A Guide to Becoming a Copy Editor
Want to break into the writing and editing business but unsure if copy editing is the right path for you?
You might enjoy this option as a job or as a side hustle if you enjoy editing and have a keen eye for detail.
Copy editing is distinguished from proofreading because you will be responsible for polishing work before it is published and ensuring that it adheres to the publication’s editorial standards.
Both copy editing and proofreading fall under the category of editing, so if you enjoy editing, you might find yourself doing both.
Copy editing, on the other hand, necessitates a unique set of abilities and standards, which we shall discuss in this post.
This post will cover what copy editors do, the experience you’ll need, the fundamentals you should be aware of, and how to get your foot in the door if you’ve been thinking about becoming one.
Copy editors: What Do They Do?
The primary objective of copy editors is to ensure that the writing to be published, or the “copy,” is as near perfect as it can be.
They pore over a piece for a long time. They must ensure that the item functions as a complete in addition to checking for any evident faults. It could entail conforming to the requirements for publication, tying up any loose ends, verifying the accuracy of certain passages, and offering general recommendations across the entire work.
There are several different writing industries where copy editors are employed. If you decide to become one, you might write for magazines, blogs, newspapers, novels, documents, business writing, and more.
In contrast to proofreading or editing in general, copy editing frequently ensures that the publishing standards are met rather than focusing only on finding punctuation or spelling errors.
Building Copyediting Experience
Working on your editing skills and grasping the fundamentals of what phrases and written works need to be suitable for publishing are prerequisites before you can begin looking for a job as a copy editor.
You might want to pick up a copy of The Associated Press Stylebook, The Chicago Manual of Style, or another kind of editing manual if you haven’t reviewed editing standards in a while. That will cover a lot of the fundamentals you’ll need to be familiar with and have committed to memory in order to be successful as an editor.
Your client might also have certain specifications for citation guidelines, preferred punctuation, and general formatting for published works, depending on who you work with.
It would still offer you a head start to learn what the most recent recommendations are when it comes to precise formatting requirements, even though you won’t know the exact rules until you begin dealing with clients.
It will be simpler to gain experience if you attend a writing or editing school, but keep in mind that you can do it with or without a degree.
What Qualifications Are Needed for Copy Editing?
Above all else, it’s critical for a copy editor to be able to identify problems with sentences and offer recommendations for how to make the writing better.
The rest are really minor things, but they are the talents you will need the most and should begin practicing before you apply for any jobs.
Copy editors are also in charge of the following:
-ensuring that everything flows smoothly and can be read.
-Correct any and all spelling, grammar, formatting, and punctuation mistakes.
-Change the text to adhere to all style requirements.
-Tweak headlines to make them more intriguing and clear.
-Provide writers with feedback so they can get better at writing.
-Verify all of the facts in the article.
You must be able to see errors and prevent them from slipping through your fingers because you are responsible for any published errors.
In addition to learning the fundamentals of editing, you’ll also need to develop your ability to meet deadlines and interact well with others.
Be sure the reader will be able to grasp what is being said in every piece of writing you edit. To ensure that it is appropriate for the target audience, you may need to alter the piece’s tone and voice.
Can a Copy Editor Work Remotely?
In general, if you’re able to work remotely will depend on the firm or customer, but it’s definitely possible to obtain a remote job as a copy editor.
Editing is something you can do by exchanging files over the internet, so it would be one of the simpler options for remote employment.
Yet, a lot of publications still call for employees to be present in the office, particularly the major ones.
If getting a remote job is important to you, you should inquire in advance or look for copy editing jobs with that criterion in mind.
How Much Money Do Copy Editors Make?
A copy editor makes an average salary of $75,100.
That’s a decent place to start when estimating how much you will make; however, you can expect more or less based on your experience and education.
Getting Started as a Copy Editor
Let’s assume you have some experience under your belt now and are prepared to look for employment.
Generally speaking, you have two distinct options to choose from.
Either start looking for freelancing work or obtain employment with an organization.
In either situation, you’ll need to start compiling your professional expertise and building a portfolio to show prospective customers or companies.
1. Build Your Portfolio And References
You should compile all of your editing work and the pleasant remarks people have made about it in one location in order to construct your portfolio.
You’ll have something to offer clients or prospective employers, and you’ll be able to accurately summarize your skills.
Obviously, if you’re applying for a traditional job, you might also need to put out a CV and cover letter, but your best chance of getting hired is with a strong portfolio.
2. Choose the Type of Work That Interests You
Do you want to work as a newspaper copy editor? Blogs? publisher organizations? Magazines?
Do you wish to work in a certain sector?
Before you really find anything you’re enthusiastic about doing, you might need to try a few things out, but having a good concept of where to start might help you start to know where to apply.
Alternatively, you might be able to uncover some positions that look interesting if you read through any type of job-hunting website.
3. Keep Networking
The best approach to finding work is by networking, even though looking for jobs is a good way to get started.
To see if anyone has a contact at a publisher, you could wish to get in touch with your friends, relatives, alumni, and other professionals you know. Even if you don’t get a job through that person, you will learn more about the sector and how to differentiate yourself.
You might be able to increase your reputation and audience by using social media and blogging, but it’s not always required to do so.
In either case, if you keep networking and promoting yourself, you will ultimately obtain a job as a copy editor.
Final Words
In conclusion, becoming a copy editor requires a combination of natural talent, education, and practical experience. It’s a profession that demands a keen eye for detail, an understanding of language and grammar, and the ability to work collaboratively with writers and other professionals.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, aspiring copy editors can hone their skills and develop the knowledge needed to succeed in this rewarding field. With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a skilled copy editor and contribute to the quality of written communication in their industry or community.
