Publishing companies hire in-house copy editors, though many copy editors are freelance editors. These editors may work on any form of content, including books, journal or magazine submissions, digital content or commercial social media posts.
A copy editor is responsible for ensuring that content is optimized for clarity, style and tone. These professionals also ensure adherence to style guidelines. Copy editors may improve sentence structure, transitions, grammar, syntax and punctuation. Some copy editors are also responsible for fact-checking. For example, if a manuscript references a medication name, the copy editor will look up the name to ensure correct spelling.
Successful copy editors have an excellent eye for detail. They focus on minute details for lengthy periods of time and have an extensive knowledge of grammar. Copy editors are expected to know many writing styles, such as Associated Press and Chicago Style.