Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Page Proofs • Distributor • Trim Size

Copy Edit

Term from Book Publishing industry explained for recruiters

Copy editing is a crucial step in getting books and other written materials ready for publication. It involves carefully reviewing and improving text to ensure it's clear, accurate, and consistent. Think of copy editors as quality control experts for writing - they check spelling, grammar, and punctuation, but also verify facts, catch inconsistencies, and make sure the writing follows the publisher's style guidelines. This role is different from developmental editing (which focuses on big-picture story structure) or proofreading (which happens at the very end of the process). Copy editing can be done on various materials including books, magazines, websites, and marketing materials.

Examples in Resumes

Copy Edit|Copy Edited over 50 manuscripts for young adult fiction titles

Performed detailed Copy Edit|Copy Editing on academic textbooks

Led team of three Copy Editor|Copy Editors for quarterly magazine production

Typical job title: "Copy Editors"

Also try searching for:

Copy Editor Line Editor Editorial Assistant Content Editor Manuscript Editor Associate Editor Production Editor

Where to Find Copy Editors

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Online Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where an author disagrees with your edits?

Expected Answer: A senior copy editor should discuss their approach to diplomatic communication, explaining how they would justify their changes while maintaining good relationships. They should mention documenting changes, referring to style guides, and finding compromise solutions.

Q: How do you manage multiple projects with competing deadlines?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with project management, prioritization methods, and communication with various stakeholders. Should discuss specific tracking systems and time management techniques they've successfully used.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What style guides are you familiar with, and how do you handle switching between them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common style guides (Chicago Manual of Style, AP, etc.) and demonstrate understanding of when to use each. Should explain their process for maintaining consistency when switching between styles.

Q: How do you maintain consistency throughout a long manuscript?

Expected Answer: Should explain their system for tracking character names, plot details, and style choices. Might mention using style sheets, character lists, or other organizational tools.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between copy editing and proofreading?

Expected Answer: Should explain that copy editing involves detailed review of grammar, style, and consistency while proofreading is a final check for typos and formatting issues after layout is complete.

Q: What are the essential elements you look for when copy editing?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, and basic fact-checking. Should demonstrate understanding of the fundamental role of a copy editor.