How to Find a Career as a Copy Editor

A copy editing career can be rewarding, exciting, and lucrative. Of course although you may have excellent skills as a copy editor, it still can be quite difficult to get started in a copy editing career. There are some excellent tips out there that can help you land copy editing jobs, whether you are brand new to the field or you have years of experience. If you are wondering how to find a career as a copy editor, then here are some helpful steps that can help you find a career as a copy editor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• resume
• portfolio

1. Start by creating a resume that is compelling. Whether you are experienced or not, the resume you submit for copywriting jobs will be important when you are trying to get started in a copy editing career. Your resume is the way that you can work to sell yourself. The resume should be compelling, well structured, and should grab the attention of the prospective employer. Just remember that your resume should be error free. After all, who would hire a copy editor that couldn't submit a well written and error free resume?

2. Work on developing a quality portfolio. When you apply for a copy editing career most employers are going to want to see your portfolio. Even though you may be just getting started, you can still create a quality portfolio to show. You don't have to only include work that has been paid for. Personal projects can also be included in your portfolio. Even pieces of writing from college can be added to build up a nice portfolio to show off when applying for copy editing jobs.

3. Look at online job sites for good copy editing jobs. Today it is easier than ever to find a copy editing career online. There are a host of job sites on the internet and many employers use this forum to look for quality prospects for copy editing jobs they may have. If you want to start a copy editing career, this is a great place to start looking for jobs as a copy editor. There are actually some sites out there that are specifically geared towards jobs in writing and editing. Using online job sites when learning how to find a career as a copy editor can allow you to easily look for opportunities from home without having to physically go out searching for the job.

4. Try networking. This is an excellent strategy if you want to get a job as a copy editor. Start making friends with those who are already successful in a good copy editing career. Network with those who may need copy editing services as well. As you continue to network it will be easier for you to find the quality job that you want.

5. Work to get more experience as a copy editor. Although there are jobs for those new in the business, experience definitely works in our favor. Having some experience to put on your resume can be a huge help. Consider doing some free work to get experience that you can put on your resume.

[IllyriaLady]

on 10/23/2009 Should the portfolio show 'before and after' versions of pieces I've edited?

Thanks for your great article.

[nuffsaid]

on 7/3/2009 Hadn't thought of looking for this work online; thanks for the suggestions. Great job!