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What does a Freelance Copy Editor do?

Vicki Hogue-Davies
Vicki Hogue-Davies

Generally speaking, copy editors check written material for errors and awkward writing. A freelance copy editor is a person who is self-employed in this field. He or she often works out of a home office editing copy for various clients but might sometimes work on-site at client locations, depending on the wishes of individual clients. Freelance copy editors work for magazines, newspapers, book publishers and websites. They also edit marketing pieces, advertising copy and a variety of other written material for ad agencies, corporate creative departments, educational institutions and other organizations.

The freelance copy editor, who might be the last person to look at a written piece before it goes to print or is published online, performs many of the same duties as a staff copy editor. The freelance copy editor reviews written copy for things such as correct grammar, spelling and word usage. He or she tightens up verbose writing and smooths out transitions to make copy flow better. Sometimes, significant rewriting of a piece can be the responsibility of the copy editor, but the job generally is one of correcting and smoothing rather than redoing. Freelance copy editors also write headlines and photo captions and are sometimes called on to verify facts, especially for publications that don't employ fact checkers.

Understaffed newspapers might need freelance copy editors.
Understaffed newspapers might need freelance copy editors.

Magazines, book publishers, ad agencies and other organizations often use specific editorial style guides in creating their written materials. Two style guides that are commonly used are The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style. Client organizations sometimes develop their own style guides. An important aspect of a copy editor's job is to ensure that the correct style is used. Freelance copy editors, because they might have a variety of clients using various editorial styles, often must be well-versed in the standard styles and be fast learners to quickly come up to speed on client-specific styles.

Freelance copy editors may telecommute from home using their personal computer to complete orders.
Freelance copy editors may telecommute from home using their personal computer to complete orders.

As self-employed workers, freelance copy editors can go through extremely busy periods followed by dry spells, so they often must spend a significant amount of time marketing themselves and their work. To find new clients, freelance copy editors often network, attend events for client industries, join organizations for freelance writers and editors and advertise their services through websites, brochures and other means. A freelance copy editor might have a four-year journalism degree, an English degree or another language-related degree. Many freelance copy editors start their careers as staff editors, gaining experience and contacts, before taking the plunge into self-employment.

Discussion Comments

bear78

@candyquilt-- Yea, proofreaders don't check facts either. They don't have much say in the content, they just make sure that everything is written correctly. But a copy editor may also be responsible for making sure that the content is accurate and that the information is from a reliable source. They are much more than proofreaders and as far as I know, the qualifications and pay rate for copy editors are higher.

candyquilt

@SteamLouis-- They can be very similar, especially if a proofreader is also working on content that is published. But for the most part, a copy editor has more responsibilities. He or she may not just read and proofread content, but may also be responsible for making sure that everything looks good. This may mean editing or adjusting images, etc.

A proofreader usually just deals with writing and makes sure that the grammar and spelling correct. Not all proofreaders work on published materials, although many do.

SteamLouis

What is the difference between a freelance proofreader and a freelance copy editor? It sounds like they do the same thing.

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    • Understaffed newspapers might need freelance copy editors.
      By: spinetta
      Understaffed newspapers might need freelance copy editors.
    • Freelance copy editors may telecommute from home using their personal computer to complete orders.
      By: karelnoppe
      Freelance copy editors may telecommute from home using their personal computer to complete orders.
    • A freelance copy editor should be familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style.
      By: PhylG
      A freelance copy editor should be familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style.
    • Freelance copy editors may be assigned a range of items to look over.
      By: Pixsooz
      Freelance copy editors may be assigned a range of items to look over.
    • Copy editors work with virtually all written products.
      By: gstockstudio
      Copy editors work with virtually all written products.
    • Freelance copy editors often have to read through materials efficiently to earn a living.
      By: Africa Studio
      Freelance copy editors often have to read through materials efficiently to earn a living.