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Freelance Copy Editing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... copy * Create clear briefs that editors can execute without unnecessary back-and-forth * Review ... Potential equity for top performers * Full-time, part-time, or freelance. Remote. We hire the ...

Science Copywriter

Hercules, CA · On-site

$78 - $107/hr

This includes editing marketing and technical materials for clarity, accuracy, and audience ... Restructure, tighten, and rewrite marketing and technical copy for clarity, flow, and audience ...

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Freelance Copy Editing information

What is freelance copy editing?

Freelance copy editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written content for grammar, punctuation, clarity, consistency, and style on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time employee. Freelance copy editors work independently for various clients, including authors, businesses, publishers, and websites. They ensure that documents are error-free and meet the client's specifications, often working remotely and managing their own schedules. This role requires strong language skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of different style guides.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance copy editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Copy Editor, you need a strong grasp of grammar, punctuation, style guides, and attention to detail, often supported by a degree in English or communications. Familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word's Track Changes, Google Docs, and style manuals such as AP or Chicago is typically required. Excellent time management, communication skills, and adaptability help you manage diverse client needs and deadlines. These skills ensure clarity, consistency, and quality in written content, which are crucial for client satisfaction and professional reputation.

How do freelance copy editors typically manage client communication and project deadlines?

Freelance copy editors often work remotely, which means clear and proactive communication with clients is essential. Most use email, project management tools, or platforms like Slack or Trello to track edits and deadlines. Establishing expectations at the start of a project, such as turnaround times and revision policies, helps prevent misunderstandings. Time management is key, as freelancers may juggle multiple projects with overlapping deadlines, so creating a detailed schedule and updating clients regularly is considered best practice.

What is the difference between Freelance Copy Editing vs Freelance Proofreading?

AspectFreelance Copy EditingFreelance Proofreading
Primary FocusImproving clarity, style, and structure of contentCorrecting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
Required SkillsStrong editing, rewriting, and language skillsExcellent attention to detail and knowledge of grammar rules
Work EnvironmentRemote or freelance, often with writers or publishersRemote or freelance, typically reviewing final drafts
Common UsageEditing drafts for flow and consistencyProofreading final versions before publication

While both freelance copy editing and proofreading involve language accuracy, copy editing focuses on improving content clarity and style, whereas proofreading emphasizes catching grammatical and typographical errors in the final draft.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Copy Editing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Copy Editing jobs in California?

For Freelance Copy Editing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Copy Editing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Copy Editing job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Copy Editing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Content Strategy & Production Manager

Cooley LLP

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct advanced interviews with senior partners to extract and shape complex legal and market concepts into narratives.

  • Draft, refine, and package content such as practice capabilities decks, thought leadership pieces, and practice positioning materials.

  • Review and edit content created by external writers and copy editors to ensure quality and adherence to standards.


Job description

Content Strategy & Production Manager

Cooley is seeking a Content Strategy & Production Manager to join the Marketing and Client Development team.

Position summary: This role is part of the Integrated Content Marketing Team, which serves as the Firm's Voice, and orchestrates the firm's editorial strategy and messaging framework. Responsible for driving the firm's editorial content strategy by transforming complex legal and industry concepts into market-facing thought leadership, campaign assets, and practice positioning materials. This role combines hands-on content development, editorial oversight, team leadership, and process optimization to deliver compelling, high-quality content that advances the firm's brand and business goals. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position responsibilities:

  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) Interviewing: Conduct advanced interviews with senior partners to extract, distill, and shape complex legal and market concepts into compelling narratives.

  • Always-Ready Collateral Development: Draft and refine complex foundational go-to-market materials (e.g., core practice capabilities decks, global service line overviews).

  • Content Campaign Production: Write targeted long-form thought leadership and analysis pieces designed to anchor major cross-functional marketing campaigns.

  • Cross-Sub-Vertical Handoff: Package completed long-form editorial drafts into structured outlines for the Messaging team to build distribution and email assets.

  • Competitor & Topic Research: Conduct deep-dive topic and keyword research to ensure our editorial content targets relevant client needs and whitespace opportunities.

  • Freelance Editor: Review and edit the work of external contract writers, ensuring adherence to the firm's voice and stylistic standards.

  • Quality Control Gatekeeping: Review content drafted by Copy Editors, providing editorial feedback to elevate quality and clarity.

  • Process Contribution: Collaborate with the AD to continuously refine the editorial workflows from ideation to final drafting.

  • People Leader:

  • Serve as direct supervisor and mentor to direct reports

  • Provide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policies. Manage staffing coverage, review and process time logs/time off requests

  • Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities

  • In collaboration with immediate supervisor and central HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events

  • All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience:

Required:

  • After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications

  • Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required

  • Ability to travel, as required

  • 5+ years applicable experience in the field (e.g., marketing or business development, preferably with an emphasis working in an integrated content function)

  • Prior professional services industry experience and/or B2B marketing experience

  • Demonstrated experience writing content for an evolving search landscape (e.g., AEO, GEO)

  • Experience with modern technologies including Digital Asset Management

  • Experience with emerging technologies that increase the efficiency and output of content

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree

  • Supervisory experience

  • Prior legal industry or professional services experience

Competencies:

  • Entrepreneurial by nature

  • Excellent attention to detail

  • Approaches tasks through a lens of quality and consistency

  • Approaches tasks through a digital first lens

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with ability to facilitate and solve problems

  • Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple activities often under tight timelines

  • Takes a consultative approach to set goals, drive projects, and achieve outcomes

  • Strong judgment

  • Team-player with collaborative spirit

  • Unwavering ability to handle and maintain confidentiality regarding firm information, projects,client data

  • High level of professionalism at all times

  • Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and develop talent

  • Proactive, analytical mindset

  • Effective presentation skills

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $120,000 - $175,000 Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.