If you have a natural knack for spotting errors in written pieces and have been looking for a way to break into the copy editing industry, you’ve probably harbored questions about how to successfully do it.
It can be especially tricky for someone with little experience in the field. However, with some hard work and dedication, it’s possible to land an entry level copy editor job.
Even if you don’t have a degree or experience, there are still ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. All it takes is a bit of time and effort on your part, but it will be worth it in the end when you get that job offer.
Today we’re looking in-depth at what it takes to get selected for copy editing jobs as a beginner. As we do so, you’ll learn:
- Hot to build a strong copy editor portfolio
- Tips for applying to copy editing jobs
- Strategies for sharpening your copy editing skills
Here’s everything you need to know about how to make your editor career dream a reality.
1: Know The Job Requirements For Copy Editors
Understanding the job requirements is key to getting your foot in the door and snagging that coveted position. According to a recent survey, 83% of professional copy editors have a bachelor’s degree.
Copy editor qualifications vary depending on what niche industry you are looking to enter. Generally, most employers will be looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in:
- English
- Communications
- Journalism
In addition, they will usually expect applicants to have some experience with proofreading and/or editing. This could include internships or freelance work for online publications or magazines.
In order to stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that you’re the right fit for the role, it’s important to hone your copy editing skills such as grammar knowledge, spelling accuracy and having strong attention to detail.
Leveling up your editing skills requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn.
One strategy for doing this is reading extensively. Exposing yourself to a wide range of materials, including books, magazines, and online articles helps you become familiar with various writing styles.
As you do this, you’ll be able to identify common errors and understand different editing needs.
Joining writing and editing groups is also valuable for exposing you to different perspectives in editing. Remember, it’s essential to be active by engaging in discussions, exchanging tips, and offering feedback to others to get the most value from these forums.
The saying “Practice makes perfect” rings especially true for copy editing. Edit sample texts or ask for writing submissions from friends, colleagues, or online writing communities. The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your eye for detail and common errors.
In addition, pay attention to feedback. When you receive feedback on your editing, take it constructively. Address the areas of improvement and apply the lessons to your future work.
Employers may also expect you to be familiar with different style guides such as APA and Chicago Manual of Style so it’s worth brushing up on these before applying for any positions.
All these skills combined make up a successful copy editor and will help you secure an entry-level position in the field.
To ensure your success in this profession, it’s essential that you understand what employers are looking for and familiarize yourself with all the different roles associated with being a copy editor.
Apart from the general must-have skills, each editing job is different. While some roles focus on copy editing and proofreading, others may have specific requirements such as deep editing, fact-checking, project management, and rewriting sections of text for clarity.
Other responsibilities that editors are frequently tasked with include:
- Creating effective digital content strategies
- Formatting images
- Optimizing the text for SEO
- Developing captivating content ideas
- Improving the English in an article to improve clarity
It’s important to be aware of these extra kinds of duties so that you brush up your skills in different areas.
With this knowledge under your belt and by practicing your craft regularly, you’ll be able to show potential employers why you’re the ideal candidate for their open positions.
2: Build A Portfolio Of Editing Work
Now that you know the job requirements for copy editors, it’s time to start building your portfolio. Having a compilation of copyediting samples is essential for landing an entry-level copy editor role.
Creating an effective portfolio requires understanding what kind of pieces to include and how to present them in the best way. Ideally, you should have a variety of editing examples showing how you’ve worked on various types of content such as:
- Blog posts
- Articles
- Essays
- Marketing materials
- Technical documents
- Fiction or nonfiction excerpts
This will give employers an idea of your range and capabilities as a copy editor. It also shows them that you can handle various types of editing tasks. The more relevant work experience you have in editing, the more impressive your portfolio will be.
To build a killer portfolio, focus on quality over quantity. Don’t just include anything that you’ve worked on, but rather showcase pieces that are engaging and demonstrate your best work as a copy editor.
Whenever possible, provide both the original version of the text and the final edited version. This allows hiring managers to see the improvements you made during the editing process.
