How to be a Copy Editor

Copy editors used to use only a pen and paper to do their editing, but now many editors work entirely from a computer screen.

Copy editors have a keen eye for detail and must pay painstaking attention to spelling and grammar. A copy editor's job is not to influence the content of a piece of writing, but rather to insure that the structure of the text is sound. Copy editors often work on a contract or freelance basis and are frequently able to work from home and on a flexible schedule. In this article, we will discuss how to be a copy editor.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Something to write with

Instructions

How to be a Copy Editor

1. Make a list of important things to check in every piece of writing. This list should include things like spelling, comma placement, run-on sentences, proper use of semicolons and subject-verb agreement.

2. Turn this list into a table.Each item on the list should have its own row. Make each column wide enough to hold a check mark. You should be able to fit about fifteen columns across the page.

3. 

   Print out the document you are going to edit.You can do a final read on your computer screen, but you are more likely to catch errors when reading a hard copy.

4. Make small corrections as you read the piece you are editing the first time through. The first time you read a piece of writing, keep a pencil handy so that you can mark small problems as you see them. If the problem is simple to fix, then go ahead and correct it as you go. However, if a sentence needs to be rewritten then circle the item and return after you have read the entire document all the way through.

5. Check off your list one item at a time. Using your chart, make sure that the issues on the table are resolved throughout the document. Check off each item as soon as you are confident that every example of that item has been resolved.

6. Reread areas where you have made corrections. The last place you corrected is also the most likely location for a new mistake. Recheck edited areas with care.

7. 

   Reread the piece a final time for fluidity, grammar, spelling and coherence. Read through the entire piece one more time. If you must make further corrections, then repeat steps 5 and 6 as often as necessary.