A Copy Editor’s main job is to proofread and improve another person’s work. They work with a variety of media, proofreading copy for books, newspapers, websites, blogs, and journals.
Skills Required for a Copy Editor
When applying for a job, especially in a competitive field, you can make yourself stand out above the rest by sending a cover letter along with your resume.
A Copy Writer needs to have the following skills:
- Should have some training in electronic media
- Have specialist skills for specialist publications, including a degree in journalism or English
- Have excellent knowledge of the English language
- Ability to identify grammatical and spelling errors
- Attention to detail and great concentration
- Ability to collaborate with publishers and authors
- Ensuring that any illustrations being used in the copy match the text and are in the right place
- Can design layouts
- Is able to follow a style checklist
- Have excellent time management and deadline sensitivity skills
- Competence using a computer
You can download one of our templates or samples to get a better feel for how a Copy Editor Cover Letter should look.
Writing a Copy Editor Cover Letter
There is a specific format that you should follow when creating a cover letter. However, you should also add your own touches by highlighting your skills, both hard and soft skills. Many employers look for a good cover letter when hiring, and it can make the difference between getting an interview or not.
The format of your cover letter should have:
- A contact section, set at the top middle or top left of the page. It should include at least your name, phone number, and email address. You may also add your address unless you are sending an email cover letter, where your contact details will go under your signature.
- The address of the employer, set to the left and just under the contact section. Be sure to address them professionally and include their job title or designation.
- The date
- A salutation/greeting
- Letter body, which should have 2 to 3 paragraphs. Your first paragraph should detail how you heard about the position and why you have applied. The second paragraph should give a brief overview of your skills and why you feel you are the right person for the position. A third paragraph can be used to detail any soft skills that you have, those that are not related to the field but that you feel would be beneficial to the position and the company.
- Closing paragraph and signature. Your closing paragraph should thank the hiring manager for their consideration, as well as give contact details and when you will be available. Lastly, you should sign off with something, such as “Kind Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “With Thanks,” sign your name.
These are the basic but required sections for a good cover letter. Now, we will look at some tips to help make your cover letter more personalized for the industry and position you are applying for.
In the first paragraph, explain what it was that attracted you to the company or the position itself.
In the second paragraph, try adding some achievements of the company that you admired.
This shows that you have taken the time to learn about the company. Make sure you highlight your achievements and talents, such as being put in charge of a specialist group, solving a difficult problem for a client, and so on. Be sure to keep your paragraphs brief and to the point.
Sample Copy Editor Cover Letters
Sample 1:
Stanley Harris
20 Bingham Road, Denver, Colorado 55555
Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: [email protected]
December 15, 2020
Mr. George Manning
Hiring Manager
Globe Medical Journal
123 Fairfax Avenue
Denver, Co 55555
Dear Mr. Manning,
I would like to apply for the copy editor position within your company. I was happy to learn about the position through Monster.com and feel my skills, knowledge, and experience make me a good candidate for the position. I’ve enclosed my resume for your perusal with more detail about my skills, experience, and achievements.
I have been working in the medical journal department of the Denver Medical University for 7 years. During my time here, I have gained extensive knowledge in the medical field and the many new treatments and technological breakthroughs in the industry. I was the key copy editor that reviewed and rewrote submissions of our group of writers. I feel my attention to detail, creativity, and impeccable proofreading skills will benefit your business greatly.
I have always been impressed with the work and achievements of the Globe Medical Journal, especially the innovative research you have done on cancer treatments. It would be an honor to be able to join your team to work on future endeavors.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this in more detail. I can be reached on my private number at (555) 123-4567 or my email address [email protected] I thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stanley Harris
Enclosures: Resume
Sample 2:
Jillian Preston
(555) 123-4567
[email protected]
20-January-2021
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing you regarding the Copy Editor position that has become available at Science News Innovations. I have followed the work of your company for several years and often check for vacancies. I feel that I would be the right candidate for your company with my 9 years of experience in copy editing for several well-known science journals. I am committed to ensuring that high-quality copy goes into every piece that I review.
I currently work freelance and am looking for a more stable position with a reputable company. I have experience proofreading for online media, website content, news articles, and journal studies for the science industry. I was the lead copy editor for the recent piece done in Biology Today on new vaccine innovations, which won the award for Innovative Editor for Biology Research. I feel that my creativity, sharp eye for detail, and fine attention to detail would blend well in your company. I work well with both teams and on my own and would be the perfect fit for your team.
I thank you for your time and consideration for the position. I have enclosed my resume and some examples of the work I have done for you to look over. I look forward to speaking with you further and can be reached at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Jillian Preston
Cover Letter Tips
- Make sure that your letter does not exceed more than one page. Give a clear summary of your skills. Your resume will offer more details.
- While it’s fine to use a template, try to refrain from making it too generic. Also, refrain from just copying and pasting a letter from a website. Employers, especially in this field, will notice this.
- You should tailor your letter around the requirements of the position you are applying for.
- You want your letter to interest the employer enough to want to learn more about you, so highlight your best skills. The point of a cover letter is to make yourself stand out amongst the rest of the applicants and show your enthusiasm for wanting to work with the company.
