As a copy editor and copywriter, I’ve done both in my career as well as during a given workday. 

But copywriting vs copyediting are two very different skill sets within the publishing industry. The training and certification programs are different, too. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between what copy editors do vs what copy writers do.

What’s the difference between copywriting vs copyediting? 

The difference between copywriting vs copyediting is that writing copy focuses on creating text that generates leads or sells products and services. Whereas copyediting focuses on editing text so that it is grammatically sound and factually correct.

So, as a business, do you need a copywriter or a copyeditor? 

Overview of copywriting tasks

Copywriting is focused on finding the right words that resonate with specific audiences. 

Copywriters will know how to write persuasive headlines, taglines, and other marketing materials. They are often part of a content marketing team and will likely have experience in marketing and advertising. 

Here’s a rundown of the types of tasks that a skilled copywriter will be able to deliver:

• Creating copy for a brand
• Social media campaigns
• Article writing & content writing
• Email newsletter campaigns
• Landing page writing
• Press release writing

What does copywriting training consist of?

Copywriting training is less formally structured than copy editing training. However, there are training programs for new and freelance copywriters to go through in order to improve their skills.

Personally speaking, my copywriting training started with AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting, which provides the basics on how to focus on benefits vs features, etc.

It also involved a lot of being willing to learn things on the fly, do research on the client’s target audience, read a ton of marketing books, and subscribe to a bunch of copy writers who are successful at what they do.

If you want to become a content writer, examples of certification courses for copywriting include AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting, Copyblogger Academy, etc. 

Overview of copyediting tasks

A professional copy editor is someone who edits already written text, making sure that there are no grammatical or factual errors or inconsistencies and that the writing is clear and concise. 

Additionally, many copy editors will adhere to a style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, or an internal style guide developed in-house.

Many copyeditors will have had formal training in copyediting at university or through a certification program. 

• Corrects factual errors
• Fact checking
• Corrects grammatical errors
• Adheres to a style guide
• Editing of book manuscripts
• Editing for consistency
• Editing for clarity
• Editing for conciseness

Note: Copyediting is different from developmental editing, which has to do with deeper edits and goes into content writing territory. Most copy editors will be fine with doing some developmental edits.

But it will also depend on their area of expertise. For instance, a technical copy editor will likely not do developmental editing for an article focused on the arts, and vice versa.

What does copy editing training consist of?

Copy editing training often involves university or college-level courses.

Some examples of certification courses for copy editing include UC San Diego’s Copyediting Program, The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, The Emerson College Copyediting Course, etc. 

How to choose between a copyeditor and a copywriter 

When it comes down to copywriting vs copy editing, here’s the skinny:

Hire a copywriter for any job where words are required to help convey the right impression for your business or when you want to create marketing collateral (articles, social media posts, etc.) to help generate leads. 

Hire a copyeditor when you need someone to fact-check and grammar-proof the work that your copywriter has given you or that you have created in-house or assigned to freelancers. This is particularly needed for pieces of work where you need to look your best and can’t afford grammatical mistakes. 

Here’s an example: 

Do you need text written for your website? Hire a copywriter. 

Already have text for your website but want to make sure there are no mistakes? Hire a copyeditor. 

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between copywriting vs copyediting? 

The difference between copywriting vs copyediting is that writing copy focuses on creating text that generates leads or sells products and services. Whereas copyediting focuses on editing text so that it is grammatically sound and factually correct.

What’s the difference between copywriting tasks and copy editing tasks?

Copywriting tasks will often consist of creating copy for a brand, writing the text for social media campaigns and press releases, article writing, content writing, landing page writing, etc. Whereas copyediting tasks consist of fixing grammatical errors, factual errors, and rewriting text for consistency, clarity, and conciseness.

In closing

There are some individuals who are skilled at copywriting and copyediting. But don’t automatically assume that your copywriter will have great editing skills. Or that your copyeditor will have great copywriting skills. 

Some copywriters will have an excellent grasp of grammar and language skills and are able to find mistakes easily—just don’t assume all copywriters will be able to do what a good copy editor can.

Not all copywriters are good copyeditors and not all copyeditors are good copywriters. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll find someone who can do both. 😉