Copy editing and copywriting form the core of professional commercial writing. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, making it difficult for writers to find the right path for their careers. If you’re interested in content writing, it’s vital to understand the difference in skills and expectations between these two roles. In this article, we take a deeper look at what copy editing and copywriting are, see what copy editors and copywriters do and explain the skills necessary in each role.
The main difference between copy editor vs. copywriter lies in the actual work they do. Copywriters create original content to appeal to an audience while copy editors check the content for its tone of voice, readability, coherence and cohesiveness. Copy editors sometimes rewrite parts of the content to adhere to specific requirements. Although copy editors and copywriters work in the same field, the roles differ significantly.
Copywriters come in first in the content creation process to develop text and shape copy in a logical argument. Copy editors then come next to improve the content and correct inaccuracies before sending it to be published. You can supplement one role with the other as they both work alongside one another to ensure the quality of the final product. It’s normal to see job listings that require skills and experience in both roles. Each role requires specific technical skills, knowledge and experience, and being familiar with these can help you determine where you fit in best.
If you would like to get into the commercial writing field, it’s crucial to weigh your options and identify your technical skill sets. Both fields are lucrative and, with social media and the internet, it’s easy to find copy editing and copywriting jobs. With a career in copy editing and copywriting, expect to work either remotely or in-person for various clients in multiple industries as the fields are primarily self-employed.
Copywriting is the act of writing text to inform, inspire or persuade. This can be anything from a social media post or blog to an email, sales letter or landing page. Most businesses use copywriting to increase sales and conversions, but it offers more benefits, including increasing customer engagement.
Copywriting is one of the most critical elements of advertising and marketing. When done correctly, it pulls in target audiences and convinces them to take certain actions, such as buying a product or signing up for newsletters.
As a copywriter, the content you create varies depending on your client’s brand, brief and expectations. For example, if a business wants copy that helps them sell a new product, you’re required to write a compelling and convincing text that persuades their target audience to purchase the item. Your job duties and responsibilities as a copywriter are as follows:
It’s essential to note that these responsibilities vary significantly from company to company. Some employers can task you with more, such as writing and managing their content writing, while others only want you to create and deliver the copy.
Here are some of the technical skills and competencies required to become a good copywriter:
There are no set entry requirements for becoming a copywriter, but many employers typically ask for a degree in journalism, English, creative writing or a similar field. You’re not required to have any licences or certifications.
As a copywriter, it helps to have experience and previous work samples to showcase your writing skills. If you have no written samples but still wish to join the field, start by writing your own blog or interning to create a portfolio of work.
When it comes to professional content creation, copy editing is at times overlooked, but it plays a major role in the submission of unique, high-quality copy. Copy editors are creative professionals who ensure the content is clear, coherent and credible. They restructure the content to create a better flow, adjust the tone of voice, ensure clarity and improve readability. Alongside proofreaders, they can also check for correct grammar, syntax and punctuation.
The main aim of copy editing is to make sure the copy reads well for its intended purpose. Editors are also checking that the copy is consistent and follows the client’s brief, guidelines and requirements. With copy editing, companies can produce engaging, educative and informative text that’s error-free.
Copy editors perform the following tasks:
Copyeditors normally liaise with copywriters on anything they can’t confirm or complete alone. For example, they can ask a copywriter to reword certain text, shorten the copy to reduce the word count or ask them to include specific information.
Here are some of the technical skills and competencies required to become a good copy editor:
Like copywriting, there are no set requirements for becoming a copy editor, but it helps to have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or any other related field. Having prior work experience significantly increases your chances of landing a copy editing role.
Consider working as an intern or trainee to develop your portfolio and work experience. Copy editing roles usually don’t require licensing and certification, but having some can make your application stand out more to potential employers.
