How to Find Freelance Copy Editing Jobs Online
You’ve decided to become a copy editor, and you know you want to work remotely – but do you know where to find freelance copy editing jobs? The good news is there are plenty of opportunities out there – you just need to know where to look.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you a quick reminder of what copy editing involves, outline several strategies for finding freelance copy editing jobs online, and provide a list of 10 companies that hire remote editors.
Read on to take your next step toward a flexible freelance copy editing career!
What Does Copy Editing Involve?
The terms copy editing and proofreading are often used interchangeably, but they are two distinct parts of the publishing process.
Copy editing is reviewing “copy” (written material) to improve its accuracy, readability, and overall quality. It takes place after developmental and line editing but before the final proofread.
A copy editor will:
- Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
- Ensure there is consistency in the style, tone, and formatting of the document
- Remove vocabulary that’s unclear, incorrect, or inappropriate for the audience
- Address sentence order and syntax errors
- Look out for excessive wordiness or redundancies
- Correct any pacing issues
- Make sure that the author’s voice is maintained throughout
- Make sure that the document adheres to a given publishing style or style guide
A keen eye for detail, strong communication abilities, and an excellent grasp of grammar and spelling are all essential skills for a successful editor. You’ll also need to know about the tools of the trade, such as how to use style guides, word processing programs, and communication tools (e.g., email and video conferencing).
If you’d like to hone your skills, an editing course can help you build your knowledge and confidence. Plus, an editing certification will provide clients and employers with proof of your knowledge and really help your resume stand out!
7 Ways to Find Freelance Copy Editing Jobs
Looking for editing jobs can be daunting when you’re not sure where to begin. Whether you’re a seasoned editor or just starting out, these tips will help you find the perfect work-from-home editing job.
1. Sign Up with an Agency
Working through an editing agency can be a great way to get a consistent stream of projects, especially if you’re just starting out. When you sign up, you’ll usually need to:
- Fill out an application and submit a resume or cover letter
- Pass a short editing test or assessment
- Agree to any style requirements or guidelines
Agencies then match you with clients, so you don’t have to find work on your own. You’ll also avoid much of the administrative burden (e.g., invoicing) that comes with freelancing independently. This arrangement means you can focus on polishing your editing skills instead of worrying about handling all of the logistics.
2. Explore Job Sites and Freelance Marketplaces
Well-known job sites such as Indeed and Reed, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn, often list copy editing jobs. There is usually a mixture of in-house and freelance positions, allowing you to find opportunities that suit your needs. You can filter positions by keywords like “freelance,” “remote,” or “copy editing” to find roles that suit you.
Freelance marketplaces are another good option. Platforms such as Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer allow you to create a profile, list your services, and wait for clients to reach out. Although the competition can be high, these platforms often handle administrative tasks like payment, making it easier to focus on delivering top-quality work. If you need more ideas, check out this list of seven websites for finding freelance jobs.
3. Update Your Resume
Keeping your CV or resume up to date is always a good idea. If the perfect opportunity comes along, you’ll be ready to apply straight away!
If you’re a new editor and don’t have much experience, you may want to use a skills-based (or functional) resume or CV template. This will focus on your skills rather than your experience, giving you the opportunity to highlight relevant transferable skills you’ve gained from other work.
Treat this template as a starting point, and adapt your resume to suit the requirements of each new job you apply for. Identify the keywords in the job posting, and use them to make a list of your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. This could include courses you’ve taken, volunteer projects, or continuing professional development. Use active language, and be as specific and detailed as you can.
4. Build Your Online Presence
Promoting yourself is crucial if you want to thrive as a freelance editor.
Creating a website is a good place to start; you can list your services and prices, display your portfolio, and showcase your positive testimonials. It also gives potential clients an easy way to contact you and ask questions.
You could even launch a blog to boost the visibility of your business on search engines!
Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn and Instagram) can also be a great way to network, connect with potential clients, and learn about industry events. Consider how to hone your LinkedIn profile and create an eye-catching Instagram bio.
5. Contact Potential Clients Directly
It might feel intimidating, but cold contacting potential clients is a solid way to secure work. If there’s a particular company you’d love to work with, or you’ve spotted some errors in a company or individual’s content, don’t be afraid to reach out and offer your services.
You should treat cold emails in the same way you treat your resume and LinkedIn connection messages – do some research, and tailor your message to each new recipient. Explain why you’d like to work with them in particular and how your services fit their needs. A tailored cold email is much more likely to get a response than a generic one!
