How to become Copy editor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist training courses with professional bodies
- a graduate training scheme
University
Many copy editors and sub-editors have a degree. Most subjects are accepted.
You might improve your chances of finding work if you have a degree in a related subject like:
- publishing
- media
- English
- journalism
You can find relevant courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
You may need subject matter expertise or a specific degree to work in specialist publications, like scientific, medical or technical journals.
Work experience at university
You may find it useful to get work experience during your studies.
Some publishers offer work shadowing, work placements or internship opportunities.
Your university careers service can help you explore your options.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to get into this role.
This typically takes around 2 years to complete and is a mix of workplace training and off-the-job study.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
You could start as an editorial assistant at a publishing company to build up your experience of editing and proofreading.
This would also allow you to create a portfolio of your work which you can show to potential employers.
Volunteering
Charities often look for volunteers to help them write and edit their publications.
You can search volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Other Routes
You could take a proofreading or editing course, like the ones offered by:
- The Publishing Training Centre
- the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)
- the National Council for the Training of Journalists
Some publishing houses run graduate training schemes and internships.
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Career tips
Employers often expect you to have some experience in the publishing industry which you can get from:
- shadowing someone who works in publishing
- working on a student magazine or website
- doing admin tasks in a publishing company
If you want to work as a copy editor or sub-editor in journalism, the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) has advice on bursaries and funding to encourage greater diversity in journalism.
Further information
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and The Publishing Training Centre have further details on training options.
You can also find out more about working in this and other creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.