07 Jun Copy Editor Vs Content Editor: What’s The Difference?

With the boom in content marketing that has been experienced over the last couple of years, the term ‘content editor’ has been on the top of everyone’s minds. This is because the content editor is the person who is the cornerstone of a company’s content marketing strategy. However, quite a lot of people have become confused between  ‘copy editor’ and ‘content editor’ .

What Is A Copy Editor?

The answer to this depends on the industry you’re talking about. For example, a copy editor – in a magazine or newspaper environment – will be responsible for checking that things like grammar are correct. They will also check the copy is readable. However, they will also be responsible for make sure that the final laid-out newspaper or magazine is ready to go to print.

I like the definition – by the Society for Editors and Proofreaders – of what a copy editor does:

“A professional copy-editor begins by checking that the copy is complete. Then the editor cleans up a copy of the document … Working through the material, the copy-editor corrects errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, style and usage, but also very long sentences and overuse of italic, bold, capitals, exclamation marks and the passive voice. They correct or query doubtful facts, weak arguments, plot holes and gaps in numbering.”

What Is A Content Editor?

A content editor is responsible for making sure that the content a particular brand puts out is consistent with what they want the public to perceive about them.  For example, the content editor for a locksmith will be responsible for producing content that shows how that particular locksmith are experts in their field. this is so potential customers – when looking for a locksmith – will choose their brand above anyone else’s.

The job of the content editor is is not limited as the job of the copy editor is.

Besides selecting appropriate content for the company’s website(s) and social media platform(s), he or she will be responsible for optimising the content for their particular audience. The content editor will also make sure that there are no spelling mistakes in the body of the article. Ultimately, the content editor will have to draw as many readers to the platform as possible. They will do this by marketing the content. (I help clients with their SEO optimisation – follow this link to find out more – as well as editing and proofreading.)

Depending on the make-up of the company, the content editor could also be responsible for commissioning content such as audio of their blogposts or videos to be published on multiple platforms. They could also – if they are familiar with content management systems (CMS) – be responsible for uploading content onto the site.

Both jobs of content editor and copy editor are very rewarding. When choosing one, make sure that it’s your passion!