Copy Editor Jobs in the United States

Copy Editor Jobs Overview

Dangling participles, misplaced apostrophes, double negatives — think of all the grammatical errors we'd have to endure were it not for professional copy editors! By editing text to improve clarity, accuracy, and readability, copy editor jobs play a vital role in the field of communication. Whether it's a book, a newspaper, or an online blog, copy editors work hard to ensure the text you read is engaging and error-free.

In addition to correcting and revising content for publication, a copy editor's job can include responsibilities ranging from fact-checking and formatting to page layout design. Acting as a liaison between the author and management, copy editors also help ensure the finished content aligns with the company's publication policies.

While most copy editors work in-house, work-from-home positions are becoming increasingly available. Wherever you work as a copy editor, expect publication deadlines to determine your work schedule. Performing well under pressure is part of the job.

Salaries for Copy Editor Jobs

Salaries for copy editors vary depending on the position's specific responsibilities. For example, with a range of $15.68 to $28.41 per hour, the median salary for proofreaders is $21.49 per hour. The median pay for editors who not only proofread but also review and revise content is $24.60 per hour within a range of $17.23 to $34.67 per hour.

Copy editor jobs are more plentiful and generally pay better in cities with large media and entertainment markets. Positions that allow copy editors to work remotely from home typically pay less but offer other benefits like a more loosely structured work schedule. Use Monster's salary calculator to see how much editing opportunities pay in your area.

Here are the median salaries for five of the nation's top-paying cities for copy editor jobs:

• San Francisco, CA - $28.93 per hour
• Washington, DC - $27.56 per hour
• New York, NY - $26.69 per hour
• Chicago, IL - $25.32 per hour
• Los Angeles, CA - $24.63 per hour

Finding the Right Copy Editor Job

Defining your specific interests in working as a copy editor is key to securing the ideal position. It's equally important to keep your long-term career goals in mind. The following questions can help you determine which types of copy editor jobs are best for you.

• Is your top priority salary, a flexible schedule, or growth opportunities?
• What are the aspects of working as a copy editor that most appeal to you?
• How do your personal strengths and weaknesses impact your job performance?

Study the Job Description

Once you've determined what you want most from a copy editor job, review each job description to assess whether the position meets your objectives. Be wary of job postings with vague references, unclear job duties, or unrealistic expectations. A reputable employer will describe responsibilities and requirements in clear and precise terms.

If the copy editor position appeals to you but you're not certain you meet the job's qualifications, consider continuing your education. Some of the most rewarding copy editor jobs require a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications.

Learn More About the Employer

Before submitting a job application, research the company's culture. You'll be happier in your new position if the organization's vision, mission, and values align with yours.

You can often acquire this information by exploring the employer's website. Read their blogs, news releases, and articles. Check out their "About Us" section to verify it's an organization you want to join.

If you're looking for copy editor jobs that will advance your career, take note of the company's hierarchy as well. Is there room on the ladder to move up? You may enjoy a more satisfying experience as a copy editor if you know that opportunities for growth await you.

How to Apply for Copy Editor Jobs

What's the best thing about applying for a job as a copy editor? It gives you the chance to showcase your formidable editing skills. An application that's clear-cut, engaging, and grammatically correct from start to finish is sure to make a great first impression.

Craft an Effective Resume

Misspelled words, improper formatting, distracting fonts or images — as someone well-versed in copy editing, you're likely aware of the most common mistakes people make on their resumes. You might be less familiar with today's automated resume screening processes. To make sure the hiring manager sees your application, emphasize resume keywords mentioned in the job description, such as:

• meeting deadlines
• problem-solving
• work independently
• fast learner
• team player
• self-starter

How can you ensure that your resume meets the highest standards of excellence? Check out Monster's sample proofreader resume to get ideas. For expert assistance, take advantage of our professional resume writing services.

Write an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

A cover letter offers you another opportunity to illustrate your editing skills and convey your passion for skillful writing. It also gives you a chance to persuade the employer that you're the right person for the job.

Explaining why you want to work for the organization is an optimal way to begin. It shows you've done your homework by researching the company, and it allows you to express your enthusiasm about the position. Remember that, in a cover letter, it's perfectly acceptable to be personable and express your feelings of excitement about the copy editor position.

Once you've captured the employer's attention, hold their interest by giving specific examples of how the copy editing you've done in the past had positive results. Need more inspiration? Check out the elements to include in your cover letter, including:

1. proving that you’ve done your homework
2. showing how your skills are relevant
3. excitement about the position

Submit the Application

You've written your resume, composed your cover letter, and filled out the application — you're ready to go! The most effective way to submit your job application is to open a Monster account. Benefit from a free professional resume review from our team of experts - one of many perks just for members. You'll also receive notifications for additional copy editor jobs as soon as they become available.

