Hire the Best Copy Editors

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Based on 26,984 client reviews
Eimear M.

Toronto, Canada

$35/hr
5.0
9 jobs

Hi, I’m Eimear—a freelance editor, proofreader, and story-shaper. With 10+ years of experience in writing, editing, and proofreading across corporate and creative spaces, I specialize in transforming manuscripts into polished, engaging, and publication-ready work—while preserving the author’s voice. I hold a Master’s in Journalism and have completed the Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing, bringing strong judgment, accuracy, and narrative sensitivity to every project. My areas of expertise include: ✍🏻 Line & Copy Editing I refine sentences for clarity, flow, tone, grammar, and consistency, enhancing readability while preserving your unique voice. ✍🏻 Developmental Editing I provide thoughtful, constructive feedback on plot, character development, pacing, and overall storytelling—always respecting your vision. ✍🏻 Beta Reading You’ll receive concise, actionable notes on pacing, clarity, engagement, and overall flow. ✍🏻 Proofreading A meticulous final review focused on spelling, punctuation, grammar, and minor inconsistencies. If you’re searching for a freelance editor who prioritizes clear communication, detailed feedback, and supportive guidance, I’d love to hear more about your project. Testimonials: "Eimear is an exceptional editor, with excellent consistency, a strong eye for detail, and the ability to provide insightful feedback in a clear and thoughtful way. A fantastic editor anyone would be lucky to work with!" "I have worked with many copy editors in the past and Eimear was one of the best." "An exceptionally intelligent and helpful beta-reader. Provided highly nuanced points that made me think. Highly, highly recommended."

  • Copy Editing
  • Line Editing
  • Developmental Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Beta Reading
  • Book Editing
  • Copywriting
Roxanne G.

Chicago, Illinois

$20/hr
5.0
50 jobs

Technology Skills: -QuickBooks Online -Word Processing (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Open Office) -Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) -Electronic Presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides) -Editing Software (Photoshop CC, Clip Studio Paint, Sketchbook) -Data Analysis (SPSS, SAS) -Translation Software (SDL Trados 2021, Omega Tool, Memsource Editor) -Subtitles Creation (SRT file export, Aegisub, Wondershare Filmora) Writing Skills: -Content Writing -Copy editing -Ghostwriting -Proofreading Association: -American Copy Editors Society (ACES) -AWAI Barefoot Writer -Psi Chi I aspire to build continuous relationships with my clients, so long-term projects are preferable. However, I am also agreeable to take short-term projects. My working hours are flexible from Monday to Friday, and I work on weekends for half-days. I am happy to cooperate as a team with other freelancers you may work with. I look forward to hearing from you!

  • Email Communication
  • Proofreading
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Filipino to English Translation
  • Japanese to English Translation
  • Copy Editing
  • IBM SPSS
  • English to Filipino Translation
  • Tagalog to English Translation
  • English to Tagalog Translation
  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Workspace
  • Audio Transcription
  • Canva
  • Data Entry
Radian H.

Rocklin, California

$70/hr
5.0
13 jobs

Hello! College admissions are more competitive than ever before---I know first hand, having applied (and gained admission to) several Ivy League institutions in the most competitive application cycle in history. As someone who loves creative writing, I believe my essays helped me stand out. Not every student wants to be a writer or poet, but I can help them craft a strong essay in their own voice that will set them apart in the eyes of admissions officers. I truly believe that every student, whether they are a budding artist or an engineer, has a story worthy of telling. Now is the time to tell it. A little bit about me: I know the college admissions game firsthand. As a high school student, I was accepted to Columbia, Brown, Penn, Cornell, Oxford (UK), Northwestern, Johns Hopkins University, Williams, Swarthmore, Bowdoin, UC Berkeley, UVA, and many more (including two full-ride merit scholarships to selective institutions). Ultimately, however, I chose to enroll at UNC Chapel Hill as the recipient of the 2025 Thomas Wolfe Scholarship---a full ride plus stipends for one talented creative writing student. Beyond my academic life, I am a published poet and short fiction writer, with work appearing in prestigious venues like POETRY, The Missouri Review, The Cincinnati Review, and Gulf Coast, all with acceptance rates bordering on 1%. I worked for years as an editor of a literary magazine, giving detailed edits on accepted work. These two things---my intimate familiarity with the workings of college admissions today and my passion for the written word---mean I can help your student craft the essay that best tells THEIR story while preserving their authentic voice. Many essay editors are English teachers or admissions consultants decades removed from their own college application journey. I, on the other hand, know what it's like. I know how hard it is, but also how getting into a top college is within reach for your student. I hope you'll trust me with your student's words!

  • Creative Writing
  • College Essay
  • Short Story Writing
  • Nonfiction Writing
  • Fiction Writing
  • Essay Writing
  • Proofreading
  • Copy Editing
  • Developmental Editing
Ige A.

