Copy editor

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Copy editors work to ensure that stories and display text are clean and concise through grammatical and content editing. Copy editors are also responsible for ensuring that the newspaper is free from errors. The copy editor will be specifically expected to:

• Become extremely familiar will the rules of TLR and Associated Press style, as well as with the rules and restrictions associated with headline writing, and constantly refer to reference materials to verify facts and spelling in stories
• Study major publications such as The New York Times and The Oregonian to improve display text
• Edit all stories that appear in the paper, correcting inaccuracies, wordiness, poor organization, bad grammar or other writing errors
• Contact writers to clarify story questions when necessary
• Write display text, headlines, summaries and captions
• Identify stories needing major revision, possibly recommending to hold them
• Identify libelous or potentially libelous stories and alert the copy chief
• Bring the copy chief’s attention to consistent problems, such as a writer who keeps making the same mistakes, a style rule that is repeatedly violated or inaccuracies created by the copy desk
• Assist the copy chief with proofing pages at night
• Attend required staff meetings and weekly 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 semester to improve journalistic skills
• Contribute to supplements as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Direct supervisor: Copy chief