JL04 Task 1 - Jobs in the Media Industry - Publishing copy-editor/proofreader

Publishing copy-editor/proofreader -

About the Job -
Publishing copy-editors and proofreaders ensure that texts due for publication are well written, grammatically correct and accessible. They work on a range of publications, including books, journals, newspapers and IT-based resources.
Increasingly, copy-editors and proofreaders are employed on a freelance basis by publishing companies. It is not uncommon for them to work for a number of employers at the same time.

Salary -
Salaries vary widely according to the nature of the work and the employer. Larger corporate publishers generally pay higher rates than traditional publishers.
Typically, hourly rates are from around £22 for copy-editing and £20 for proofreading to £28 plus (The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), 2011).
Some employers pay a flat rate per piece of work.

Entry Requirements -
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• publishing/publishing studies;
• media/electronic media.

Graduates with a technical or science-based degree may find it easier to obtain freelance work for specialist publishers and society journals, particularly in the early stages of their career.
Entry with an HND or foundation degree only is unlikely, unless you can demonstrate an aptitude for the work and/or some highly relevant experience.

Training -
Copy-editors and proofreaders based in-house are likely to undergo some basic training whilst working, which usually includes shadowing and receiving support from more experienced colleagues.

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