Copywriter Vs Copy Editor: What's The Difference?

Q: What's the best copywriting course?

100% Write Your Way to Freedom ! It literally changed my life!

Are you considering possible careers for being a digital nomad and weighing copywriter vs copy editor?

They’re both great options. Copywriting and copy editing are excellent paths to remote work and full-time travel, but they are very different.

While both are concerned with the written word, in general, a copywriter writes the text for advertisements, blog posts, emails, etc.

A copy editor checks the grammar, spelling, and accuracy of the materials created by the copywriters.

Both copywriters and copy editors need to have strong writing skills. However, copywriters also need to be creative in order to come up with new ideas for content, while copy editors need to be detail-oriented in order to catch errors.

I’ve been a copywriter since 2020. It’s what allowed me to become a digital nomad. I can help sort out the difference between copy editing and copywriting. Let’s take a closer look and see which career you’re better suited for.

Copywriter vs Copy Editor

What Does a Copywriter Do?

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Copywriters are also sometimes considered content writers. Generally copywriting means writing things for the purpose of selling. Content writing is creating informational material such as blog posts.

The lines get blurred between copy and content writing, but for this article, I use “copywriter” to mean anyone who writes both. Because very often a copywriter is also a content writer and will handle many different types of work for their clients.

For example, I’m a freelance copywriter for my “day job.” I write informational blog articles for one client and social media posts for another. I also prepare case studies, create newsletters, and write emails.

All these types of projects have different goals. Some are to inform while others are to persuade or sell.

As a copywriter, you’re responsible for creating the initial content – whether it’s an ad, an email, or a blog post. You need to be creative and think of new ideas for content, as well as have a good understanding of the target audience.

Copywriters also need to be able to write engaging copy that grabs people’s attention and encourages them to take action.

Qualities Needed to Be a Copywriter

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Copywriters are a crucial part of any marketing team, as they need to be able to capture the target audience’s attention and convince them to take action.

Therefore, it’s vital for copywriters to have excellent writing skills and a knack for storytelling. Additionally, they must understand how human psychology works in order to effectively target specific audiences with their words.

Being creative and having ideas that stand out from the rest can also help copywriters write successful copy. Being organized and possessing strong research skills are also key ingredients needed for success in the world of copywriting.

Most freelance copywriters don’t have the budget to hire editors when they first start out. Therefore, it’s important to also have excellent editing skills.

How to Become a Copywriter

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Getting started as a copywriter is relatively easy: all you need is a laptop and an internet connection.

However, it’s important to understand that there’s more to becoming successful than simply writing words. Anyone can call themselves a copywriter. In order to be a great copywriter you’ll need an understanding of how to create effective content that will grab the reader’s attention.

You’ll want to choose a specific niche for your copywriting business. Some sample niches are:

Medical and wellness
Travel
Technology
Education
eCommerce

The list is nearly endless. Everyone who owns a business needs a website. And every website needs content.

Decide what you’re most passionate about. You don’t need to be an expert in your niche. For some things, it’s better not to be an expert. It gives your writing a fresh perspective and keeps your copy from being full of technical terms that the average person won’t understand.

Of course, if you want to be a technical writer, you’ll need more in-depth knowledge about your niche.

Start by following some of the great copywriting blogs. You’ll learn a lot from them.

Best Copywriting Course

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I highly recommend Sarah Turner’s Write Your Way to Freedom course. I took it myself and it was fantastic. This link takes you to her free masterclass. At the end of the free course, you can buy the main one. Even if you only take the free class, you’ll get a ton of helpful information.

There’s a lot to do to get your copywriting business started and Sarah walks you through every step. This is a great copywriting course because it’s extremely comprehensive and Sarah adds more information to it all the time.

She also offers ongoing support, which is invaluable when first starting out.

What Does a Copy Editor Do?

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A copy editor is responsible for reviewing and editing the content that a copywriter creates. They make sure the grammar is correct and the overall message is clear.

They also make sure the content is well-structured, consistent, and free of factual errors. Copy editors must have a good understanding of language and be able to spot any inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the text they are reviewing.

Copy editors check for typos, punctuation errors, spelling errors, grammatical errors, syntax issues, clarity problems, sentence structure, and factual errors. They also review the content for any signs of plagiarism.

Copy editors working in agencies may also be asked to collaborate with other individuals, such as copywriters and graphic designers, to ensure that all aspects of the project are cohesive and consistent with each other.

They can offer valuable insight into the overall structure and flow of the content, as well as suggest changes or improvements to ensure that the end product is of the highest quality.

At times, copy editors may be asked to review and edit marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and other promotional material. With their expertise in language, they can help ensure that the written content is clear and professional through the editing process.

Qualities Needed to Be a Copy Editor

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If you’re considering becoming a copy editor, it’s important to make sure you have the qualities needed for this position.

A good copy editor is detail-oriented and has an excellent grasp of the English language. They also need to know how to make corrections without changing the meaning or flow of the original content.