Ogun, Nigeria

$15/hr
5.0
9 jobs

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Your story deserves more than basic proofreading, it deserves strategic feedback, deep critique, and professional polish. If you're looking for a detail-oriented beta reader, book editor, and formatting specialist who understands story structure and reader psychology, you're in the right place. I specialize in beta reading, manuscript feedback, and developmental editing for fiction and nonfiction authors. From romance novels and fantasy to thriller, horror, science fiction, literary fiction, memoir, and self-help, I provide in-depth story review, manuscript critique, and actionable feedback designed to strengthen your book. As a professional beta reader and book editor, I analyze: ✔Plot development and pacing ✔Character development and character voices ✔Story structure and emotional impact ✔Grammar check and line-level clarity ✔Consistency, tone, and reader engagement Whether you need an alpha reader, romance beta reader, fantasy beta reader, horror beta reader, or a detailed reader report, I deliver structured book feedback that helps you revise with confidence. Beyond editing, I also offer: ✔Line editing and copy editing ✔Proofreading and content editing ✔Book formatting for Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon KDP) ✔Ebook formatting and publishing support ✔Book blurb review, synopsis, and query letter feedback ✔Self-publishing guidance I work with novels, novellas, short stories, children’s books, screenplays, and nonfiction manuscripts. My goal is simple: elevate your manuscript to a publish-ready standard while preserving your unique voice. If you're serious about publishing, let’s refine your book the right way. Book Editing, Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, Beta Reading, Beta Reader, Manuscript Review, Manuscript Critique, Manuscript Evaluation, Editorial Feedback, Story Editing, Plot Development, Character Development, Fiction Editing, Nonfiction Editing, Children's Book Editing, Middle Grade Editing, Memoir Editing, Self-Help Editing, Business Book Editing, Reader Feedback, Writing Critique, Grammar Correction, Content Editing, Ebook Formatting, Book Formatting, Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon KDP, EPUB Formatting, Print Layout, Interior Book Design, Publishing Support, Self-Publishing, Query Letter Review, Synopsis Review, Book Blurb Review, Developmental Feedback, Narrative Development, Story Structure, Dialogue Review, Reader Engagement, Manuscript Polishing, Final Draft Review, Publication Preparation, Cultural Localization, Transcreation, English Editing, Copyediting, Editorial Consulting, Author Support. Beta Reading, Beta Reader, Professional Beta Reader, Beta Reader Report, Alpha Reader, Manuscript Review, Manuscript Critique, Manuscript Evaluation, Manuscript Assessment, Book Editing, Developmental Editing, Structural Editing, Line Editing, Copy Editing, Copyediting, Proofreading, Content Editing, Editorial Review, Editorial Feedback, Fiction Editing, Nonfiction Editing, Novel Editing, Romance Editing, Fantasy Editing, Thriller Editing, Mystery Editing, Science Fiction Editing, Young Adult Editing, Children's Book Editing, Memoir Editing, Self-Help Editing, Story Editing, Story Structure, Plot Development, Plot Analysis, Story Pacing, Character Development, Character Arcs, Character Voice, Dialogue Review, Narrative Development, Reader Feedback, Reader Engagement, Reader Experience, Writing Critique, Literary Editing, Literary Feedback, Worldbuilding, Scene Analysis, Chapter Review, Grammar Correction, Syntax Review, Error Detection, Clarity Improvement, Readability Enhancement, Voice Consistency, Tone Improvement, Developmental Feedback, Manuscript Development, Revision Support, Draft Evaluation, Manuscript Polishing, Final Draft Review, Publishing Support, Self-Publishing, Book Publishing, Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon KDP, KDP Formatting, Kindle Formatting, Ebook Formatting, ePub Formatting, Print Formatting, Book Formatting, Interior Book Design, Typesetting, Book Design, Book Blurb Review, Synopsis Review, Query Letter Review, Author Support, Author Services, Publishing Consultant, Editorial Consulting, Story Consultant, Writing Coach, Fiction Coaching, Literary Analysis, Professional Editing Services, Reader Report, Editorial Report, Novel Critique, Fiction Critique, Nonfiction Critique, Publishing Guidance, Publication Preparation, Creative Writing, Fiction Writing, Nonfiction Writing.

  • Developmental Editing
  • Beta Reading
  • Beta Reader Report
  • Line Editing
  • Copy Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Ebook Formatting
  • Book Cover Design
  • Kindle Direct Publishing
  • Writing Critique
  • Ghostwriting
  • Romance
  • Book Editing
  • Audiobook Cover Design
  • Romance Writing
  • AI-Generated Transcription
  • Manuscript Editing Software
  • Digital Publishing Suite
  • Style Guide Development
  • Manuscript
Chandi L.

