Obtaining a Career as a Copy Editor

Publishing houses employ copy editors and it is an important job profile. Public relations, organization, advertising agencies, retailers, and government agencies also employ them and many work as freelancers. A career as a copy editor can be started off with an editorial assistant job. Some of them start their career as reporters and sub-editors in newspapers firms. Copy editors might be involved in technical writing too. It is important for them to have in depth knowledge regarding the language. A crash course which focuses on the grammar and style of writing may be helpful.

A copy editor needs to review the text to make sure that the text is readable, accurate, and ready for publication. Copy editors work on books, newspapers, magazines, web content, and other publications. They might add and edit content like headlines and other suitable content. Those who copy edit are also called sub-editors.

A copy editor also needs to review the text from its structure's perspective, content accuracy, and flow. They also need to ensure that the content does not pose any legal problems. A copy editor has a busy schedule especially when the content needs to be printed.



He needs to check sentence formation, grammar, spelling mistakes, punctuation, copyright issues, checking captions, and other relevant issues. The aim of editing jobs is to maintain a professional writing style and stick to the writing standards.

A literature degree can be helpful for editor jobs. They may get promoted to senior publishing roles and managing publications. Experience will groom the copy editor's performance. They should be creative and must be capable of writing an inspiring introduction to various topics in a short span of time. The qualities possessed by a copy editor are:

• Excellent written English
• Deft writing skills with proper grammar
• Meeting deadlines and offering great quality service
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Passion and love for the language

The skill sets for a copy editor job and proofreader job match in most cases. Here are some of the skill sets that are required:

• Deft writing skills with good spelling and grammar
• Ability to work under pressure
• Great attention to details
• An inquisitive mind
• Ability to offer great quality service and reliable service
• Following the writing and design style and guidelines
• Good rapport with the authors
• Passion for the language
• The urge to provide good quality content
• Knowledge on various topics and fields of interests

Copy editors must be trained to stretch back and offer their work when the print time approaches. They are trained to work for longer hours to meet the project deadlines. Sincerity and commitment must be inculcated in the training programs. There can be special modules which focus on improving the knowledge regarding the language. Mastering the language is very important. Only on a complete understanding about the syntax of the language, one can offer a seamless flow of expressive words on various contents. The style of writing will depend upon the experience of writers. Hence it is necessary to gain prior experience before entering the field. The work is usually desk based.

There are bountiful career options for an editor's job. Most of them are self employed and start their career as freelancers. But gaining immense knowledge about the nitty gritty of the field, one can get a quick and successive upgrade in their profile. This might fetch them a nice earning. A common projection about the salary is given here.

• Salaries for employed copy editors may be around $12,000
• Salaries may rise to $20,000 with experience
• Chief sub-editors on a national newspaper or magazine may earn up to $45,000

A career as a copy editor will slowly gain momentum with experience. Hands on experience and a passion for the language will lead the way to rip-roaring success in their career.