does Backdraft incorporate plain language?

    Backdraft is based on the principles of plain language: clarity, conciseness, cohesiveness and usability. The course teaches you how to write copy that puts the reader first, avoids jargon and uses active voice. Content that uses the Backdraft system is more accessible and inclusive.

Registration and payment

  • How much does Backdraft cost?

    Backdraft costs CDN $995.00. This one-time cost gives you lifetime access to the course and all updates. We offer discounts for groups. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

    We offer a free preview course that gives you access to three of the 36 Backdraft lessons. You can access the preview here.

  • Can I try the course before purchasing?

    We offer a free preview course that gives you access to three of the 36 Backdraft lessons. You can access the preview here.

  • How do I purchase the course?

    Individuals can purchase the course directly from our website. If you have not already set up an account, Thinkific will prompt you to at checkout.

    For information on group sign up and rates, contact us at [email protected] or +1 613-683-4100.

  • Will I receive a receipt for my purchase?

    You will receive an official receipt through Thinkific Payments as proof of payment. If you need any specific formats for your proof of payment, contact us at [email protected] or +1 613-683-4100.

  • What methods of payment are accepted?

    Individuals can purchase the course directly from our website using a credit card. If you require an alternative payment method, reach out to our team at [email protected] or +1 613-683-4100.

  • Where can I access the course?

    If you have purchased the full or preview course, you can sign in and access them from Your Dashboard.

    You can use the sign in details that you set up during purchase.

  • Does the course expire?

    Your access to Backdraft will never expire. You can revisit the course through Thinkific as often as you like. We recommend that you refresh your awareness of the 36 fumbles regularly.

  • Can Backdraft be taken as a team or group?

    Yes. Backdraft can be taken as an individual or as a team. We offer group rates. You can contact us at [email protected] or +1 613-683-4100.

    to purchase the course for a group.
  • Can I take Backdraft offline as in-person training?

    The online delivery method is the best way to take Backdraft. However, we can provide a solution if you need an alternative option or an accessibility accommodation. Backdraft’s parent company, Stiff, offers in-person and virtual classroom style training. Reach out to our team at [email protected] to know more about these options.

Technical support

  • How can I receive technical support?

    You can get support on basic technical issues from Thinkfic by visiting their Troubleshooting Guide for Student Issues. If you're still having difficulties, contact us at [email protected].

  • What equipment will I need?

    You will need a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone with internet connection to take the course. We recommend that you wear headphones to reduce background noise, especially during video lessons.

  • Can I use a smartphone to complete the course?

    Yes. You can complete the course on a smartphone; however, the learning experience is best on a desktop computer or laptop.

  • What internet browser should I use?

    Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge are the only browsers that support Backdraft. You can’t access the course through Internet Explorer. If you are having any difficulties completing the course in your browser, you may find helpful information at Thinkific's help centre.

  • How do I add my certification to my LinkedIn profile?

    You can add your Backdraft writing training certificate to your LinkedIn profile under Licenses and certifications.

    You can fill out the fields with the following:

    • Name: Backdraft writing training
    • Issuing organization: Stiff
    • Issue date: The date of completion (available on your certificate)
    • Expiration date: NA
    • Credential ID: Available on your certificate
    • Credential URL: Available on the certificate page
    • Skills: Plain language, Technical writing
    • Media: Downloadable version of your certificate, available on the certificate page