North Augusta, South Carolina

$84/hr
5.0
135 jobs

I’m all about words. Choosing the right one for the right moment can be magical. Punctuating all of them correctly is essential—I'm a huge fan of the Oxford comma. As a professional copy editor, my job is to help you put the right pieces in the right places. I love to read and consume large amounts of media from a variety of sources and genres; some great, some poor, all educational. Struggling to fine-tune your non-fiction manuscript? Not sure if your fictional plot is interesting? Let me help. I have a high volume of clients and am up-to-date on reader preferences and good branding strategies. I admit to having a soft spot for YA fantasy/sci-fi writers, so contact me about your passion project! If you are contacting me for work: • I choose my clients carefully through a simple interview process: you send me a sample of your writing, I send you a critique, and we decide if we can stand each other. • If we move forward with the project, come prepared, you will get true edits. • I am tough and thorough. My job is to make you look good. • Everything happens in Google docs, MS Word, Pages, or Scrivener using editing tools so you have complete control over any changes. • I do not ghostwrite but I will help you find your voice because it needs to be heard.

  • English
  • Track Changes
  • American English Accent
  • Story Editing
  • Content Editing
  • Public Speaking
  • Novel
  • Grammar & Syntax Review
  • Blog Content
  • Markup
  • Book Editing
  • Editing & Proofreading
Madison D.

Battle Ground, Washington

$38/hr
5.0
71 jobs

Hello all! I am enthusiastic about all things words and I can't wait to help make your projects shine! I have experience in most genre types and a flexible schedule/strong communication skills. My Process: Windows PC, Latest Version of MS Word and track changes. I can work with PDF, Google Docs, and a few beta reading sites. As long as I have a way to comment on the manuscript, I can work with it! Reach out to me if you need help with the following : .: Story collaboration assistance and/or Beta Reading .: Quick edits (blog posts, short stories, academic papers) .: Content/dev edits .: Copyedits .: Proofreading/Galley Edits .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. I have a B of S in Arts and Letters. I was a child author for the now defunct KidPub Press, and have 9 years of professional editing experience (2000+ manuscripts); 12 years of light academic editing (APA, MLA, Chicago), and 26 years of MS Word experience. Beta Reading: 26 years of being a bookworm across almost all genres and have beta read over 2000+ books in my professional career. I have worked with various publishing houses, like Dreaming Big Publications (2016-2022), Muze Publishing, Gatekeeper Press, ProSe Press among others. I assisted on all sides of the editing process, doing galley proofs, copyediting, dev editing, and being an Editing Manager for interning editors to keep the publishing process on track. I love the entire process of working on books. I want nothing more than to help you make your book stand out on the shelf and help bring your vision to life.

  • Microsoft Word
  • Creative Writing
  • Book Editing
  • Short Story Writing
  • Copy Editing
  • Content Editing
  • English

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How to Hire Top Copy Editors

What is copy editing?

Copy editing is the process of checking and correcting errors (e.g., spelling, grammar, style, punctuation) in written material. Copy editors will revise copy in accordance with the style guidelines a piece of copy must meet before being published. 

How do you hire a copy editor?

You can source copy editing talent on Upwork by following these three steps:

  • Write a project description. You’ll want to determine your scope of work and the skills and requirements you are looking for in a copy editor.
  • Post it on Upwork. Once you’ve written a project description, post it to Upwork. Simply follow the prompts to help you input the information you collected to scope out your project.
  • Shortlist and interview copy editors. Once the proposals start coming in, create a shortlist of the professionals you want to interview. 

Of these three steps, your project description is where you will determine your scope of work and the specific type of copy editor you need to complete your project.  

How much does it cost to hire a copy editor?

Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions. Learn about the cost to hire a copy editor.

How do you write a copy editing job post?

Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.

Job post title

Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords that your ideal candidate is likely to type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample copy editor job post titles:

  • Copy editor needed to review case studies
  • Web copy editor needed for blog
  • Seeking a copy editor to proofread and edit an academic newsletter 

Project description

An effective copy editor job post should include: 

  • Scope of work: From editing to proofreading, list all the deliverables you’ll need. 
  • Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project. 
  • Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, subjects, or writing styles, mention this here. 
  • Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.

Copy editor job responsibilities

Here are some examples of copy editor job responsibilities:

  • Review copy for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
  • Edit and revise copy in accordance with the company style guide
  • Proofread text before publishing

Copy editor job requirements and qualifications

Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in a copy editor. Here are some examples:

  • Copy editing
  • Solid command of the English language (e.g., spelling, grammar, prose)
  • Experience editing and proofreading desired writing materials (e.g., blog posts, magazine articles, academic journals, books)
  • Experience with desired writing style (APA, Chicago)