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Can I be a Writer and a Copy Editor for Demand Studios?

The short answer to the question above, is yes! We realize that many of our writers have had or still have careers as editors and vice versa and so there’s always been an opportunity for dual roles at Demand Studios, providing the requirements and qualifications are met.

To become a copy editor, you must have 5 years of demonstrated editing or copyediting experience with a newspaper, magazine or book publisher. The position is part-time and all work is done online. We do require our editors to commit to working a minimum of 12 hours per week, every week. We pay a flat fee of $3.50 per article, with most editors averaging $20-$25 per hour, paid on a weekly basis via PayPal.

If you're already a writer, the procedure for applying as a copy editor is simple. On the left hand side of your Demand Studios profile, there is a section titled “Studio Jobs.” The section lists different positions at DS, including copy editor, filmmaker and transcriber among others, followed by an “Apply Now!” link where you can upload a new resume and provide links specifically for the position you’re applying for.

-Liana

9 Comments

Thanks for addressing this topic, Liana. I don't recall seeing the 5 years' experience noted anywhere when I applied to be a writer AND an editor ... and I had been curious as to why I was labeled "not eligible" for the copy editor position. Now I know!

kaylee

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Liana - I, for one, would like to see a post regarding the position of "Expert" with DS. I've looked all over the site, and see nothing about qualifications, etc. The application is pretty sparse and gives no clues as to what an expert is expected to do - do they "fact check" articles in their area of expertise? Or is it just an additional title that they can add to their DS "resume"? Thanks!

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I am also curious about something. Why does it take five years to become a qualified editor with Demand? Who came up with that number? Four years isn't enough? Three? Has anyone asked?

I ask because I've found many mistakes from "qualified" Demand editors. Who reviews the reviewers anyway? It's not just "sour grapes," really. I currently work as an editor for another company in York. I've been to graduate school, worked as a certified English instructor, and newspaper reporter. Demand says I am not qualified to edit material. Argh! Seriously, why five years? Someone? Anyone? Bueller? :-)

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About the 5 years, I would say that under 5 years indicates someone who is more likely to still need supervision as an editor. Someone with 5+ years experience is more likely to have experience making final calls, overseeing other editors/proofreaders, etc. The position here at DS requires final judgment calls, so I think this might explain their policy. Just my opinion as a CE with 15+ years experience.

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I have more than 5 years of copy editing experience, including a year as the News Editor for a daily newspaper (meaning I was making the "final calls" on all stories and content) and yet Demand says I am not qualified. Since I'm no longer working as an editor for my main job, I thought this sounded like an excellent way to pick up some extra cash. But after being given no copy editing test, no sample story to work with, no test of my abilities whatsoever and no follow-up questions, I was flatly rejected. Well, then, thanks for the opportunity, Demand! Best of luck.

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I've been editing just a few days for DS and am picking up speed as I become more familiar with DS style and needs. That said, I don't see any way in the world I could make $20-25 an hour doing this. That's six or seven articles an hour -- 10 minutes or less on each. Even the best stuff takes 10 minutes to read if you're doing the job right, and some of the material is god-awful. I get through a couple or articles an hour if I'm lucky. What's the trick -- sending the unreadable stuff back for a rewrite without touching it at all? Open a story, then quickly close it if it's bad and let someone else worry about it? At this rate I'm not even earning minimum wage.

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I have been approved as a writer, but I am still waiting to find out whether DS will approve me as a copy editor. I would suggest DS gives those who apply for the copy-editing position at least a test to take to determine whether the applicant is suitable as a CE.

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I've been editing for 20 years for newspapers, businesses, and publishing houses but was rejected as copy editor because "we have no work for you right now." Then why are they advertising for copy editors? And does that mean I can reapply again later? I was given no test, nothing. Just rejected out of hand. Maybe because I had to apply under an alternate email address as my writer account will not allow me to actually apply and upload a resume? I tried that a while back and was rejected out of hand because I was "not eligible." Most likely because once I pushed that apply button, that was it. No screen to upload resume, nothing. Anyway, I'd sure like to know as I'd like to copy edit, there seems to be a need, and I know what I'm doing. I'm even fast. Newspaper work has a tendency to drill fast into you.

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I'm curious about copy editor rejections as well. I spent six years as a copy editor at newspapers and ... I was rejected? And when I asked about this, I was told my resume did not reflect six years of experience. Which is mind-boggling, actually. I listed all the places where I've slung copy over rims and slots ... and that's not enough?

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Can I be a Writer and a Copy Editor for Demand Studios?

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