Working as a copy editor: is it worth it?
Editing content can sound straightforward: oversee copywriters and fix any mistakes. But is that all there is to it? What does a copy editor actually do, where can you find work, and how much can you earn? This article covers the essentials.
What does a copy editor do?
Editing goes beyond correcting language: it also means checking that content is logical and factually sound.
The aim is to improve the overall quality of a piece. Editing has a broader scope than proofreading.
An editor may check:
- originality,
- compliance with the brief,
- the reliability of the information,
- grammar and style,
- logical consistency,
- structure and SEO requirements.
Editing content remotely
Editing is increasingly done remotely. All you generally need to get started is a computer and an internet connection. Once a piece arrives, an editor can begin reviewing it almost immediately. That makes it easier to work with clients wherever they are. Demand for copywriting and digital marketing also continues to create opportunities.
Where you look for remote work depends on the arrangement you prefer:
Freelance work
Freelancers value independence and often work with several clients. They can find projects through job boards, social media groups or their own websites.
Experienced editors may also work with copywriting agencies. It is worth keeping an eye on individual agencies’ vacancies.
Our agency is currently recruiting a remote proofreader. If you’re interested, take a look at the vacancy.
Full-time employment
If you want a permanent role, your options may be narrower. Check job sites regularly and look for positions that suit your skills and preferences.
There tend to be fewer full-time vacancies than one-off freelance projects, so finding a permanent position can take more time.
How much does a copy editor earn?
As with copywriters, content writers and transcriptionists, earnings vary considerably.
A freelance editor’s income depends largely on the work available. Editing is often priced by character count: a typical rate is £3–£8 per 1,000 characters including spaces. That works out to £120–£320 for a 40,000-character batch, which is roughly 6,000–7,000 words. The final price depends on the scope of the edit and the terms agreed with the client.
An editor who handles two million characters including spaces in a busy month could earn around £6,000–£14,000, depending on the rates agreed for those projects.
Freelance income can change from month to month as the number and type of projects vary.
Full-time roles may pay around £1,800–£3,800 a month. Pay depends chiefly on your skills and experience, the size of the employer and the terms you negotiate.
Summary
- Editing is broader than proofreading: it covers the substance and structure of a piece as well as its language.
- A computer and internet connection are generally all you need to work remotely.
- Earnings depend on whether you freelance or work full-time, as well as your rates and workload. Full-time roles may pay around £1,800–£3,800 a month; a busy freelance month could bring in around £6,000–£14,000.
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