If you enjoy reading, and would love to work with books, you might want to become a copy editor in book publishing. It’s a chance to turn an eye for details and grammar into a profitable and sustainable skill that can open up many opportunities, even if you don’t have an English degree.
Now what if those qualities you have can lead to a flexible side hustle or career? One that you can do from home or anywhere in the world? This article will make it crystal clear that spending your days working with fiction and nonfiction books is achievable. Earning a living with books isn’t a pie-in-the-sky dream. This guide is also the second post in our series on working in book publishing.
Key Takeaways
- Copy editors review manuscripts before proofreading to ensure grammar, consistency, and factual accuracy.
- Copyediting corrects technical errors and maintains an author’s style without rewriting the story.
- You don’t need an English degree to become a copy editor; strong grammar skills and training are enough.
- Copyediting offers flexible freelance opportunities and strong income potential.
- Knowing both copyediting and proofreading increases your credibility and client demand.
What Copy Editors Do
Copy editors work on books before the proofreading stage; it’s the second-last phase in the book editing process. After a manuscript has gone through a developmental edit, then a line edit, the next step is copyediting. This is when technical issues are corrected, and it can’t be skipped.
When you become a copy editor, your skills go beyond catching typos. Copy editors ensure accuracy, consistency, and readability by fixing grammar, punctuation, and style while also preserving the author’s unique voice.
A skilled copy editor knows when to step in and when to hold back. This is part of being able to preserve a writer’s style: improving clarity without rewriting the author’s work. In fact, copyediting isn’t about changing the story or restructuring scenes (that’s developmental editing). It also doesn’t involve changing words and phrases or adjusting tone since that is part of line editing.
Copy editors work alone, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a job you can do independently. However, if anyone on the editorial team, or the author, has a question about a technical issue like punctuation, you are the person they will contact.
Since copyediting requires stronger editorial judgment, it commands higher pay and opens the door to more opportunities in publishing than proofreading. This is why I encourage anyone who is already a proofreader to learn copyediting. And if you’re considering either skill, I encourage you to learn both. In fact, I teach students proofreading and copyediting together in my training program, The Editorial Business Bundle.
What Copyediting Involves
Copyediting is precise, thoughtful work that requires focus only on the technical aspects of writing. Here’s what a copy editor’s daily responsibilities are when working on books:
- Maintain and update style guides to preserve technical preferences, word use and overall consistency
- Document phrasing and terminology
- Record preferred references and sources
- Ensure consistency in formatting and stylistic conventions
- Create style guides if the client does not have an existing one
- Create series bibles to uphold consistency across several novels
- Correct errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Check for and flag plagiarism for clients to address
- Flag factual inconsistencies and continuity errors
- Maintain the author’s voice while improving readability
- Query authors and communicate with project editors for clarification
- Write project notes for proofreaders if necessary
- Resolve any editorial concerns from author and clients
Tools Copy Editors Use When Working With Books
In book publishing, Microsoft Word with Track Changes is the go-to tool for professional editing. It is used at all levels of editorial, including copyediting. Even though plenty of other writing programs exist, like Google Docs, Word remains the standard because it makes the editing process clear and collaborative.
With Track Changes, both the copy editor and the author can see exactly what was corrected and why. It builds trust and keeps every edit transparent. Of course, some publishers may use their own editing software. If this is the case, copy editors will be trained on how to use them.
Copyediting Vs Proofreading
Copyediting is sometimes known as “high-level proofreading” because it shares some tasks with proofreading. Copy editors and proofreaders both fix errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and incorrect facts. However, that’s where the similarities end. Remember, proofreading is only a surface check for errors, usually catching issues that have been missed during the copyediting phase.
Copy editors go deeper into the technical issues, making sure they are consistent with publishing industry standards, as well as what the client wants. For example, a copy editor might fix an inconsistent character name, correct verb tenses, or smooth out a confusing sentence before the proofreader gives it a final pass.
Even though there are similarities, they are still different skills that have their own unique place in the book publishing process. They command different rates, and approach projects differently.
Fortunately, their similarities can lead to more work opportunities and income. If you want to learn how to copyedit, it only makes sense to learn how to proofread. It’s a seamless learning process, and knowing both skills makes you more attractive to publishers.
To dive deeper into earning money as a freelance copy editor and proofreader, I have a free eBook for you to read. Grab your copy here.
It is also important to note that while both roles don’t involve rewriting text, copy editors do have the ability to do so if necessary.
If you want to learn more about proofreading in publishing, check out this post on becoming a proofreader for books.
Why Copyediting Is Essential In Book Publishing
When you become a copy editor, you are a crucial part of transforming a writer’s unpolished manuscript into a ready-to-publish book. Publishing houses, self-published authors, and entrepreneurs all depend on copy editors to make their writing shine.
If a fiction or nonfiction book isn’t looked over by a copy editor, readers will definitely notice. There will be inconsistencies, grammatical errors, typos and incorrect facts. All of this leads to bad reviews, and both the author’s and publisher’s credibility are negatively impacted.
Is Copyediting Books For You?
If you’re the one your friends ask to check over their writing, or you can’t read a book without mentally correcting a sentence, you might have what it takes to start copyediting. You’ll be a good fit if you have most or all of these traits:
- You’re detail-oriented and notice inconsistencies
- You enjoy reading
- You find yourself analyzing writing for errors
- You’re able to work independently and can manage your time well
- You are open-minded about language and how writers use words in diverse ways
- You crave flexible, remote work you can do from home or anywhere
- You’re able to communicate respectfully to others
- You’re happy to work in the background, helping bring a book to life
And guess what? You don’t need an English degree to become a copy editor in book publishing. It’s a skill that you can learn and use to start a long-term freelance business with.
