Q: Can I make a living as a copy editor?

Yes, you can make a living as a copy editor. Some copy editing jobs pay well, like at publishing houses, media companies, or companies that create manuals and large documents. Working as a copy editor for a small newspaper or even freelancing may not be as lucrative. It all depends on where you work.

Q: Do you need a degree to be a copy editor?

No, you do not need a degree to be a copy editor. However, most publishing houses or newspapers require a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or communications. In some cases, having enough work or project experience can help someone without a degree land an entry-level position or pick up work as a freelance copy editor.

Q: Is being a copy editor a good career?

Yes, being a copy editor is a good career. It's a good career path for someone with a good eye for detail who enjoys reading and correcting errors. Like any job, there are both pros and cons to being a copy editor.

Question 1

Can I make a living as a copy editor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make a living as a copy editor. Some copy editing jobs pay well, like at publishing houses, media companies, or companies that create manuals and large documents. Working as a copy editor for a small newspaper or even freelancing may not be as lucrative. It all depends on where you work.

Question 2

Do you need a degree to be a copy editor?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a degree to be a copy editor. However, most publishing houses or newspapers require a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or communications. In some cases, having enough work or project experience can help someone without a degree land an entry-level position or pick up work as a freelance copy editor.

Question 3

What is the difference between a proofreader and a copy editor?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a proofreader and a copy editor is in the scope of the editing process. Copy editing, for example, is about making sure a text is clear, readable, and error-free, whereas proofreading is about correcting errors in a "proof" version of a typeset text.

Question 4

How much do copy editors make?

Accepted Answer

Copy editors make, on average, $47,000 a year ($23.06 an hour). However, there is some range in how much a copy editor can make - starting from as little as $31,000 to $72,000 a year. Factors such as location and industry impact how much a copy editor can make.

Question 5

Is being a copy editor a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a copy editor is a good career. It's a good career path for someone with a good eye for detail who enjoys reading and correcting errors. Like any job, there are both pros and cons to being a copy editor.

Question 6

How do you put copywriting on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You put copywriting on a resume in several ways - including in your profile summary, professional experience, education/training, and skills section of the resume.

However, it's not enough to just state that you are a copywriter on your resume. Rather, you will need to demonstrate this in how you describe your experience, skills, and accomplishments.

Question 7

How would you describe copy editing on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You describe copy editing on a resume as a skilled task that includes proofreading, fact-checking, and editing content to ensure grammar, syntax, and punctuation are used correctly and style guides are followed.

Question 8

What is a copy editor's job description?

Accepted Answer

A copy editor's job description is to help restructure copy to create better flow, accuracy, and clarity for audiences to ensure that tone and voice in writing match company branding.

This can include proofreading, fact-checking, and editing content to ensure grammar, syntax, and punctuation are correctly used and style guides are followed.

Frequently asked questions about copy editors

Questions About Becoming a Copy Editor