How to Be Copy Desk Chief/Editor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 2, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of technology has had a drastic effect on the way people communicate. Social media has become a dominant form of communication for many, replacing traditional forms such as face-to-face conversations and letters. This shift away from traditional communication has caused people to become more disconnected from each other and less likely to engage in meaningful conversations.

as people increasingly rely on technology to stay connected, they are spending less time engaging in activities such as reading books and playing sports that help to promote personal growth. As a result, there is an overall decrease in mental and physical health among individuals who frequently use technology for communication.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. Copy Desk Chief/Editors must possess a Bachelors degree in journalism, English, or related field.
Gain Journalism Experience. Aspiring Copy Desk Chiefs/Editors should work as journalists, ideally at a newspaper, magazine, or other journalism outlet, to gain experience in the field.
Develop Editing Skills. In addition to gaining journalism experience, Copy Desk Chiefs/Editors should also strive to improve their editing skills. This can be done through online courses, workshops, and practical experience.
Pursue a Masters Degree. Some Copy Desk Chiefs/Editors obtain a Masters degree in journalism or a related field to advance their knowledge and skills.
Obtain a Copy Desk Chief/Editor Position. After gaining the necessary experience and education, individuals can apply for Copy Desk Chief/Editor positions with newspapers, magazines, and other journalism outlets.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills. Successful Copy Desk Chiefs/Editors must possess strong leadership and communication skills in order to lead the editing staff and ensure that the final product meets the publications standards.

The increasing demand for skilled and qualified employees in the workplace is causing a shift in the way businesses recruit and train their employees. Companies are now required to invest more resources into finding people with the right skills for their positions. They are also offering more comprehensive training programs to help employees learn the necessary skills to do their job well.

As a result, businesses are able to hire more qualified people, increase productivity, and reduce turnover rates. Furthermore, employees benefit from having access to better training and can advance their career with increased knowledge and experience. finding skilled and qualified employees is beneficial for both businesses and their employees.

You may want to check Video Editor, Technical Editor, and Publications Editor for alternative.

Job Description

Copy Desk Chief: Responsible for overseeing the copy desk, as well as assigning and proofreading stories for publication. Must have strong editing and writing skills and a good understanding of the publications style guide.
Editor: Responsible for overseeing the editorial process, including assigning stories, editing content, and working with writers to ensure the accuracy and quality of the publication. Must have excellent writing and editing skills, a good understanding of the publications style guide, and an eye for detail.
Proofreader: Responsible for reading through published articles to ensure accuracy and quality. Must have strong writing and editing skills, as well as a good understanding of grammar and punctuation rules.
Research Assistant: Responsible for researching and gathering information for articles. Must have strong research skills, as well as an understanding of how to find reliable sources.
Social Media Manager: Responsible for creating, scheduling, and promoting content on social media platforms. Must have excellent communication and organization skills, as well as a good understanding of various social media platforms.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to prioritize tasks
Attention to detail
Ability to meet deadlines
Knowledge of journalistic best practices
Ability to take initiative
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Resourcefulness in research and problem-solving
Proficiency with desktop publishing software
Familiarity with print and digital production processes
Excellent grammar and writing skills
Knowledge of AP Style
Familiarity with copyright laws
Knowledge of current events

The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most important skills to have in life. Being able to communicate effectively with others can make a tremendous difference in how people perceive and interact with each other. It can be the difference between being able to collaborate effectively on a project or having it fail.

It can be the difference between being able to negotiate a better salary or not. Communication can even be the difference between making a sale or not. Communication is key to success in any field, whether it be business, education, or personal relationships.

Being able to communicate effectively can help build relationships, break down barriers, and ultimately achieve success.

Deputy Managing Editor, Executive Producer/Editor, and Editorial Strategist/Editor-in-Chief are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have editing stories for a print, online, or broadcast media outlet?
Describe the process you use to review and edit copy.
How do you ensure accuracy in the headlines and body copy?
What are the most important elements you look for when editing a story?
How do you handle conflicting deadlines and multiple assignments?
How do you stay abreast of news and trends in the industry?
What challenges have you faced while working as a copy desk chief/editor?
How do you handle disputes between writers, editors, and designers?
How do you ensure that all stories meet the publication's standards?
Explain how you use technology to streamline the editorial process.

Common Tools in Industry

Word Processor. A software application used for creating and editing written documents (e. g. Microsoft Word).
Spreadsheet Program. A software application used for organizing and analyzing data in a tabular format (e. g. Microsoft Excel).
Database Software. A software application used for storing, organizing, and manipulating data (e. g. Microsoft Access).
Presentation Software. A software application used for creating multimedia presentations (e. g. Microsoft PowerPoint).
Graphics Software. A software application used for creating and editing images and other graphics (e. g. Adobe Photoshop).
Desktop Publishing Software. A software application used for creating professional-looking documents such as newsletters and brochures (e. g. Adobe InDesign).
Web Browser. A software application used for navigating the internet and viewing web pages (e. g. Google Chrome).
Email Client. A software application used for sending, receiving, and managing emails (e. g. Microsoft Outlook).
Project Management Software. A software application used for managing projects, tasks, and deadlines (e. g. Basecamp).
Collaboration Software. A software application used for team communication, file sharing, and task management (e. g. Slack).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Journalists and Authors
Association of Health Care Journalists
International Association of Business Communicators
National Association of Science Writers
National Press Photographers Association
The Authors Guild
The Newspaper Guild
Investigative Reporters and Editors
Public Relations Society of America
Radio Television Digital News Association

We also have Creative Editor, Editorial Assistant, and Senior Copy Editor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Copy Desk. A team of editors who proofread and edit written material for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and punctuation.
Copy Editor. An individual who is responsible for making sure the content is accurate, clear, and consistent with the publication's style.
Style Guide. A set of guidelines used to ensure consistency in writing.
Headline Writing. The art of creating captivating headlines that draw the reader's attention.
Fact Checking. The process of verifying facts used in a story or article.
Layout. The arrangement of text and images on a page.
Proofreading. The process of verifying the accuracy of written material before it is published.
Quoting. The use of someone else's words in a story or article.
Plagiarism. The act of using someone else's words or ideas without giving them proper credit.
Subediting. The process of editing written material for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Copy Desk Chief/Editor?

A Copy Desk Chief/Editor is responsible for ensuring accuracy and quality of the final published version of a text, usually for a news organization. They review and edit the text for accuracy, clarity and style, in addition to correcting any errors.

What qualifications are needed to be a Copy Desk Chief/Editor?

Most employers look for Copy Desk Chief/Editors with a bachelor's degree in journalism or related fields, as well as significant experience in copy editing and knowledge of AP Style. Strong communication and organizational skills are also important.

What are the responsibilities of a Copy Desk Chief/Editor?

The main responsibility of a Copy Desk Chief/Editor is to review articles, headlines, captions and other text for accuracy, clarity and style. They may also be responsible for checking facts and sources, verifying copyright permission, formatting documents and ensuring consistency in the text.

What is the average salary for a Copy Desk Chief/Editor?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Copy Desk Chief/Editor is $48,993 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location and the size of the organization.

What are some of the challenges faced by a Copy Desk Chief/Editor?

Some of the challenges faced by a Copy Desk Chief/Editor include ensuring accuracy in a fast-paced environment, staying up-to-date on changes in journalistic style and grammar conventions, working with multiple deadlines and managing a large volume of work.