Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The Work

Copy editors deal with the unpublished copy, which can be anything from a company report to a novel or an advert. But the publishing world, a copy is typically a manuscript for a book. Their main task is to check it carefully for style, consistency, factual accuracy, spelling and grammar.

Sometimes they may have to do some rewriting or ask the author to amend the text in some way. It is normal for a text to go through several rounds of drafting and revision before they are finished.

The work of a copy editor requires great attention to detail and a sensitivity to various styles as the copy editor should not change the tone of voice or writing style of the author. They should, however, make sure that the style and tone is right for the intended readership.

Many copy editors specialise in a certain genre and knowledge specific to that genre can be required, particularly for academic or factual books. Editing fictional novels however require slightly different experience and knowledge.

Another important task of a copyrighter is to highlight possible legal issues, which can be plagiarism, breach of copyright or defamation for example.

A copy editor’s tasks can sometimes also involve layout, cutting and fitting text using software such as InDesign. But more often, those tasks are performed by a graphic designer.

Before publication, a proofreader does the final check for spelling or layout issues. However, a copy editor can sometimes be expected to proof read as well.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
• Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
• Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organisation, or publication.
• Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
• Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
• Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
• Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
• Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
• Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
• Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.

Further Information

• Copy Editor – Publishing - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Although it may not be essential, copy editors often have a third level degree in English literature, journalism or communications. Experience of writing or editing any publication is useful, and having a network of contacts in order to source potential authors is essential.

Getting a first job in the industry can be challenging and requires patience and hard work. Many start out as editorial assistants and work their way up the editing ladder.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Business & office admin, Broadcasting skills, digital marketing, Animation in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Media studies, Marketing, Art & Design Portfolio Preparation, English - EFL- & Business Communications, Creative Writing, Creative Writing for Digital Media, Creative Writing & Media Production, Creative Writing & Cultural Studies, Journalism at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: CGI Animation Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Media studies, Marketing, Communications, English and Culture, Media & Communication Studies - Arts, Digital Marketing, Arts (English and Creative Writing), Film and Television Production, Film Studies/English Literature, Journalism NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Media studies, Marketing, Communications, Film Studies/English Literature, Journalism, Creative Writing, Writing for Stage & Screen/ TV & Theatre NFQ level 9

As a copy editor, you need to keep up to date with changes and developments in the publishing industry. Professional organisations often promote and organise training and events that will keep you up to date.

The Association of Freelance Editors

Proofreaders and Indexers of Ireland

Publishing Ireland 

Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) (UK)

Irish Film & Television Network IFTN 

Screen skills Ireland: Careers in Screen

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Glassdoor/ Payscale/ Salary Expert/ Prosperity.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.

New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.

• Publishing Ireland

  • Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylors Lane, Dublin 8
  • +353 1 6394868
  • [email protected]
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• Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) (UK)

  • Click Here

• The Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers of Ireland

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