In addition, they should have a good understanding of the different styles of writing and how to use them appropriately.

Copy editors need to be able to work quickly and efficiently, as well as be able to take feedback from clients and make changes accordingly. They should be organized and able to multi-task. They should also be able to think critically.

Finally, copy editors need to have excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively with clients and other members of the team.

These qualities are essential for any copy editor, as they will help them produce accurate and high-quality content that meets the client’s needs.

With these qualities, copy editors can become an invaluable part of any content team. Or even branch out to be a freelancer.

How to Become a Copy Editor

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If you think copy editing is the right career for you, the first step is to gain some experience. You can start by taking classes in writing and editing to develop your skills and learn about the different aspects of content creation.

Once you have some experience, it’s important to build a portfolio of your work. This can be anything from articles and blog posts to marketing materials and web content that you have edited.

An easy way to get started is to do some work for family and friends at a reduced price, or even free. In return ask for a testimonial and permission to use the end product in your portfolio.

It’s also a good idea to join professional networks and organizations related to copy editing and marketing, as this will help you stay up to date with the latest trends in the industry.

Best Copy Editing Course

How to Become a Freelance Editor: Make Money Copy Editin g is a great course to start with. It covers everything from grammar and punctuation to style guides, editing techniques, and more. It also shows you how to market yourself and get clients.

Freelancing as a Copywriter or Copy Editor

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The best way to be either a copywriter or copy editor as a digital nomad is to freelance. In-house copywriters and copy editors are less in demand than outside contractors or freelancers. However, it is possible to get a job for a company doing copywriting or editing.

As a freelancer, you’re basically a small business owner. Sure, the business may only be you, but it’s still a business.

Grab a copy of my free ebook on how to start your own business. You’ll be on your way to the digital nomad lifestyle in no time.

I actually did this. I followed these exact steps and I wrote this article from an apartment in Cozumel, Mexico two blocks from the ocean. If I could do it, why can’t you?

Frequently Asked Questions: Copywriter vs Copy Editor

What is a copywriter?

A copywriter writes the text for advertisements, blog posts, emails, sales pages, etc. that are used to promote products, services, and brands.

What is a copy editor?

A copy editor checks the grammar, spelling, and accuracy of the materials copywriters create. This means that copy editors are responsible for ensuring that the content is accurate and consistent.

What is a content writer?

A content writer is a person who specializes in creating and writing content for websites, blogs, newsletters, articles, social media posts, press releases, and other forms of online communication.

What is content marketing?

Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to be a copywriter or copy editor?

In general, no, you don’t need a college degree. Large publishing houses or advertising agencies may require you to have a degree, however. To be a freelancer, you just need some informal training.

What’s the best copywriting course?

100% Write Your Way to Freedom! It literally changed my life!

What’s the best copy editing course?

How to Become a Freelance Editor: Make Money Copy Editing

Do advertising agencies use copywriters or copy editors?

Advertising agencies use both copywriters and copy editors.
Copywriters are employed to create the initial copy, while copy editors are responsible for proofreading and finalizing it.

What are style guidelines?

Style guidelines are sets of rules that determine how content should be written and presented. The goal is to ensure consistency and quality across all pieces of content, from website text to brochures.

What is the Chicago Manual of Style?

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is a style guide for writers, editors, and publishers. It covers grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other aspects of written English. It also provides guidance on formatting documents such as books, scholarly articles, and websites.

What is the AP Stylebook?

The AP Stylebook is the go-to guide for writers, editors, and students in journalism. It provides guidance on writing style and grammar, as well as specific rules to follow when writing news stories. Additionally, the AP Stylebook includes a comprehensive list of widely accepted journalistic terms and definitions.

How do I find clients as a freelancer?

I find around 95% of my copywriting clients on LinkedIn. Create a great profile and start connecting with people who are your ideal clients.

I’ve also had some success with cold emailing. Do your homework first. I won’t open an email that starts with “Hello, info@…” It’s quite easy to figure out my name if you just click through my website. Anyone who doesn’t take the time to learn about me won’t get my attention.

Will AI mean the end of copywriters?

No, AI (artificial intelligence) will not put copywriters out of work. It is, however, changing the way we write. Copywriters and editors will have to embrace AI to continue to be successful.

Wrap-Up: Copywriter vs Copy Editor

To sum it up, copywriters and copy editors play different roles in the writing process. Both copywriters and copy editors must have excellent communication skills, knowledge of style guides and grammar rules, as well as an understanding of the target demographic.

Despite the similarities, their goals are different. Copywriters focus on generating creative content to attract and engage audiences, while copy editors ensure the content is accurate and well-written.

Copywriting requires an extensive amount of creativity and knowledge concerning the target audience. Copy editing is more technical, requiring attention to detail and an eye for grammar.

Knowing your strengths will help you decide which career is best for you. Whichever you choose, both are great options for becoming a digital nomad.

Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads. It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.

Copywriter vs Copy Editor: What’s the Difference?