Copy Editor: Education Requirements and Career Information
Copy editors strive to ensure accurate content in print and Web articles and books. They proofread stories and correct errors in spelling, grammar and story logic while checking facts and writing headlines. The job also requires the ability to design a page, either in print or online, and work with all editorial departments to ensure timely production. Obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, communications or English will build the foundation necessary to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Copy editors typically earn at least a bachelor's degree in journalism, English or related fields. Journalism programs offer coursework relevant to the profession that allows the student to develop editing, writing, fact checking, page layout, Web design and proofreading skills. Students in these programs will also learn about ethics, media law and how technology and new platforms are changing media and publishing. The curriculum will teach students the critical thinking skills necessary to produce accurate articles. Many journalism graduate programs offer similar classes for those who wish to enter the field.
English degrees can similarly train students in essential areas of syntax and story logic while requiring in-depth exploration of literature to become familiar with a variety of writing styles. A firm grasp of the English language and the ability to capture errors and expertly lay out a story across media platforms are the keys to copy editing.
Career Information
While some copy editor positions take on the traditional tasks of proofreading for errors, fact checking, headline writing and page design, others require more managerial duties such as overseeing the work of freelance contributors and enforcing strict deadlines. Copy editing duties for smaller or niche publications may include these additional responsibilities.
Required Skills
Successful copy editors possess the following attributes:
- Computer expertise
- Familiarity with pagination and design software
- Creativity
- Detail oriented
- Deadline driven
- Excellence written and verbal communication
- Meticulous proofreading
- Strong fact checking
Job Outlook
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of newspaper jobs is in decline, but technological advances will increase the number of positions for editors, especially those with Web and multimedia experience (www.bls.gov ). The copy desk can often be a springboard into higher editorial positions such as line editing or managing editor.
Salary
According to PayScale.com, the middle 50% of copy editors earned from $30,476-$49,536 in 2010. The BLS indicated that as of 2009, the mean annual salary of editors in general (not necessarily distinguished as copy editors) was $58,440 (www.bls.gov).
Copy Editing for Books vs. Newspapers, Magazines and Web
A freelance copy editor can provide services for newspapers, websites, magazines or books, but responsibilities will vary widely depending on the publication. Whether freelance or in-house, a book copy editor checks the grammar, punctuation and spelling of a manuscript and also verifies the facts and implements changes to ensure clarity and consistency in the flow of the story or information. Copy editors for book publishers must be familiar with production design, process and the appropriate editorial markings. By contrast, those who copy edit for newspapers and magazines generally receive an article that has already been sent to a line editor for changes. In these instances, the story will ideally be sent to the copy editor to run a final check for spelling, syntax and continuity.
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