6. Join Proofreading and Editing Groups
When looking for a job, consider joining a professional proofreading and editing group such as ACES or CIEP. These groups provide a platform to showcase your skills and promote your services, and many of them offer client referrals or exclusive job listings for their members.
Working by yourself can be isolating; proofreading and editing groups can also be a great way to network, seek support, and even find a mentor who can help you navigate the freelance world (especially when you’re just getting started). If a membership-based professional editing society isn’t for you, search for informal social media or LinkedIn groups that offer support and guidance.
7. Consider Companies That Hire Directly
In addition to job boards and marketplaces, many companies hire remote copy editors directly on a freelance basis. Pursuing these opportunities can lead to stable, ongoing work that fits around your schedule. Next, we’ll explore 10 companies that hire remote editors.
10 Companies That Hire for Remote Editing Jobs
The following companies hire editors on a freelance or remote basis. Each one has its own set of requirements, application processes, and benefits. Explore their websites for more information on open positions and how to apply.
1. EditorLive
Academic and business editing service EditorLive hires remote editors with no professional editing experience, as long as they can demonstrate:
- Experience writing academic papers
- Knowledge of Chicago, APA, AP, MLA, CSE, and other common academic styles
- Eligibility to work as a contractor for a US company
If you match the above criteria, you can submit an application and undergo EditorLive’s two-part examination process.
2. Scribbr
Scribbr is an academic editing platform that promises high earnings and 24/7 community support for its editors.
While working with Scribbr, you can set your own availability calendar, earn per word, and access the platform’s development and mentorship programs.
Although Scribbr is not currently hiring editors, you can join its waiting list to hear when positions become available.
3. Flywheel
Flywheel is a site that connects freelancers with clients according to the tasks they specialize in.
While it doesn’t focus on editing and offers both hybrid and remote options, you can occasionally find remote editing work via its jobs page.
Experience isn’t necessary, but you may need to complete an assessment for certain jobs.
4. Reedsy
If you’re eyeing a career in book editing, working for Reedsy could be your big break.
This book editing platform hires editors to work on manuscripts from new and established authors across a vast array of subjects. You can use its marketplace platform to search for your ideal genres or subjects, accept projects, and submit your quotes.
To be eligible to work with Reedsy, you’ll need to submit a portfolio and details of your work experience. The platform will charge a 10% commission fee for any work you accept.
5. Jobs for Editors
Jobs for Editors provides an average of 15–20 documents per week, 24/7 support for editors, and access to free tutorials – provided you have a degree in linguistics, translation, or international relations.
If you’ve got the right academic background, you can start working for Jobs for Editors by uploading your resume and completing the test assignment.
6. Gramlee
Editing service Gramlee is always on the lookout for freelance editors and is a good choice if you’re looking for shorter documents.
You can choose to submit an employment application for either general content editing or dissertation editing, then answer several interview-style questions about your experience and interest in the company.
The Gramlee team will respond to successful applicants.
7. Writing Jobz
You don’t need editing experience to work with Writing Jobz, but you do need to complete a sign-up process to access the site.
First, you are required to answer some questions about your background and experience.
You’ll then be prompted to upload a resume, upload a writing or editing sample, and take an English test.
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive information about the next steps.
8. Editor World
Editor World is currently hiring remote editors who hold a PhD or have an academic background in the sciences.
After submitting a successful application, you will be invited to create an editor profile on its site that potential clients can view and submit work to.
9. First Editing
First Editing hires experienced editors for remote developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing jobs.
To be successful, you must:
- Have a doctoral degree
- Provide references and 2–3 editing samples
- Be a member of an editing or writing society
- Be based outside the continental US
- Commit to a minimum of 25 hours per week
10. American Journal Experts
American Journal Experts hires academic editors from across the US on a freelance basis to work on scholarly manuscripts across multiple disciplines.
Freelancers benefit from a robust support network and can accept jobs as and when they choose.
To be eligible for work with American Journal Experts, you’ll need to be a graduate or working toward a postgraduate degree with an accredited US college.
Becoming a Copy Editor
Whether you plan to travel the world as a digital nomad or simply enjoy the freedom of a remote lifestyle, copy editing can be a fulfilling way to earn money flexibly and exercise your love of language.
If you’re serious about pursuing a freelance copy editing career, our Becoming An Editor course will help you excel. Want to give it a try? Sign up for two free lessons and get a preview of the course!
Updated on April 8, 2025
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