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Freelance Copy Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rotary International

Editor

Evanston, IL · Hybrid

$81K - $90K/yr

Additionally, the magazine's copy chief is responsible for developing, updating, and enforcing ... Managing freelancers and assigning news and feature stories. * Developing guidance and staying up ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ... and copy queries; seeing stories through production processes; and partnering with social and/or ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ... and copy queries; seeing stories through production processes; and partnering with social and/or ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

New York, NY

$80K - $105K/yr

... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ... and copy queries; seeing stories through production processes; and partnering with social and/or ...

AFAR

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$90K - $95K/yr

Cultivating relationships with freelance writers from a diverse range of backgrounds and identities ... Ability to write clear, engaging copy and help others to do the same * Agility in storytelling ...

AFAR

Senior Editor

New York, NY · Remote

$90K - $95K/yr

Cultivating relationships with freelance writers from a diverse range of backgrounds and identities ... Ability to write clear, engaging copy and help others to do the same * Agility in storytelling ...

AFAR

Senior Editor

New York, NY · Remote

$90K - $95K/yr

Cultivating relationships with freelance writers from a diverse range of backgrounds and identities ... Ability to write clear, engaging copy and help others to do the same * Agility in storytelling ...

Dow Jones

Assistant Editor, Opinion

New York, NY

You would be expected to edit copy with an eye toward digital discovery, incorporating SEO and ... and freelancers on their articles edits and to occasionally commission pieces. You will be ...

Valnet Inc.

Senior Tech Editor

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

Lead and support a team of freelance writers, providing consistent editorial feedback and guidance ... Review and approve pitches, assign topics, manage deadlines, and perform copy edits to keep ...

Valnet Tech Sites

Senior Tech Editor

Dallas, TX · Remote

Lead and support a team of freelance writers, providing consistent editorial feedback and guidance ... Review and approve pitches, assign topics, manage deadlines, and perform copy edits to keep ...

Condé Nast

Health Editor, Conde Nast

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Experience working with freelance writers, copy editors, and fact checkers. * Basic knowledge of image sourcing through platforms such as Getty. * Experience building stories in a CMS. * Experience ...

Condé Nast

Health Editor, Conde Nast

New York, NY

$85K - $100K/yr

Experience working with freelance writers, copy editors, and fact checkers. * Basic knowledge of image sourcing through platforms such as Getty. * Experience building stories in a CMS. * Experience ...

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Freelance Copy Editor information

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How much do freelance copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance copy editor in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities are hiring for Freelance Copy Editor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Copy Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs? The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Copy Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Copy Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Copy Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Copy Editor jobs are:
Freelance Copy Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Copy Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Editor - Spring/Klein

Editor - Spring/Klein

Community Impact Newspaper Co

Jersey Village, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Editor - Spring/Klein - $58,000 - $73,000 based on experience Top News Organization, Meaningful Work
As an Editor for Community Impact, you can craft digital and print news editions that directly benefit the people around you. Our Editors guide reporters, ensure that our stories are formatted perfectly for digital and print, and partner with our Design team to ensure that what we produce is both beautiful and informative. As one of the primary contacts to the community, our Editors are highly respected, valued, and trusted both inside and outside of our organization.
Two million mailboxes and thousands of inboxes get Community Impact News each month. It's a piece of media that's as enjoyable to read as it is informative. Integrate into a team and your community by becoming an Impacter today!
ABOUT YOU
You should apply to our Editor role if you:
  • Manage the entire editorial production process for monthly newspaper edition.
  • Ensure the production of timely daily digital content for website and newsletter.
  • Supervise, coach and lead reporters to ensure work meets company standards within established deadlines.
  • Provide recommendations and feedback to the General Manager and Managing Editor regarding hiring, firing and discipline decisions related to Reporters, freelance writers, photographers and interns, as applicable.
  • Generate original story ideas and present them at internal planning meetings.
  • Investigate, analyze and interpret newsworthy events within the assigned community to produce and write original, engaging and content-appropriate news stories and features.
  • Lead ideas for graphics and sidebars for each story.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Develop, maintain and grow network of news sources and community contacts.
  • Oversee beat coverage as needed, including meetings of city councils, school boards or other entities.
  • Interview news sources in person (occasionally from the desk) and from a variety of perspectives to ensure accurate reporting.
  • Commit to the highest level of accuracy and complete all writing within established deadlines.
  • Adhere to Community Impac t's editorial stylebook and AP style guidelines.
  • Represent the company in a professional manner at networking events and other external functions.
  • Shoot photographs for stories as needed.
  • Manage production of editorial content.
  • Mentor, manage and grow reporters.
  • Hit monthly print and daily digital deadlines.
  • Learn industry specific software, including content management systems.
  • Comply with other job-related instructions and perform any other duties the Managing Editor, General Manager or any other supervisor(s) consider reasonably related to their primary job responsibilities.

Why Join Community Impact
Mileage Reimbursement: $190 monthly stipend for gas, mileage, and tolls.
Paid Time Off: 112 hours annually
Paid Holidays: 10 per year, plus an additional paid day off for your birthday
Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Additional Coverage: Supplemental insurance options, including Accident and Critical Illness
Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement and development
If you are ready to make a real difference in your community, apply today.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
  • College degree-preferably in journalism-or related coursework
  • At least 2 years of full-time experience with print or digital publication(s), or equivalent experience
  • Experience in interviewing, writing, editing, overseeing other writers and managing a publication's production
  • Ability to pass the company's writing and copy editing tests
  • First-rate reporting, writing and editing skills
  • Proficiency writing and editing both hard news and features
  • Expert knowledge of AP Style
  • Excellent news judgment and ability to generate story ideas
  • Must have access to reliable transportation

Apply