Copyediting vs Copywriting (what is the difference)

Copyediting and copywriting are two essential aspects of professional commercial writing for a business owner.

They are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two roles.

A good Copyeditor ensures that the text is error-free and easy to read, while a good copywriter is responsible for creating compelling and persuasive content.

If you’re interested in a career in content writing or looking for personnel to hire you will want to know what copyediting vs copywriting scenario looks like,

What Does a Copywriter Do?

The primary goal of a copywriter is to interest readers in what they are reading. This is achieved by writing appeals to emotions and/or providing valuable information. When successful, this can help generate sales or educate people on various topics.

Some copywriters may find themselves in advertising or web agencies, thinking up ad ideas or storyboarding for visual content. Others might work within companies, managing social media accounts and writing blog posts.

Copywriters put the words to companies’ thoughts, feelings and emotions to build persuasive writing.

What Does a Copy Editor Do?

A copy editor’s job is to go over the text with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that it meets all the requirements of the editing process. This includes checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as ensuring that the text is consistent and easy to read.

Besides proofreading and suggesting edits, some copy editors also check the writer’s structure and voice. They can ensure that character development, story arc, and other elements are well developed.

Additionally, online copy editors often know how to select graphics that will help a piece rank on search engines.

Copyediting vs Copywriting: Key Differences

The noticeable difference between copywriting and copyediting is the focus of the work.

The main differences are a Copywriter uses written language to convey a message or topic to a target audience. I think of most copywriters as content writers or advertising writers that will write a structured piece of content.

This includes following style guidelines, written word structure, and basic sentence structure. Many freelance copywriters will be able to write social media posts, sales letters, print ads, short stories, and other marketing communications.

Copy editors then do the content editing for, spelling mistakes, mismatched facts, and grammatical errors, as well as correct any unforeseen flaws until the material is smooth and ready for its intended audience.

Copywriters create original content, while copyeditors check for errors and improve clarity. However, both roles require strong writing skills and attention to detail.

Effective content production requires editors to have excellent writing skills so they can identify whether a text is communicating information clearly to the audience. In addition, editors need to know how to stick to style guide requirements.

Tip: If you are hiring for in-house copywriters or a content editor I want you to add a very specific direction in a sample article provided to them. Add a direction like, “I want you to talk about bananas 5 times through the body paragraphs. This will show you whether a copywriter or copyeditor has attention to detail and is willing to take a closer look to produce high-quality content.

Is A Copyeditor A Copywriter?

No, an editor is not a copywriter. The two roles are distinct and require different skill sets. However, some writers may choose to specialize in both copywriting and editing.

If you’re interested in a career as a professional copywriter or professional copyeditor, it’s important to understand the difference between copywriting and copyediting. Both roles are essential to the content creation process, but they require different skill sets.

Copyeditors will do line editing and fix grammar errors for a first draft, but many times that’s not the final step. The specific skills of an editor feel like you are a professional proofreader for an already-written piece of content. But, the bigger picture is many copyeditors will take the final draft of a document and perform the final check before publishing a piece of content.

As you can imagine, a professional copy editor has a large responsibility in the writing process.

Do Copywriters Need Editors?

Yes, copywriters need editors. While copywriters are professional writers and are responsible for creating compelling and persuasive content, editors are responsible for ensuring that the text is error-free and easy to read. Without both roles, content would be either inaccurate or fail to engage the audience.

Some copywriters are technical writers and can prepare written work for instruction manuals, case studies, and short answers for fact-based content. They may even be a new writer but have a background in a professional topic, and hence why we need a copyeditor to gap some of the lack of copywriting skills.

Will AI take over copywriting?

The easy answer for the current state of AI, No. We currently use, Jasper AI, Surfer SEO, and RankIQ as AI tools to form more case studies on the topic. As of right now, a first-time writer may have a hard time competing with some AI, but a great copywriter will help you write content that provides value and ranks on google.

We also wrote about the best AI writing software tools if you want to look further into writing assistants.

I like to use Jasper AI Boss Mode currently to test out its abilities for emails, social media posts, and ability to follow simple commands. Surfer SEO and RankIQ help with writing content that “ranks” on google. We did a Surfer SEO Review and Rank IQ Review but both these focus a lot on keywords and word counts.

Copyediting vs Copywriting Skills

A career in copywriting.

If you want a career in which you can use your creativity and writing skills, consider becoming a copywriter. As a copywriter you can expect to work for advertising agencies, writing blog articles, book publishing, and many other positions.

The best part is, that no bachelor’s degree is required. Having an educational background in written language might help, but not always. Sometimes just having experience in a related field to the content that needs copy is even better.

This could involve writing ad slogans, developing story arcs for visual content, or managing social media accounts. To be successful, you need excellent language skills, attention to detail, and a creative and inquisitive mind.

You may even consider starting your own niche websites and working for yourself.

Pay and Hours.

Due to their high demand, copywriters’ salaries are generous. On average, they make between 39,000 and 73,000 a year. However, depending on your skillset and experience, you could potentially earn much more.

Copywriters usually work regular hours; however, at times they may need to work extra hours to meet a deadline.

A career in copy editing.

If you’re interested in a career that involves improving the clarity and accuracy of written content, consider becoming a copy editor. As a copy editor, you would be responsible for reviewing and editing all types of writing, from books to websites. To be successful, you need strong language skills and attention to detail.

Pay and Hours.

Copyeditors are in high demand, and their earnings reflect that. In the United States, average salaries for copy editors are $62,599 per year or $30 per hour. The top 10% make over $98,000 per year, while the bottom 10% make less than $39,000 each year.

However, depending on your skills and experience, your compensation might be much greater. On most days, copyeditors work normal hours (including weekends), but they may be compelled to work late at times to meet an imposed deadline.

Conclusion.

Copywriting and copyediting are essential for any content creator. It’s not cut out for everyone. If you don’t like sitting down for hours typing or reading over an article, you may want to avoid these as a profession.

But if you are looking to hire for these positions you now know what you are getting in a hire.

FAQs

What is a content writer?

A content writer is a professional writer who creates content for the web. This includes website articles, blog posts, social media posts, and more.

What is the Chicago manual of style?

The Chicago manual of style is a guide for copy editors and content writers. It covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, and more.

What is an SEO?

SEO is short for “search engine optimization.” It’s a technique that content creators use to improve their chances of ranking high on search engine results pages (SERPs).

What are the required skills for a copywriter?

To be a successful copywriter, you need excellent language skills, attention to detail, and a creative and inquisitive mind.

What are the required skills for a copy editor?

To be a successful copy editor, you need strong language skills and attention to detail.

What are some common tasks for a copywriter?

Some common tasks for a copywriter include writing ad slogans, developing story arcs for visual content, or managing social media accounts.

What are some common tasks for a copy editor?

Some common tasks for a copy editor include reviewing and editing all types of written content, from books to websites. They may also be responsible for fact-checking and working with authors to ensure the accuracy of their work.

What are the 5 C’s of copyediting?

The “five Cs” of copyediting: making the article clear, correct, concise, comprehensible, and consistent.

Can a copywriter be an editor?

It is possible to offer both copywriting and editing services, but you don’t need to. Copywriting and copyediting are two different skill sets that require two different types of work.