COPY EDITOR
A copy editor will be asked to edit any or all copy that appears in the
newspaper for errors of grammar, punctuation, clarity, accuracy, fairness, wordiness and completeness.
They will also write headlines and other display type.
A copy editor will specifically be expected to:
— Become extremely familiar with all the rules of Emerald and Associated Press style, as well as with the rules and restrictions associated with headline writing.
— Ensure that all writing in the paper uses proper grammar and punctuation.
— Identify libelous or potentially libelous stories and alert the copy
chief.
— Be prepared to answer any questions of style or grammar.
— Write headlines, summaries, captions, pull quotes, etc.
— Edit stories of all types that appear in the paper, correcting
inaccuracies, wordiness, poor organization, bad grammar or other writing errors.
— Constantly refer to reference materials to verify facts and spelling in stories.
— Identify stories that need major revision, possibly recommending that they be held.
— Bring the copy chief’s attention to consistent problems, such as a writer who keeps making the same mistakes, or a style rule that is repeatedly violated.
— Attend required staff meetings and regular meetings scheduled by the
copy chief.
— Monitor the news daily to keep abreast of all issues that need to be
covered and see that no pertinent news is missed.
— Set individual goals each term to improve your journalistic skills.
Requirements: Must be enrolled as a student at the University of Oregon when the position begins. Must be able to work two nights per week with an occasional third night per week. Shifts average 6 hours.
Direct supervisor: Copy chief