A Copy Editor General Job Description

A copy editor is trained to correct and coach writers' work, making grammatically correct, concisely written and without error. Copy editors review nearly every piece of printed material and are especially important on newspaper, magazine and website staffs. A person can copy edit his or her own work--and many writers do this--but a professional copy editor is paid to edit other people's writing. To this end, a good copy editor is also a bit of a politician, knowing what to say and how to say it.

The Basic Read

When a copy editor first encounters a piece of writing to be edited, he or she does an overall check of the piece to correct typos or problems with grammar. Depending on the job, a copy editor will either simply correct those problems or return the piece to the writer with instructions to do so.

Content

A copy editor checks a second time for information and content improvements--if the information presented is clear and concise. The copy editor either corrects any errors or returns it to the writer with instructions to fix it.

Maintaining Voice

The best copy editors can view a piece as an unfamiliar reader would, and without interrupting the person's individual style. Copy editors should not change a piece to match how they would have written it, but instead improve the writer's style.

Giving Feedback

Feedback should explain what needs to be changed without confusing the writer or hampering his or her talent. Copy editors must be sensitive in providing feedback and thorough in his or her rationale.

Deadlines

A copy editor must be able to turn things around in a reasonable amount of time to give the original writer a chance to make changes. This can be as swiftly as a matter of minutes in the daily newspaper business or a matter of months when someone is editing a novel. But staying on time is required of a copy editor, since he or she is likely part of a larger print production process.

References

• StateUniversity.com: Copy Editor Job Description, Career as a Copy Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job Read more: Copy Editor Job Description, Career as a Copy Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job