Copy Editor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Copy Editor, or Proofreader, is responsible for reviewing written content such as articles, blog posts, manuals or manuscripts to ensure excellent readability, grammar and punctuation. Their duties include communicating with Writers, Editors and Publishers, reading through content and making notes of odd passages and correcting grammar and punctuation errors.

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Copy Editor Duties and Responsibilities

A Copy Editor’s biggest responsibility is editing and fact-checking content. Some Copy Editors are also responsible for things like assigning work and generating ideas for stories, blogs or articles. Other duties include:

  • Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.
  • Help companies develop style guides to govern how content is created.
  • Arrange page layouts to include written content as well as elements like photos and ads.
  • Train new Writers and Editors about the company’s content creation process.
  • Meet with clients or customers to define content needs and create a content calendar.
  • Fact-check all content.
  • Check content against a style guide, such as AP Style or Chicago Style.
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Copy Editor Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

The Republican Newspaper in Springfield, Massachusetts, has immediate openings for copy editors and page designers to join our Publications Hub with both print and digital responsibilities. This is a part-time position working 3 or 4 days a week.

Responsibilities:

Design and paginate news, sports, business and feature pages, as necessary

Edit copy, write headlines, edit and rewrite captions, proofread pages

Work on a variety of daily and weekly newspapers; Spanish language skills a plus

Contribute to the planning and execution of multiple publications, including daily and Sunday newspapers

Curate story, photo and graphic content from multiple sources, including social media platforms, for use in print products

Skills & Experience:

Degree in journalism, communications or a related field or commensurate experience

At least 2 years of experience with a proven ability in writing, editing copy, writing headlines and producing high-quality newspaper pages; command of AP style and grammar a must

Strong organizational, time management and communication skills

Demonstrated success working in a deadline-driven environment

Ability to work independently as needed and prioritize multiple tasks appropriately

Experience with Adobe InDesign suite and Photoshop among digital skills needed; ability to design and execute graphics a plus

The Republican publishes in print and digital seven-days-a-week and is affiliated with [website], which served 8.5 million visitors last month. The Republican is committed to creating a diverse environment which reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other category protected under federal, state or local law.

Job Type: Part-time

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Springfield, MA 01103: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    Example 2

    We’re looking for a versatile wordsmith who is equally comfortable working in the digital and print realms and can learn multiple editing systems quickly, handle busy periods with aplomb and collaborate diplomatically with editors, designers and account managers. Supports delivery of well-written, error-free content on deadline for nonprofit clients, such as universities and charitable organizations, that want to increase donations via planned giving (wills, trusts, etc.).

  • Copyedits, proofreads and fact-checks external and internal jobs.
  • Reviews and revises external and internal publications to ensure they are well-written and logically structured.
  • Proofreads and fact-checks publications to ensure they are grammatically correct and meet established style guidelines.
  • Collaborates with editors, designers and client success managers to resolve discrepancies.
  • Applies Stelter research, direct response results and insights to the decision-making process.
  • Helps maintain the editorial archive to ensure compliance with current tax laws, rates and editorial style.
  • Adheres to standard industry and Stelter style rules and journalistic practices.
  • Follows all established SOPs; works within all established guidelines.
  • Maintains records in Stelter systems as required.

    What does it take to be a Copy Editor at Stelter?

  • Excellent written English, including spelling and grammar
  • Command of style rules associated with print and Web media and adherence to individual clients’ style when required
  • A meticulous approach to work and an eye for detail
  • The ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines and juggling numerous responsibilities
  • A love of and feel for language
  • Superior communication skills and proven ability to collaborate well with others
  • Proficiency using Macs, Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office and comfort with email editing and web editing programs

    Education AND Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in communication-related or marketing-related field, or equivalent experience
  • At least three years of experience copyediting or writing in the newspaper, magazine and/or content marketing field.

    *
    *

    NOTE: This is a part-time position. Candidates should have morning and afternoon availability Monday – Friday for approx. 25 hours/week. Additional flexibility is needed during peak busy seasons.

    The Stelter Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Application Question(s):
  • Are you available Monday through Friday to work approximately 25 hours per Location: Remote
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    Example 3

    Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • PA State Police Criminal History Check
  • Excellent working knowledge of grammar and written language
  • Experience with Adobe programs preferred

    Description
    Join our Publishing and Media team as a full-time Copy Editor!
    In this role, you’ll work with Pennsylvania Counseling Services as well as our faith-based publishing department, LiveUp Resources.
    You’ll assist the team with various projects related to:

  • Editing copy to maintain consistency in tone and style
  • Proofread documents
  • Fact check content
  • Assist with design projects
  • Complete typing and transcribing projects
  • Provide support with graphic design and video editing

    Skills needed for this position:

  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to edit website content, send email campaigns
  • Experience using Microsoft Office, WordPress and MailChimp preferred
  • A basic knowledge of Adobe Premiere is preferred, but we can train the right candidate
  • A strong understanding of maintaining brand standards across content and projects is needed
  • The pace of work can be fast at times, so we’re looking for someone who can keep up while also remaining organized and paying attention to the small details
  • Willingness to develop studio and video production technical skills

    Working hours are flexible, with occasional mandatory long days for video shoots (generally 10 hours/day for shoots).
    This position is in person, remote work is not available. EOE
    Applicants may be tested on auditing, typing and proof reading skills at time of interview.

    Benefits

  • Company paid health insurance or waiver pay if you are enrolled in health insurance elsewhere
  • Dental, vision and disability insurance available
  • 401K option with employer match available after 1 full year of employment
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Tuition discounts available if seeking a degree
  • Student loan pay down program that does not require you to pay PCS back if you leave

    Salary
    $12-$14

    Degree Requirement
    High School Diploma / GED

    Working Hours
    40 hours per week

    Full / Part Time
    Full Time

    Job Type: $12.00 - $14.00 per hour
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    Example 4

    GW, a leading publishing vendor, is actively recruiting freelance copyeditors for finance and investment journals.

