Publishing copy-editor/proofreader : Employers and vacancy sources

The vast majority of copy-editors and proofreaders are now self-employed and work on a freelance basis. There is a limited number of in-house positions, particularly with very large publishers, and competition can be fierce.

Employers within the book publishing sector include companies that produce general or consumer books. These include best-selling fiction and non-fiction. However, it is more difficult to obtain editing work in fiction and other areas are more likely to provide work. These include:

• children's books;
• educational publications;
• reference works;
• scientific, medical and technical publications;
• academic publications.

The market in corporate publishing is developing. Large, commercial organisations regularly produce their own staff magazines, newsletters and publicity materials and may employ freelancers for all, or part, of the production process.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• The Bookseller    
• The Society of Young Publishers (SYP)  - vacancies available for members to view.
• BookCareers  
• Oxford International Centre for Publishing Studies    
• Publishing Scotland    
• Guardian Jobs  
• The Daily Telegraph Jobs  
• The Times Jobs  
• The Scotsman Jobs  
• The Herald Jobs  

Specialist recruitment agencies tend to advertise senior-level vacancies. These include:

• Inspired Selection  
• JFL Search and Selection  
• Career Moves  

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.