Q: I am a senior English education student. I am interested in the copy editing/proofreading career and am curious about my chances in the field with an English Education degree. I would also like to know how to research an internship that deals solely with the editing process. As of now, I am planning on returning to school to pursue this line of education but would love the chance to gain experience hands-on. If you have any advice, contacts or ideas I would appreciate the help.
Hilary
A: Copy editors are in high demand at newspapers, but newspapers typically value experience above all other qualifications. We even want intern applicants to have some experience. The hands-on experience you crave will be critical to seeing whether you really like the work and to ultimately getting a job. As you are still in school, I suggest you start with a campus publication.
Once you have enough experience to decide that you love the work, many newspapers will rely on that and a copy editing test to see whether you’re employable.
I'd also look at the Website for the American Copy Editors Society. They have some good material on-line, as well as conferences.
