Who are copywriters and copyeditors?

So here’s a confession – copywriting and copyediting isn’t a field I was too familiar with before I started in my current role. In fact, when I thought of copywriters and editors before, I assumed they did editing in the traditional way that teachers edit – fixing mistakes, correcting grammatical, syntactic, and general language errors. 

It wasn’t until I started functioning as a copywriter and editor that I realized that the job goes far beyond finding and fixing mistakes (though does encompass a little of that) and can include functioning as a researcher, SME, project/program manager, marketing specialist, etc. 

In a reductive nutshell…

 

Copywriters are responsible for creating persuasive and engaging content that is often times designed to sell a product or service or to allow people to better engage with a piece of content/hardware/software, etc. 

Copyeditors are responsible for reviewing and revising content to make sure that materials are consistent, fit with overall brand visioning, are free of errors, and meet overall quality expectations. They might work with a variety of mediums including articles, reports, book & ebooks, marketing content and campaigns. They may also be involved in fact checking to verify that research is accurate. 

If you’re struggling to find jobs titled copywriter and copyeditor, you might try looking for alternatives like…

Copywriter:

  • Content Creator
  • Creative Writer
  • Brand Writer
  • Social Media Writer
  • SEO Writer
  • Communication Specialist
  • Technical Writer

Copyeditor:

  • Proofreader
  • Content Editor
  • Line Editor
  • Publishing Editor
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Language Editor
  • Technical Editor

A dive into job descriptions

EdTech

Using this job search, I pulled 7 Copywriting/Copyediting positions from the EdTech space. 

Some examples include:

  • “Reviewing and editing draft versions of Units, evaluating the content and instructional choices, providing feedback and revisions along the way”
  • “Review and edit multiple mathematical lessons and assessments per day, across a wide range of grade levels (6-12). This includes student edition, teacher edition, assessments, and other ancillary materials”
  • “Ensure alignment between student and teacher edition content”
  • “Review proofs of print content, providing feedback to the Curriculum Team and the production vendor, making direct edits as appropriate”
  • “Create copy for landing pages, banner ads, metadata, social media and other types of web-based content, as well as print collateral (brochures, posters, direct mail)”
  • “Training inhouse/freelancers/vendors for both alt-text writing and proofreading”
  • “Creating new training materials and videos as necessary”
  • “Research topics to ensure accuracy of content”

Mixed Careers

To compare EdTech against Copywriting and Copyediting in other fields, I used this job search. I pulled 10 positions from a wide variety of fields. 

Some examples include:

  • “Write a minimum of twenty 350-400 word high-quality, organic search-optimized web content pieces per month, adhering to strict quality guidelines, within time requirements”
  • “Develops a range of creative executions for each project and effectively collaborates with AD to ensure design and copy work together to support the concepts”
  • “Can source credible information and use it to craft copy that delivers on strategy”
  • “Responsible for maintaining version and quality control of owned assets through lifecycle of project”
  • “Writing and editing content, coordinating photography, and collaborating on the graphic design and digital placement”
  • “Ideate content topics with other departments to increase traffic and enhance user engagement”
  • “Work with creatives, strategists, engineers, analysts and product managers to learn and synthesize clear copy that resonates with audience”
  • “Versatility to move from product to product as needed”

Visual Learner?

Compare the two images. The word clouds are the responsibilities list that I fed into a word cloud generator. With exception of a greater technical focus on careers outside of EdTech (specifically regarding SEO and web content design) – the positions are very similar.

EdTech Word Cloud

Mixed Careers Word Cloud

Do they need a portfolio?

Let's ask ourselves some important qualifying questions.

Does this job have content creation as a focus? 

Absolutely – both copywriters and copyeditors are in the business of content creation, improvement, and curation. Your portfolio should be awash in writing samples, articles, editorials, etc. that showcase your ability to write concise and powerful messages.

Should someone applying to this job highlight a process they’ve created? 

Not really. 

Unless you’ve engineered a completely unique editing or writing process (which frankly, I’d keep under wraps), you’ll be using tried and true editing and writing techniques – likely not anything Earth-shattering.

Is this a job for which you should highlight any work (i.e. publications, blogs, podcasts, creative materials, etc.) that they’ve already created? 

Oh yes. 

If you’ve EVER been published – this isn’t just a chance to show your content expertise on the subject for which you were published, it’s also an opportunity to show your stylistic and writing-chops.

Now that we've established that they DO need a portfolio, what's next?

While this isn’t every single step that you’ll need to take, here are the major things to put on to your checklist:

1. Review your content

What do you already have created that can be used as-is or can be recycled to meet some of the job description’s highlights that are common for copywriting and copyediting professionals? (I would venture to guess you have a lot more than you even realize.)

2. Identify any gaps

What content is missing from your portfolio that you will need to create so that a hiring manager or reviewing content expert can see the full scope of your skill and flexibility?

3. Select your display platform

How will you display your portfolio so it’s clean, concise, and inviting? 

4. Create your brand

What brand identity will you establish and maintain so that potential employers and hiring managers have a clear picture of who you are and what value you can bring to them as an employee and asset to their team?

5. Publish, network, and share

How will your networking and sharing strategy change or evolve to include your portfolio? Who will you share this new resource with? Where should this resource appear in your resume and social media profiles? When should you make this available to prospective employers?

Think you might need some support creating or working on your portfolio?

Have awesome content but web design isn’t your forte? 

We can help with that. Web services, including custom sites and extended website management services are coming soon. Sign up for our services newsletter to be notified when we’re ready to start taking on portfolio design work. 

Just have questions? I got you.

Want to talk with someone about your portfolio face to face? 

Need some quick feedback on your portfolio but don’t have time for a 1:1?