    Assignments are made on a project-by-project basis, and we have a steady flow of new projects all year long. This work is based in Chicago style (the journals follow an individual style as well), so we need copyeditors who are reliable, experienced, consistent, and flexible. If that’s you, keep reading!
    Project schedules vary, but most projects require editing of 100-150 manuscript pages per week (at a speed of at least 10 manuscript pages per hour).

    Your main responsibilities would include:

  • Correcting all spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
  • Editing content to match Chicago and journal-specific style
  • Ensuring consistency in style throughout
  • Cross-checking all table, figure, and box citations against the actual tables, figures, and boxes
  • Ensuring all references (if any) are cited in the text

    You would not interact with the authors.

    Think you have what it takes? Here’s what we need from you!

  • Experience editing textbooks or journals
  • Strong proficiency in Chicago style
  • Robust knowledge of Microsoft Word including familiarity with Track Changes and formatting tables and figures.
  • Strict adherence to meeting or beating deadlines. The editing stage can have enormous impact on the entire production process, and we want to start each project off on the right foot!
  • Ability to work efficiently and within a budget. As a vendor, we must work within the confines of our clients' budgets, so being able to work efficiently is key.

    Here’s what gives you a leg up!

  • 2+ years’ experience editing finance and investment textbooks or journals
  • Experience creating macros or other automating tools

    What's next?
    Step 1: Submit a resume and cover letter.

  • Tip: To really wow the review committee, also include a list of clients and/or projects you have edited.

    Step 2: Complete our qualifying editing test (to be sent after step 1).

    All applicants must be located in the United Type: Full-time
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    What does a Copy Editor do?

    Copy Editors typically work for publishing houses, newspapers, magazines or marketing agencies. They use their attention to detail and their expert knowledge of style guides to contribute to well-written and error-free content. Their job is to make sure that they fact check statements, correct typos and grammatical errors and mark unnecessary or confusing passages for the Writer to revise later on. They may also provide suggestions on how to improve the clarity of a particular passage or statement.

    Copy Editor Skills and Qualifications

    A mastery of language is the most important skill for a Copy Editor. Copy Editors typically have experience with one or more style guides—in fact, it’s common for a job posting to ask that an Editor have knowledge of a certain style guide. Copy Editors also need to be flexible and able to learn about whatever subject a client needs content for. 

    Outside of language skills, successful Copy Editors need lots of qualifications related to soft skills and areas like teamwork. These skills include:

    • Written and oral communication skills
    • Time management skills
    • Multitasking skills
    • The ability to work under pressure
    • The ability to meet tight deadlines
    • Organization skills

    Copy Editor Salary Expectations

    The average salary for a Copy Editor $20.10 per hour. However, the pay an Editor can make depends on many factors, such as whether they work part- or full-time and whether they have any type of management responsibilities.

    Copy Editor Education and Training Requirements

    Copy Editors need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as English or communications. It’s not uncommon for a Copy Editor to have a degree or training in an area related to the company’s field of expertise. For example, a scientific publication would likely want to hire Editors with a background in science.

    Copy Editor Experience Requirements

    Copy Editors can find work right out of college. It’s also common for writers to move up into editing roles or for Copy Editors to start in other editing or project management roles. Copy Editors should have demonstrated experience in clear communication.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    The responsibilities of a Copy Editor overlap with a few other positions, so it might help to expand your research. Consider these job description samples for similar roles:

    Ready to Hire a Copy Editor? Build a Copy Editor Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Copy Editors

     

    What is the difference between a Copy Editor and a Proofreader?

    The difference between a Copy Editor and a Proofreader is that Copy Editors play a much larger role in ensuring the quality of the content they edit. For example, both Copy Editors and Proofreaders strive to identify and correct grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes. However, Copy Editors go beyond editing format and typos. They also seek to ensure the validity of the content (if reviewing a non-fiction piece, instruction manual or biography) by checking credible resources and speaking with industry professionals. 

    Further, they aim to highlight areas that need strengthening in the second draft. They also provide suggestions on where Writers should elaborate or condense their copy.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Copy Editor?

    A Copy Editor typically begins their day by arriving at their work location. A lot of Copy Editors also have the option of working remotely from their home. They have meetings with the Copy Chief or Chief Editor to discuss the progression of manuscripts and upcoming deadlines. 

    On an average day, a Copy Editor has anywhere from one to several manuscripts to work on, each with their own deadlines and requirements. Copy Editors read through documents, usually in a digital format, correcting mistakes and leaving comments as they read through. If a manuscript requires fact-checking, they contact a Fact-Checker or credible professional who can provide more insights into the topic. If they complete a manuscript, they submit it for further review by the Chief Editor and the Writer of the piece. They typically perform several stages of editing to ensure the quality of the content.

     

    What makes a good Copy Editor?

    A good Copy Editor is someone with superb knowledge of the grammatical rules and punctuation of one or more languages. They should be quick learners as they may need to read through manuscripts meant for a particular audience or industry of which they aren’t familiar. A good Copy Editor should also have a talent for completing multiple assignments with overlapping deadlines while still maintaining a thorough work ethic. They should also display an ability to provide constructive criticism to maximize a project’s potential.

     

    What should you look for in a Copy Editor resume?

    A worthy job candidate for a Copy Editor position should have a polished resume, free of grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes. They should also present a list of previous roles that highlight their work in the publishing industry or specialized industry related to the content you publish. Work experience as a Writer, Editor, Proofreader, Fact-Checker or Copy Editor indicates their skill level and potential contributions to your company.

    Job Description Examples

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