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Freelance Copy Editor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Copy Editor information

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$11

$27

$45

How much do freelance copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance copy editor in Indiana is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $30.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance copy editor?

A freelance copy editor is a professional who works independently to review and improve written content for clarity, grammar, punctuation, style, and consistency. They may work on a variety of materials, such as articles, books, websites, or marketing materials, for different clients rather than being employed by a single organization. Freelance copy editors often manage their own schedules, choose their projects, and set their rates, making flexibility a key aspect of the role.

What does a freelance copy editor do?

As a freelance copy editor, your job is to review spelling, grammar, and previous editing of a piece of content. Content can range from small pieces of less than two hundred words to complete books or manuscripts. Some freelance copy editors focus on particular types of content, such as medical content or the format of textbooks. In this role, you may proofread significant amounts of content each day, extrapolate the overall quality of work from a sample of it, and communicate with other editors to explain how much content needs to change. Some freelance copy editors edit the same material through several drafts, so the ability to remain focused while reviewing similar content is essential to your success.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Copy Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, spelling, and style, often supported by a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word (Track Changes), Google Docs, and style guides such as AP or Chicago Manual of Style is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with clients are vital soft skills for success. These skills and qualifications ensure accuracy, consistency, and client satisfaction in a competitive and deadline-driven environment.

What are some common challenges freelance copy editors face when managing multiple clients?

Freelance copy editors often juggle projects from various clients, which can lead to challenges like conflicting deadlines, varying editorial styles, and fluctuating workloads. Effective time management and clear communication are crucial to ensure each project meets its deadline and quality standards. Staying organized, using project management tools, and setting clear expectations with clients can help mitigate these challenges and build long-term professional relationships.

What is the difference between Freelance Copy Editor vs Freelance Proofreader?

AspectFreelance Copy EditorFreelance Proofreader
CredentialsTypically requires editing certifications or strong language skillsFocuses on grammar and spelling, less formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, often involves editing draftsRemote, reviews final texts for errors
Industry UsageUsed across publishing, marketing, corporate contentCommon in publishing, journalism, and content production
Search & ComparisonOften compared for editing depth and scopeCompared for final error checking skills

Freelance Copy Editors and Freelance Proofreaders both work remotely and focus on language quality. Copy editors typically handle more in-depth editing, including style and structure, while proofreaders focus on catching grammatical and typographical errors in final drafts. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their project needs.

More about Freelance Copy Editor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in Indiana are:

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For Freelance Copy Editor jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Copy Editor jobs in Indiana are:

Freelance Copy Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Copy Editor job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,912 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Brand Content Director

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Butler University
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Butler Universityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Butler University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Overview

The Brand Content Director is a strategic storyteller responsible for bringing Butler University's brand to life through compelling narratives, consistent voice, and high-impact social and multimedia content. This leader shapes how Butler shows up across University-owned channels to strengthen national awareness, advance enrollment goals, and showcase the transformational impact of a Butler education. The Director oversees the University's brand content ecosystem- including long-form storytelling platforms such as the Butler Magazine and stories.butler.edu, as well as digital content, social media, and video-while leading the brand content team. The ideal candidate blends creative vision, strategic leadership, and strong campus partnerships to deliver content that advances Butler's institutional priorities.

Responsibilities 

  • Lead Butler's brand content strategy across University-owned digital, print, social, and video channels-including flagship storytelling platforms such as the Butler Magazine and stories.butler.edu-to strengthen national visibility and advance key institutional priorities, including enrollment and reputational goals.
  • Serve as the University's lead steward of brand voice and storytelling, maintaining and evolving editorial guidelines, messaging frameworks, and content standards to ensure consistency authenticity across all platforms.
  • Oversee Butler's editorial and content planning ecosystem, including editorial calendars, message maps, channel planning, content prioritization, and coordinated cross-campus storytelling efforts, aligning output with enrollment, advancement, and brand initiatives.
  • Supervise and develop a high-performing content team, including social media staff, videographer, and external freelance or agency partners, providing creative direction, coaching, workflow oversight, and performance management.
  • Develop and manage an enterprise-wide social media strategy, establishing standards, governance, and guidance that ensures content across the enterprise is engaging, on-brand, strategically coordinated, and aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Provide creative direction and strategic oversight for video and multimedia content, partnering with the videographer and creative leadership to produce high-quality content aligned with Butler's brand and audience priorities..
  • Write, edit, and review a wide range of high-impact content, including feature stories, video scripts, and web copy, ensuring clarity, quality, and alignment with Butler's brand positioning.
  • Build strong campus partnerships to identify and surface compelling stories, collaborating with colleagues across campus to unify Butler's storytelling efforts. 
  • Use analytics and audience insights to evaluate performance, guide content decisions, and drive continuous improvement in storytelling and engagement.
  • Drive innovation in storytelling strategy, experimenting with emerging platforms, tools, and content formats to keep Butler's brand content fresh, competitive, and relevant within higher education.

Required Qualifications 

  • 7-10 years of experience in content strategy, brand storytelling, digital content development, or related fields.

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English, advertising, or a related field.

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong command of brand voice, tone, and narrative structure.

  • Experience leading or collaborating with social media teams and/or video and multimedia content creators.

  • Strong understanding of digital content best practices, including social platforms, audience engagement, and multimedia storytelling.

  • Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling content strategy.

  • Ability to interpret content performance insights and use data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

  • Proven success collaborating with creative teams to develop integrated digital, video, and print content.

  • Demonstrated skill in building relationships and working effectively with cross-functional partners across a complex organization.

  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Supervisory experience leading writers, social media professionals, and multimedia creators.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience working in higher education 

  • Familiarity with social media management tools (e.g. Sprout, Hootsuite)

  • Experience providing creative direction for video storytelling or managing video production workflows. 

  • Knowledge of SEO best practices as they relate to content planning and editorial strategy.

BU Benefits and Perks  

Please check out Butler's Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include: 

  • Paid Time Off and Holidays:  
    • 28 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year 
    • 8 Paid Holidays 
      • In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day 
    • Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment) 
  • Health:  
    • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs 
  • Retirement:  
    • 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment 
  • Tuition Assistance:  
    • Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents 
    • Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children.  
      • Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment 
      • Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees 
      • Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree 
      • Covers tuition only 
  • Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:  
    • Access to Butler's on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty 
    • LinkedIn Learning Courses 
    • Free premium subscription to the Calm App 
    • Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT 
    • Discount at the College Bookstore 
    • Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances 
Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing seven colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences and Founder's College. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries.

Join us at the crossroads of tradition & transformation. A career at Butler University offers more than just a job-it's an opportunity to join a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community grounded in equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Aligned with Boldly Butler, our strategic plan, faculty and staff play a vital role in delivering transformational learning experiences, enriching our campus and community, and ensuring a thriving Butler for generations to come.

Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected category.

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