Copy Editor Job Description
Copy editors enhance the accuracy and consistency of marketing materials, website copy, technical documents, and other content. This copy editor job description template was created with the input of Toptal marketing talent and includes the foundational responsibilities and skills to advertise for when hiring a professional copy editor.
Copy editors meticulously review text to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors while maintaining a consistent style and tone. Beyond basic proofreading, skilled copy editors refine the clarity and flow of content, making it more engaging and accessible to the target audience. They can also be responsible for fact-checking information for accuracy and credibility. Copy editors combine a deep understanding of language with a keen eye for detail, playing a crucial role in maintaining a brand’s image and upholding editorial standards across all platforms.
This job description for full-time or project-based copy editors will help you advertise your position and find qualified candidates who match your criteria.
Copy Editor – Job Description and Ad Template
Copy this template, and modify it as your own:
Company Introduction
{{Write a short and catchy paragraph about your company. Make sure to provide information about company culture, perks, and benefits. Mention office hours, remote-working possibilities, and everything else you think makes your company interesting. Copy editors are particularly suited for remote roles, opening your brand to a wider talent pool.}}
Job Description
Our organization seeks an experienced copy editor who will play a critical role in editing and proofreading all written content across a range of formats and channels. The ideal candidate will work closely with writers and other stakeholders to maintain our organization’s image and credibility, ensuring all communications are consistent, clear, and error-free.
Responsibilities
- Review content to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors
- Maintain consistent style, tone, and formatting across all content, adhering to brand voice as well as any specific in-house style guides or publications manuals such as The Associated Press Stylebook
- Improve readability and flow by refining awkward syntax and restructuring sentences
- Check content for accuracy by verifying dates, names, statistics, and other factual information
- Proofread final versions before publication to catch any overlooked errors or inconsistencies
- Collaborate with writers, project managers, creative team members, and other stakeholders to meet deadlines
- {{Add any other relevant responsibilities here.}}
Skills and Qualifications
- Proven experience editing various content types
- Strong command of the English language, with excellent grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills
- Research and fact-checking expertise
- Proofreading skills, such as strong attention to detail and an ability to quickly spot basic errors and inconsistencies
- Effective collaboration and communication skills
- Ability to maintain a consistent style across different types of content and adhere to editorial policies
- Familiarity with basic word-processing tools, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs
- Robust organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple projects at once
- {{Emphasize relevant industry knowledge, particularly for technical or specialized markets such as engineering or healthcare.}}
Education and Training Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in English, marketing, communications, journalism, or related fields preferred; however, a strong portfolio showcasing excellent editing skills may be considered sufficient {{Modify to reflect desired qualifications.}}
Experience Requirements
- Two or more years of professional copy editing experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, such as a marketing agency or publishing company {{Adjust this section based on the needs of your project. Two years of experience corresponds with a junior copy editor position. Senior copy editors will have at least seven years of experience.}}
Salary Range
{{Include the salary range for your position. The cost associated with hiring a copy editor depends on various factors, including location. In the US, the average total annual pay for copy editors is $62,000 as of September 2024.}}
How to Hire Copy Editors
Copy editors play an essential role in creating clear, consistent, and professional content. This guide outlines the key skills and experience to look for in quality copy-editor candidates, provides tips on writing a job description, and recommends interview questions that will simplify the process of finding the best candidates for your organization.
Read Hiring GuideFind the right Copy Editing interview questions
Read a list of great community-driven Copy Editing interview questions.
Read them, comment on them, or even contribute your own.
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Toptal is an exclusive network of top copy editing experts, consultants, managers, and professionals. Top companies and startups hire freelance copy editors from Toptal for their mission-critical marketing campaigns and projects.
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