Copy editors check written text before it's published in books, journals and websites. If you’ve got a good standard of English and can work to tight deadlines, then this could be a career that you would enjoy.

You’ll be paying close attention to detail in this job so you would need to able to concentrate for long periods. You would also need to have good written and spoken communication skills for giving constructive feedback to authors and writers.

Tasks:

• correcting errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
• check the length of the text fits in with publisher requirements
• making sure the text is in the publisher's or publication’s agreed house style
• making sure that the meaning of the text is clear
• checking that references are quoted correctly and pictures have the right captions
• checking for possible legal issues, such as libel, partiality or breach of copyright
• resolving queries with the author
• consulting with the author if extensive revision of the text is needed.

Key skills:

• a good command of English
• excellent levels of concentration, accuracy and attention to detail
• the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• tact and diplomacy for working with authors
• a methodical and well-organised approach
• good computer skills
• a high level of self-motivation.

Average salary (2013):

United Kingdom: Salaries start at around £16,000 a year.

Qualifications and training required:

Many copy editors have a degree. Most subjects are accepted, although a degree in publishing, media or a related subject may improve your chances of finding work. Employers will also usually expect you to have some experience in the publishing industry. To work in a specialist area, employers will prefer you to have a related degree. For example, an engineering degree can be useful for working for specialist engineering publications or you may use an architecture degree to work on architectural journals. To do a degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English, plus three A levels. You should check with universities for exact entry requirements as other qualifications may also be accepted.

Most employers also like you to have some experience in the publishing industry. This will develop your skills and give you a better understanding of how the industry works. Getting experience will also give you an opportunity to start meeting people in publishing and building up a network of professional contacts. You may be able to use your contacts to find work through recommendation or word of mouth. You can also connect with people in publishing by attending book fairs and promoting yourself on social media such as LinkedIn or Twitter. Reading specialist publications such as The Bookseller will also help you to research the industry.

You may be able to become a copy editor by getting into publishing as an editorial assistant and building up your experience of proofreading and text editing. This would also allow you to build a portfolio of work that you could use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

You may be able to find freelance work through contacts you have made in the industry, or by making speculative approaches to publishing companies.

Source: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk