About This Role
This weekend news copy editor role supports the editorial desk by ensuring every article meets editorial standards before publication. The editor works closely with writers and the Weekend News Editor to improve accuracy, structure, readability, SEO, and overall quality while maintaining house style. The ideal candidate can spot weak angles, strengthen copy, and ensure every article delivers what the headline promises.
Responsibilities
- Edit articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity
- Ensure British spelling, formatting, and house style are followed
- Improve article flow, structure, and readability
- Remove repetition, filler, and unnecessary content
- Ensure introductions are engaging and answer the headline early
- Check that H2 subheadings are used appropriately and formatted in Title Case
- Ensure articles align with their assigned headlines
- Identify opportunities to strengthen stories through better structure, additional context, expert commentary, relevant research, and social media or Reddit reactions where appropriate
- Flag factual inconsistencies, unsupported claims, or potential legal concerns
- Verify names, dates, figures, and quotations where possible
- Ensure articles satisfy search intent
- Improve headlines and standfirsts where necessary
- Ensure keywords are incorporated naturally
- Work with the Weekend News Editor to maximize Discover and MSN potential
Requirements
- Minimum two years' experience editing digital content
- Excellent written English
- Strong understanding of grammar and style
- Familiarity with British spelling and formatting
- Basic understanding of SEO and search intent
- Strong attention to detail
- Comfortable using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to improve editorial workflows
- Catches mistakes others miss
- Understands what makes an article engaging
- Improves copy without changing the writer's voice
- Works efficiently under tight deadlines
- Has excellent editorial judgment
- Takes pride in producing polished, publication-ready articles
Benefits
Important Details
- Schedule: Saturdays to Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 MN
Application Process
- Send your CV
- Send a short cover letter
- Send two editing samples
- Send a brief explanation of your editing experience
