Copy editors prepare pieces of text for publishing, checking and changing the author’s manuscript (or ‘copy’). They often work on books but may also edit articles for journals, as well as text for brochures or instruction manuals.

The work of a copy editor involves:

• correcting errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
• making sure the text is in the publisher or publication’s style (‘house style’)
• ensuring that the meaning of the text is clear
• checking that references are quoted correctly and pictures have the correct captions
• checking for possible legal issues, such as libel, partiality or breach of copyright
• resolving queries with the author
• consulting the author if extensive revision of the text is needed
• passing the edited copy on to the typesetter for formatting into pages that look similar to the finished book or article ('proof' pages).

Most copy editing is done on a computer (‘on-screen editing’) but copy editors also sometimes work on a printout (‘hard copy’) of the author’s typed or word-processed manuscript.

Hours and Environment

If you work in-house as a copy editor you will usually work normal office hours, but may need to work longer hours at busy times or when you have tight deadlines.

As a freelance copy editor you will usually work from home, and will have more freedom to decide your own working hours; however you will still need to meet agreed deadlines.

Skills and Interests

To be a copy editor you need:

• a good command of English
• concentration, accuracy and attention to detail
• the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• tact and diplomacy for working with authors 
• to be methodical and well-organised 
• good computer skills
• knowledge of production and printing processes 
• a high level of self motivation.

Entry

To become a copy editor you will usually need a degree and experience in publishing at a junior level.

Degrees in publishing are available at a number of colleges and universities – visit the Publishers Association website for details. There is a link to the website in Further Information below. To work in a specialist area such as scientific publishing, it will be useful to have a relevant degree.

After completing a degree, you will usually need to start in a junior position, such as editorial assistant, so that you can get some experience of editing. You may be more likely to find work with small, less well-known publishers to start with. This will enable you to gain experience, build up contacts and develop a portfolio, so that you will be more likely to be considered by larger publishing companies.

Joining professional organisations such as SfEP and Women in Publishing will be useful, as it will give you opportunities for professional support and networking.

You may be able to find freelance work through contacts you have made in the industry, or by making speculative approaches to publishing companies. You can find contact details on the members' lists of organisations such as the Publishers Association. See Further Information below for a link to the Publishers Association website.

Some of the larger publishing house run graduate training schemes.

Training

When you start work as an in-house copy-editor you may receive on-the-job training.

You can also do training courses through organisations such as the Publishers Association, the Publishing Training Centre and the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP). SfEP training includes a course on going freelance. See Further Information below for contact details.

As a member of SfEP you can also have your details published on the society's directory, which is used by publishing and other companies who need editing services. 

Postgraduate courses relevant to copy editing are available, and may improve your career prospects.

Opportunities

Because most publishers, especially very large companies, now use freelance copy editors there are limited numbers of in-house vacancies. Therefore, there can be fierce competition, especially in fiction editing. There are more likely to be opportunities in other areas, such as children's books and academic, educational, technical and professional books and journals.

Opportunities for progression depend on the size of the publishing house. Working in a small publishing houses may give you the opportunity to learn all aspects of the industry, whereas there may be more opportunities for promotion in larger companies.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. 
Salaries for in-house copy editors vary widely depending on the size and location of the employer. 
Copy editors may earn around £16,000 to around £18,000. 

Freelance copy editors negotiate fees with clients. The SfEP suggests minimum hourly rates (currently £19 an hour) but there is no obligation for publishers to pay this amount. 

Further information

45 East Hill
Wandsworth
London
SW18 2QZ
Tel: 020 8874 2718 Riverbank House
1 Putney Bridge Approach
Fulham
London
SW6 3JD
Tel: 020 7736 3278 29B Montague Street
London
WC1B 5BW
Tel: 020 7691 9191