Highlight the changes you made, such as correcting grammar, rephrasing sentences for clarity, and improving overall readability to make it easy for recruiters to spot the differences.
Including feedback from previous clients or colleagues you’ve worked with is a fantastic way to show potential employers that people trust you. Positive reviews add credibility to your skills and provide evidence of your professionalism as a copy editor.
Testimonials can be in the form of quotes or short paragraphs from satisfied clients, praising your work and its impact on their writing.
You might be wondering how to go about this if you don’t have any paid work samples or client testimonials yet. Not to worry! Consider offering your copy editing services pro bono to friends, family, or non-profit organizations.
This will allow you to gain experience, build your portfolio, and potentially receive valuable feedback that you can use to showcase your abilities to future clients. As you gain more paid work, simply replace the pro bono samples with professional ones in your portfolio.
When presenting this information online, make sure it’s organized neatly and easy to read so potential employers can quickly get an idea of who you are and what services you provide as a copy editor.
This will help create an overall professional impression and make it easier for employers to find value in hiring you.
As you gain more experience and expand your portfolio, don’t forget to update it regularly to keep it relevant.
3: Network With Other Editors And Gain Experience
Networking with other editors and gaining experience is a great way to launch into this field and build up relevant skills that are highly sought after by employers.
First, reach out to other editors in your area. Connecting with editing professionals provides an ideal way to learn about the industry and gain a better understanding of what employers are looking for when it comes to copy editors.
Ask questions about the job requirements, editing experience needed, and resume/cover letter tips. Most likely, these professionals will be happy to provide advice on how best to pursue an entry-level role as a copy editor.
Social media platforms aren’t just great for connecting with friends. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook offer fantastic avenues for connecting with editors and joining relevant editing communities.
Engage in discussions, share valuable content, and showcase your passion for editing. Networking online allows you to connect with professionals beyond your geographic location and increases your visibility in the industry.
Don’t underestimate the value of alumni associations, either. If you attended a college or university, explore the alumni network to find graduates who work as editors.
Alumni often appreciate helping fellow graduates, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or assistance.
If you aren’t a member of one already, consider joining a professional association. Look for local or national associations for editors and writers. These organizations often host events, workshops, and conferences where you can meet other editors and industry professionals.
Participate actively in these events, engage in discussions, and exchange contact information with fellow attendees. You never know, your future employer could be that unassuming person you talked to briefly when you arrived.
Volunteering with publishing houses, magazines, or non-profit organizations that require editing services is another excellent way to meet seasoned editors.
You’ll have the chance to work closely with experienced editors and make valuable connections while gaining valuable experience. Win-win.
No matter what route you take while pursuing a career as an editor, networking with experienced professionals and building up relevant experience is essential. Doing so can open doors that wouldn’t have been possible without taking initiative on your own accord.
4: Craft A Strong Resume And Cover Letter
Now that you’ve networked with other editors and gained experience, it’s time to craft a strong resume and cover letter.
Your resume should be succinct and to the point. Make sure your name, contact information, and any relevant experience is highlighted on the page.
For your cover letter, remember to include what drew you to the position and why you are the best fit for it.
Ensure your passion for editing comes through. You could say something like, “As an avid reader and a natural wordsmith, I’ve always been drawn to the power of language and the art of shaping written content. Editing allows me to combine my love for words with my keen eye for detail, making it the perfect career path for me.”
Also important is to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
An example of how to phrase this is, “With a Bachelor’s degree in English and two years of experience as a freelance editor, I’ve honed my abilities in grammar, syntax, and style. I take pride in delivering error-free content that engages readers and meets the highest editorial standards.”
Don’t forget to mention previous work you’ve done with clients and the projects you handled and how they’ve helped you master various writing styles and genres.
Apart from showing your enthusiasm for editing, it’s also essential to demonstrate why you’d want to work for a particular company. Express how the company’s vision aligns with your values and your excitement to be part of the team that actualizes this vision.
To ensure success in your job search, keep these tips in mind when crafting your resume and cover letter as a copy editor:
- Include specific examples of when you have edited or written something related to the field.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each individual job posting.
- Get someone else to proofread both documents before sending them off.
