Copy editor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist training courses with professional bodies
• a graduate training scheme

University

Many copy editors have a degree. Most subjects are accepted.

A degree in publishing, media, English or a similar subject may improve your chances of finding work.

You may need subject matter expertise or a specific degree to work in specialist publications, like scientific, medical or technical journals.

Work experience at university

You may find it useful to get work experience during your studies.

Some publishers offer work shadowing, work experience or internship opportunities.

Your university careers service can help you explore your options.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this role, such as:

• Publishing Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These typically take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of workplace training and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start as an editorial assistant  at a publishing company to build up your experience editing and proofreading.

This would also allow you to build a portfolio of your work which you can show to potential employers.

Volunteering

Charities often look for volunteers to help them write and edit their publications.

You can search volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

OtherRoutes

You could take a proofreading or editing course, like the ones offered by the The Publishing Training Centre or the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).

Some publishing houses run graduate training schemes and internships.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• concentration skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• administration skills
• business management skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Copy editors make sure writing is clear, consistent, correct and ready to publish in printed and online publications.

As a copy editor, you might:

• correct spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
• check the length of the text fits in with publisher requirements
• make sure the text is in the right style for the intended audience
• apply a 'house style' to content written by more than one writer
• make sure the meaning of the text is clear
• check for legal issues like libel or breach of copyright

Location : You could work in an office or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £46,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a features writer, chief sub editor or production editor.

Many copy editors work freelance.