Copy Editor Job Description
What Does a Copy Editor Do?
A copy editor is responsible for ensuring accuracy and consistency in the written content of a publication. They read and edit text for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, accuracy, and style, as well as fact-checking and conforming to a publication's style guide.
Copy Editor Job Description Example
Cheyenne Publishing House is looking to hire a copy editor to join our team. We’re a rapidly-growing and vibrant publishing house producing a wide variety of high-quality products. We’re seeking an experienced copy editor to help ensure all written content is error-free, accurate, and meets our high standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Proofread and edit content for grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, and accuracy
- Ensure accurate use of style guides, dictionaries, and glossaries
- Interpret and adjust copy for different audiences
- Ensure accuracy in all text, graphics, and page layout
- Provide feedback to writers on style, grammar, and formatting
- Monitor the accuracy of all content across multiple mediums
Work Hours and Benefits:
The copy editor will ideally work 40 hours each week, with occasional overtime as needed. Cheyenne Publishing House offers competitive wages and benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in English or a related field
- Proven experience editing in an office setting
- Advanced knowledge of English grammar and style
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Training and Education:
We provide our employees with on-the-job training and an opportunity to obtain additional education as needed.
If you’re an experienced copy editor looking for a meaningful role in a vibrant publishing house, we’d love to hear from you. We look forward to receiving your application.
What to Include on a Copy Editor Resume or Job Posting
Common copy editor responsibilities
- Proofreading and editing copy for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
- Ensuring that all copy adheres to the publication’s style guide.
- Fact-checking and verifying accuracy of all content.
- Rewriting and restructuring copy as needed.
- Working with authors to ensure that their copy meets the publication’s standards.
- Ensuring that all copy is free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Working with designers to ensure that copy is properly formatted for print or digital media.
- Collaborating with other editors and writers to ensure that all copy is consistent and cohesive.
- Identifying and correcting any potential legal issues with copy.
- Maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Qualities & traits
- Attention to detail: Copy editors need to be able to spot errors quickly and accurately.
- Knowledge of grammar and punctuation: Copy editors need to be familiar with the rules of grammar and punctuation to ensure accuracy.
- Communication skills: Copy editors need to be able to communicate effectively with authors and other editors.
- Objectivity: Copy editors need to be able to look at a piece of writing objectively and make impartial decisions.
- Time management: Copy editors need to be able to manage their time effectively and meet deadlines.
- Patience: Copy editors need to be patient and willing to go over a piece of writing multiple times to make sure it is error-free.
- Adaptability: Copy editors need to be able to adapt to different writing styles and formats.
- Creativity: Copy editors need to be able to think of creative solutions to problems and make suggestions for improvement.
What a typical day looks like for a copy editor
A copy editor's day-to-day duties involve performing a thorough review of written material to ensure accuracy and readability. This may include reading a text and making sure it has correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. Copy editors will also look for errors in facts, clarity of writing, inconsistencies, and inappropriate content. They must also read for style and make sure that the material meets any house style guidelines. Finally, copy editors provide feedback to authors and suggest improvements or revisions to the text.
Compatible jobs and work history
Copy editors are essential members of any team responsible for creating written content. They work to ensure that all written materials are accurate, organized, and free of errors. Copy editors are generally expected to have experience in the field of writing and/or editing, but there are many other job titles and industries that are compatible with the skills needed to become a copy editor. These include roles in publishing, journalism, communications, marketing, and public relations, among others.
Compatible Job Titles:
- Editorial Assistant
- Content Manager
- Technical Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Communications Coordinator
- Digital Content Manager
- Content Strategist
- Social Media Coordinator
- Content Developer
- Copywriter
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