Synonyms: Proofreader, Editorial Assistant, Editor

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Copy Editor
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Chris

Quick Facts

What copy editors do:

Copy editors review written material for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and clarity, ensuring that the content is polished and error-free before publication. They may also check for consistency in tone and style, ensuring the content aligns with the publication’s standards.

Median income:

$75,020 per year annually or $36.07 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Most copy editors work regular office hours but may have flexible or freelance schedules, especially if working remotely. Tight deadlines may sometimes require additional hours.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field is typically required.

Job Outlook

The future for copy editors appears to be in decline, with a projected -2% growth, meaning new job opportunities are less likely in the future.

This is perfect for you if:

• You have a keen eye for detail
• You love working with language, especially English
• You enjoy ensuring content is error-free and clear

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Chris Hughes to learn more about being a copy editor here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Typically works during regular office hours, but freelance and remote roles often offer flexibility. May work extended hours to meet tight deadlines.

Setting:

Works in offices, publishing houses, or remotely from home, depending on the role. 

Tasks:

Review and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, ensure clarity and consistency in style and tone, check facts and references, and collaborate with writers and editorial teams.

Topics:

Grammar, punctuation, spelling, style guidelines, tone consistency, sentence structure, clarity, fact-checking, reference formatting, editorial standards, and publication processes.

Skills:

Attention to detail, strong knowledge of grammar and language, excellent communication, familiarity with style guides, and time management.

Tools:

Laptop or computer with editing software such as MS Word or Google Docs, proofreading tools like Grammarly and Hemingway, and project management tools like Trello or Asana.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Exceptional attention to detail, excellent command of language, strong problem-solving skills, efficient time management, clear communication, and an ability to focus for long periods.

Interests:

Enjoys working with language, refining text, ensuring clarity and accuracy, and learning about a variety of topics through the material they edit.

Personality:

Typically have conventional, investigative, and artistic personality types, with a preference for structure and precision, combined with a love for creativity and analysis.

Values:

Accuracy, clarity, consistency, high standards for written content, helping others communicate effectively, and a commitment to excellence.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Copy Editor

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field is generally required. Experience in writing, editing, or internships in publishing can also be helpful.

Preferred Majors

Pursuing majors in English, journalism, communications, creative writing, linguistics, media studies, publishing, marketing, or a related field can be helpful.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Chris

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Be thorough—check spelling, facts, and details. Many editing jobs require a test, so review carefully. On your resume, highlight your degree, writing experience, and internships. A background in writing, journalism, or marketing provides a solid foundation for copy editing.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

The fastest way to get into copy editing is by having a background in writing or reading, along with a strong understanding of communication. If you’ve done creative work or have an English background, that’s a solid foundation. Experience in writing or editorial roles can help you transition easily into this niche if it interests you.

Recommended resources:

Chris recommends enrolling in online courses like Proofread Anywhere to learn the basics of proofreading and copy editing. It’s also important to learn about the different citation styles, like the Associated Press Style Guide, Chicago Manual of Style, and APA Style.

What Chris would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“You want to make sure that you set yourself up for finding a place that you will be happy with as you get into your thirties and forties and beyond. When you start and get a 401(k) packet, you might think, ‘I’m young, I’ve got time,’ but it’s important to find a stable place where you can grow early on. The earlier you do that, the better because as you get older and start thinking about retirement, you want to be set. There aren’t as many companies offering pensions, so you need to be knowledgeable and set yourself up for success.”

Watch the full interview with Chris:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 11 September 2024.

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