Copy editors need strong language, writing, and grammar skills, as well as subject matter expertise. A degree in English or journalism is helpful, and internships can provide experience. Copy editing jobs are available in publishing and media, with opportunities for advancement. Freelance work can provide experience and skills for permanent positions.
The training required to become a copy editor can differ depending on the type of media being edited, but demonstrated skills in language, writing and grammar are always essential. Most manuscript copy editors come from literary sources. To become a book copy editor, it’s usually best to study literary trends and patterns and look for work with a publishing house. If you want to become a copy editor at a newspaper or broadcast news program, however, you will likely need a background in communications or journalism. Copy editors should be experienced in the subject matter of the material they are editing.
One thing all copy editors must have in common is a love of language, an interest in grammar, and an ability to interact with writers to improve an original work. Copy editors work with virtually all written products. Books, newspapers, scripts and even websites require copy editing services. The first thing you need to do to become a copy editor is to determine what type of editing you want to do.
It is not normally possible to obtain a copy editing degree. Some schools will offer workshops or lectures on editing skills, but there usually isn’t enough information to cover in order to take an entire course. The essential skills of a copy editor are often honed over time and grow out of experience with the underlying subject matter.
Most copy editors who work with book manuscripts have college degrees in a language, such as English. Studying literature and reading books in an academic setting will give you strong writing skills. This background will allow you to help writers shape and create their own manuscripts.
Copy editing jobs are widely available from most publishers. Many of these positions are designed for editors with very little experience, which means you can start applying as soon as you graduate. Entry-level copy editor jobs at publishing houses are usually not very glamorous, but there is almost always great potential for advancement.
Things work a little differently in the media industry. Newspaper editors often have journalism or communications degrees, and many have several years of experience working as reporters or writers. Newspaper editors often work to much tighter deadlines than manuscript editors. As such, they must be quick, accurate and intimately familiar with media jargon and reporting style. They must be able to quickly spot holes in the news and often have to do research to fill in gaps on their own.
Many news outlets offer student internships to journalism and communications students interested in pursuing careers as news writers or copy editors. Check with your school’s career center to see if any of the local newspapers have internships available. Newspapers also often advertise internship and entry-level jobs on their websites.
Newspaper copy editors are increasingly editing web content and print content. Web content editors should typically be able to demonstrate at least some experience with web coding and web page layout, in addition to any subject matter experience they have. Any experience you can get working with web content will help your application become a copy editor in the new media industry.
Almost all print and publishing shops employ full-time staffs of copy writers and editors, but copy editing positions are also often offered independently. This is particularly true for web-based editing. It is often cheaper for companies to hire copy editors for temporary projects and small batch work as freelancers. For the editor, this often has the advantage of flexible hours and even a work-from-home arrangement, but often lacks the benefits and other perks of full-time employment. However, starting out as a freelance copy editor can provide you with the demonstrated experience and skills needed to advance to a more permanent position.
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