How to Follow Up the Application

Minutes can feel like hours, and hours like days when you're waiting to hear back about a copy editor job you truly want. Hang in there, and stay positive. Hiring managers often follow a lengthy review process. Wait a week or two before contacting the employer again.

After an appropriate amount of time, email or phone the employer to demonstrate your continued interest in the position. If you're not sure who is the best person to contact about your application, the front-desk receptionist or human resources department can usually give you the information.

When communicating with the designated contact, keep your message brief and to the point. Convey your enthusiasm for the copy editor position, and reiterate why you're the ideal candidate. For more tips, read our tips on how to follow up on job applications.

Interviewing for Copy Editor Jobs

As a copy editor, you've learned to check everything twice (at the very least) to ensure the content is error-free. When it comes to preparing for job interviews, it pays to be just as meticulous. Start by practicing your answers to the most common job interview questions.

Here are some questions you can expect during an interview for a copy editor role:

• Which editing experience gave you the greatest satisfaction, and which one frustrated you the most?
• What books or other publications inspire you?
• You have one minute to edit a 500-word article on deadline. What three issues do you look for?
• How do you keep yourself motivated when faced with repetitive work like fact-checking or proofreading?
• How do you give negative but necessary feedback to authors or colleagues, and how do you respond when you receive it?

Be prepared to answer some not-so-common questions, too. Interviewers often include some hypothetical queries to learn more about your personality and see how fast you can think on your feet. Here are a few samples of off-the-wall questions:

• What fictional character do you identify with the most?
• If you could spend the day with any author, who would it be?
• What three books would you want to read if stranded on a desert island?

The Interview Process

The more you know about the employer's hiring procedures, the more confident you'll feel about winning the interview. Familiarizing yourself with the different interview formats companies typically use helps ensure you’re prepared for every situation.

A proactive approach is helpful, too. If you're uncertain what to expect, don't hesitate to ask the employer a few clarifying questions. Here are some examples:

• How many rounds of interviews can I expect to attend?
• Will they be held in person, by phone, or via video conference?
• Who will be conducting the interviews?
• Who else will be present during the interviews?

Interview Tips

No matter how fervently you prepare for the interview, you're bound to encounter some questions you'll find challenging to answer. That's when responding to questions using the STAR method comes in handy. This interview technique lets you answer any question in a simple yet effective way.

For example, if asked how you would handle a conflict with a coworker, use the STAR technique — situation, task, action, result — to narrate a story about a comparable situation you encountered. Tell how you decided to address the issue, took action to resolve it, and achieved positive results.

Whatever questions you hear during the interview, be honest with your answers. You're more likely to enjoy a rewarding career as a copy editor with an employer who accepts and appreciates you for your authentic self.

How to Follow Up After the Interview

Within 24 hours of the interview, send a thank-you email to each person who interviewed you to express your gratitude for the meeting. Keep the message short and the tone professional but personable. Referencing topics that you discussed with each interviewer helps to differentiate yourself from other job candidates.

Looking for additional ways to set yourself apart from the competition? One smart strategy is to follow up your email with a phone call.

How to Respond to Job Offers

After all the hard work you've done applying for copy editor jobs, congratulations are certainly in order when you receive an offer! Employers expect a prompt response, so contact the hiring manager soon to convey your appreciation and let them know how much time you'll need to make a final decision. Make sure you evaluate the offer carefully before reaching an agreement.

From the job title and start date to the salary and benefits, it's essential to scrutinize each detail in the offer before saying "yes" to the position. Use your editing skills to identify any unclear aspects of the offer, such as job responsibilities or anything within the compensation package. If you have any questions, seek clarification from the company before making your final decision.

If you're interested in accepting the offer but aren't sure if it's fair, research the market value for similar copy editor jobs. Get comfortable with negotiating the salary or additional benefits you believe you deserve. Whether or not you decide to accept the job, expressing your sincere gratitude for the offer helps keep the door open for future opportunities.

Career Paths

Copy editors often begin their careers as writers, proofreaders, or assistant editors. After gaining experience, they may wish to move into positions with greater responsibilities, such as those listed below.

• managing editor
• marketing manager
• editor-in-chief
• marketing director

Keep in mind that career paths for copy editors vary according to the industry in which they work. For example, a copy editor working for a small-town newspaper will have fewer opportunities for advancement than one employed by a national media network or large advertising agency.

Education levels matter, too. Top editorial positions typically require a bachelor's degree in English or journalism. In the corporate arena, a master's degree in business is a boon for management-level jobs.

Similar Occupations

Consider these other roles related to copy editing:

• proofreading jobs
• associate editor jobs
• content editor jobs
• technical writer jobs
• editing jobs