If you’re looking for flexibility so you can choose your own schedule, copyediting can fit the way you want to work. Whether you want to have a side hustle, full-time for a company, or as a freelancer, copyediting can be done on your terms.
Career Opportunities And Income Potential
Copyediting is a fantastic job that has long-term growth and sustainability. You can choose to work in-house, or as a freelancer running your own editorial business. In any capacity, you can work with:
- Traditional publishing houses (e.g. Simon & Schuster)
- Indie publishers
- Self-published authors
- Academic or business publishers
- Agencies, magazines or online publications
Of course, there are lots of work opportunities outside of book publishing, too. Copy editors are also in demand with businesses, brands, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators. Often, someone who has a large, dedicated following will write a book to grow their influence in a specific niche.
How you earn is also flexible. You can copyedit books as a side hustle on the evenings and weekends, and earn between $500 – $2500 extra a month. If copyediting is your primary source of income, you can make a good living without having to work 40 hours a week.
Copy editors can charge for their services in various ways: by hour, per word or per project. This depends greatly on the type of content that is being copyedited. At the time of writing this post, the average starting hourly rate for a copy editor is $35 – $45 an hour for fiction.
A freelance copy editor’s earnings also depend on the publisher. Usually, rates are set by the book publisher with little room for negotiation. If you’re working with an indie author or entrepreneur, then there’s room to make more money and to negotiate if necessary.
Of course, rates can vary based on the length of the book, genre and other factors like deadlines. You can also earn more if you bundle proofreading and copyediting as a service for a project. To learn more about copyediting rates, read this comprehensive guide.
Opportunities With Copyediting AI Content
With the rise in the use of AI to write content, there have been more opportunities for copy editors. Like it or hate it, AI generated writing is here to stay, and it’s a personal choice whether you will work with it. When it comes to people who use AI to write text, there is a need for copy editors to correct errors and inconsistencies.
Copy editors who work with AI content are also responsible for checking facts, and for ensuring the voice follows the client’s guidelines and style. Of course, it is also necessary to adjust some wording to make the writing sound more human.
Misconceptions And FAQs About Copyediting
Since copyediting is an in-demand skill that has lots of growth potential, let’s address some common FAQs and misconceptions so you move ahead with clarity.
You need an English degree to become a copy editor in book publishing.
While certain publishers might favour copy editors with academic backgrounds in English or communications, the truth is that most clients—particularly indie authors, small presses and businesses—prioritize skill over educational credentials. What truly sets you apart and makes you a good fit for a job is your industry knowledge, consistency and the quality of your work. A strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to spot errors and refine language will also take you far.
There’s no work for beginners.
That’s a common misconception. In reality, there are lots of opportunities for new copy editors, especially in the self-publishing world. Indie authors, small presses and digital publishers are constantly looking for reliable copy editors who can help polish their work. Building your experience might start with smaller projects, but those can quickly grow into long-term professional relationships and a steady stream of clients.
What kind of projects do publishers hire for?
Book publishers hire copy editors to work on every book they release, whether it’s print or digital. You can work on fiction and nonfiction, as well as other projects. Publishers also need book covers, book summaries, marketing material, website copy, social media content, press packages and promotional products copyedited.
Can I copyedit part-time or remotely?
Absolutely. Copyediting is very flexible, which makes it suitable for parents, travellers, students, and professionals looking for extra income. If you want to transition to full-time, you can start part-time, gain clients gradually, and grow into your primary source of income as your experience and clientele expand.
How To Become A Copy Editor
Copyediting is a lifelong skill, and making time to learn it will benefit your life in many ways. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice a lot of time or money to get started.
For over a decade, I’ve been sharing my editorial knowledge and experience to help people all over the world become copy editors. Students, lawyers, teachers, nurses, stay-at-home parents, writers, financial advisors, administrators—basically, folks from all walks of life—have gained editorial and business skills to thrive and feel fulfilled.
If you’re curious whether copyediting is the right fit for you, watch my free masterclass on how to turn your love of reading into a flexible copyediting career or side hustle. You’ll learn what the publishing industry expects from copy editors and discover the practical steps needed to launch a freelance editorial business from the ground up.
You can sign up to watch it here.
You’ll learn exactly what copy editors do, how to find clients and the steps to get started, even if you’ve never worked in publishing before.
You’ll also discover why knowing both copyediting and proofreading is a smart move. The two skills naturally complement each other, and learning them together is a smooth, easy process. In today’s publishing world, being confident in both makes you more versatile, more in demand, and ultimately, able to earn more.
Interested In Copyediting Romance?
If your goal is to specialize in romance books, I also have a free masterclass focused on copyediting within this genre. Having worked as a romance book editor for over two decades, I share the insights, strategies and behind-the-scenes knowledge that will help you succeed in this popular and very profitable market. Watch the free masterclass here.
Finally, if you’re ready to move further and are certain that copyediting is the right path for you, my comprehensive program, The Editorial Business Bundle, provides everything you need to start copyediting books for clients in all industries with confidence and professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a copy editor and working with books is an attainable and fulfilling goal. Copyediting is a valuable skill. One that sharpens your attention to language and detail, supports creative work and remains in constant demand across the publishing world.
Guess what? This post is just the beginning. In this book publishing series, we’ll explore every editorial skill that brings books to life. I’ve already covered copyediting and proofreading, next we’ll dive into line editing, developmental editing and manuscript evaluation.
