Copy Editors

Copy editors, sometimes called line editors, read manuscripts for correct grammatical usage and spelling. They edit the manuscripts to conform to the publisher's style, which includes such points as capitalization, abbreviations, and the use of numbers. They polish the writing style, make sure the style and structure is consistent throughout the manuscript, and flag the text with questions about details that may need elaboration or clarification from the writer. Magazine and book publishers, newspapers, newsletters, corporations of all kinds, advertising agencies, radio stations, television stations, and Internet sites employ copy editors. There are approximately 95,700 editors (including copy editors) employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

None

Outlook

Decline

Personality Traits

Artistic

Enterprising

Hands On

Career Ladder

Managing Editor

Project Editor

Copy Editor

Proofreader

Editorial Assitant