Text Editing: Can You Make a Living from It?
Text editing may sound simple: oversee copywriters and fix any mistakes. But is that all there is to it? What does the work involve, where can you find opportunities, and how much do editors earn? This article covers the essentials.
What does a text editor do?
Text editing improves not only the language of a piece but also its logic and factual accuracy.
Its aim is to improve the overall quality of a text. Editing has a broader scope than proofreading.
An editor checks:
- originality,
- compliance with the brief,
- the reliability of the information,
- language and grammar,
- logical consistency,
- structure and SEO best practices.
Text editing as a remote job
Editing is increasingly done remotely. The practical requirements are modest: a computer and an internet connection. Once an editor receives a text, they can start reviewing it almost immediately. That makes collaboration easier, while the growing importance of copywriting and digital marketing continues to create opportunities.
Where to look for remote work depends on the type of employment you prefer:
Working as a freelancer
Freelancers value independence and often work with several clients. They can find projects on job boards and in social media groups, or attract clients through their own websites.
Experienced editors may also find work with copywriting agencies. It is worth keeping an eye on individual agencies’ openings.
Our agency is currently recruiting a remote proofreader. If you are interested, take a look at the role.
Working full-time
If you want a permanent position, your options may be narrower. Check job sites regularly to find a role that suits you.
Such sites often list fewer full-time editing positions than one-off projects. Landing a permanent role can therefore take more time and effort.
How much do text editors earn?
We have already looked at earnings for copywriters, content writers and transcriptionists. Editing rates likewise vary by role and workload.
A freelance editor’s income depends largely on the amount of work available. Freelance copyediting rates are typically $4–10 per 1,000 characters including spaces (roughly $25–60 per 1,000 words). A 40,000-character batch—about 6,000–7,000 words—therefore pays $160–400, depending on the agreed rate.
At two million characters including spaces a month—50 batches of 40,000 characters—an editor could earn $8,000–20,000 in a busy month.
Freelance income can change from month to month as projects come and go.
Full-time editing roles pay around $2,500–5,500 per month. Pay depends mainly on skills, experience, company size and the terms negotiated.
Summary
- Editing goes beyond proofreading: it addresses factual and structural issues as well as language.
- A computer and internet access are enough to work remotely, making remote editing increasingly common.
- Income depends on the type of work and the number of projects available. Full-time roles pay around $2,500–5,500 per month; freelance earnings vary, with a busy month potentially reaching $8,000–20,000.
Your comment has been added and is awaiting approval.
Leave a Reply