In order to stand out from other applicants, take the time to ensure both documents are well written and free of errors. Investing in professional services such as resume writing help can go a long way towards making sure your copy editor resume looks great.
How ironic it would be to have a glaring typo in your cover letter when applying for a copy editing position!
With a bit of effort put into crafting your resume and cover letter, you’ll be well on your way towards snagging that job. Remember to be sincere, confident, and concise in your documents as these qualities appeal to hiring managers.
5: Apply To Copy Editing Jobs Strategically
It can be difficult to get your foot in the door of copy editing jobs, but being strategic goes a long way in easing the process.
The first step is understanding the job requirements; portfolio editing, networking with editors, and crafting an effective resume and cover letter are all essential components.
| Required Skills | Strategies |
| Portfolio Editing | Highlight relevant work samples that demonstrate your skill set and attention to detail. |
| Networking With Editors | Join groups or associations related to copy editing and reach out to existing editors for advice. |
| Crafting A Resume & Cover Letter | Carefully tailor both documents for each specific job application and emphasize your qualifications. |
With a better grasp on the required skills, you can begin to put together an effective application strategy.
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of passing through the ATS screening.
For instance, if the job description lists knowledge of a niche such as cryptocurrency, ensure you include the word cryptocurrency in your application documents.
Equally important is to research the company or organization you’re applying to, to enable you tailor your portfolio, resume, and cover letter accordingly.
Also, look beyond the job description and delve into the company’s culture, values, and work environment. Ensure it aligns with your preferences and professional goals, as this leads to better job satisfaction once you land the role.
If possible, try to find the contact information of the HR or hiring manager and reach out to them directly. A personalized email expressing your interest and qualifications makes your application stand out as compared to a generic one.
Another option is to create a succinct yet comprehensive profile on job boards such as Glassdoor or Indeed as it increases visibility of your skill set among potential employers.
After creating your profile, keep checking the job boards for updates. Visiting job boards every day helps you understand the various client requirements for copy editors. Performing regular searches on these sites sets you on the path to gaining your first client.
Social media also provides an avenue for finding editing clients. Consider joining specific Facebook groups and apply whenever a job is posted.
Instead of a regular post that has only text, try something different such as creating a graphic highlighting your services. If the group allows for self-promo, post your graphic from time to time and watch out for anyone asking for an editor.
By following these steps, you’ll be one step closer towards finding success in landing entry-level copy editor jobs. Take the time to understand what’s required of each job posting and be sure to take advantage of networking opportunities within the field.
With proper preparation and dedication, those coveted dream jobs aren’t too far away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Soft Skills are Required to be a Copy Editor?
Most recruiters will look for soft skills in addition to technical or educational qualifications when hiring a copy editor. Some of these include leadership, time management, organization, and communication skills.
What is the Difference Between a Copy Editor and a Proofreader?
While a copy editor goes through the written content and corrects spelling and grammar, a proofreader checks the layout and general organization of the text such as italics. A proofreader doesn’t rephrase sentences or restructure sections, unlike a copy editor.
Which Websites Can I Use to Find Copy Editing Jobs?
Whatever niche you’re interested in, there are various websites that offer opportunities to work as an editor. Some of the most popular include Cambridge Proofreading, Flexjobs, Jobsforeditors, and ProofreadingPal.
Kickstart Your Editor Career With Entry Level Jobs
If you’re passionate about writing, punctuation, and grammar, then a career as a copy editor may be just what you need to take your career to the next level.
Investing your time in upgrading your skills and taking advantage of different resources and opportunities at your disposal will help you become a successful professional in this field in no time.
Understanding what the job requires, building an impressive portfolio, and networking with other editors will give you an edge over the competition and increase your chances of clinching your desired entry-level copy editing job when you send in your application.
Lastly, remember that everyone has their own unique skill set and talents which they bring to the table, so take advantage of your strengths and abilities to find success in this field.
Do you want to be the preferred candidate on employers’ lists in every application? Take a look at our library of resources and gain insights on how to position yourself as an experienced editor.
Your dream editing job is within your reach.
