Editor

Editors, or publishing editors, prepare pieces of text for publication by checking and changing the author’s manuscript (or 'copy').

They often work on books but may also edit articles for journals, as well as text for brochures, instruction manuals and online publications.

They do most of their work on a computer ('on-screen editing') but may also sometimes work on a printout ('hard copy') of the author’s typed or word-processed manuscript.

An editor would: correct errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation; make sure the text is in the publisher or publication’s style ('house style'); make sure that the meaning of the text is clear; check that references are quoted correctly and pictures have the correct captions; and check for possible legal issues, such as libel, partiality or breach of copyright.

They also: resolve queries with the author; consult the author if extensive revision of the text is needed; and pass the edited copy on to the typesetter for formatting into pages that look similar to the finished book or article ('proof' pages).

Copy editors can earn from £16,000 to around £34,000. Salaries for in-house copy editors vary widely depending on the size and location of the employer.

Freelance copy editors negotiate fees with clients. The SfEP suggests minimum hourly rates (currently £20 an hour) but there is no obligation for publishers to pay this amount. 

To become a copy editor you would usually need a degree and experience in publishing at an assistant level.

Degrees in publishing are available at a number of colleges and universities – visit the Publishers Association website for details.

To work in a specialist area you would find it useful to have a relevant degree. For example a science degree would be useful for scientific publishing. After completing a degree, you would usually need to start in a position such as editorial assistant.

You may be more likely to find work with small, less well-known publishers to start with. This would help you to get some experience of editing, build up contacts and develop a portfolio, so that you would be more likely to be considered by larger publishing companies.

Joining professional organisations such as the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and Women in Publishing would be useful, as it would give you opportunities for professional support and networking. 

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

You can find contact details on the members' lists of organisations such as the Publishers Association. Some of the larger publishing houses run graduate training schemes.