What Kind of Degree Do I Need to Become a Copy Editor?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 400-job decrease in the editorial field between 2008 and 2018. This may lead to increased competition in the already competitive field of copy editing, as more editors vie for fewer positions. To increase your prospects of gaining work in this field, a combination of education, skill and experience are necessary.
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Job Description
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Copy editors make changes to print or electronic text for clarity, mechanics, grammar and house style. Most copy editors are not authorized to make major changes to a writer's content or voicing. Job distinctions between copy editors and proofreaders may blend at some publications, which use copy editors as the final check against mechanical errors, traditionally a proofreader's job. The work requires long hours of sitting and reading with attention to detail. Employment may include traditional on-site work or telecommuting, and copy editors may be employees or independent contractors.
Required Degrees
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A bachelor's degree in English, journalism or communications is the basic requirement for most copy editing positions. Copy editors working in technical fields may also need a bachelor's or advanced degree in a specific field, such as computer programming, biochemistry or engineering. An associate's degree or certificate may lead to entry-level copy editing work, but a bachelor's degree or higher will make you more appealing to employers.
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Course of Study
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English grammar and mechanics are the basis of any copy editor's education, but journalism and communications classes will teach you to present the information in a clear, concise manner that engages readers. Formal training in Associated Press (AP) style is generally included in journalism and communications degrees, but English degree programs may use other style guides. Studying a variety of style guides on your own will improve your employment prospects. Most newspapers and magazines use AP style, while book publishers use the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and academic publishers often use American Psychological Association (APA) style.
Ancillary Studies
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Even if your degree program does not include them, take courses or teach yourself basic computer skills with a variety of word-processing programs. Knowledge of design and layout programs may make you more employable with companies such as ad agencies, as they will allow you to make corrections within designed pieces rather than sending notes for changes back to a designer. Even if you plan to work only in computer-based environments, it may be useful to study traditional editors' marks as a means of making yourself employable to those who prefer hard-copy editing.
Necessary Skills
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The ability to identify language errors and correct them is only one part of a copy editor's job. As an editor, you must complete work on time with consistent quality, often with rapidly shifting priorities. Some positions may require you to work directly with writers, which means you must cultivate interpersonal skills that allow you to make corrections and suggestions with tact and professionalism.
Salary
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Typical copy editor salaries range between $30,270 and $49,642 per year as of 2010, according to PayScale. Actual salary will vary by location, publication type, your experience and the company's annual revenue.
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References
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