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Lead Copy Editor Resume Example

by
Dave Fano
Reviewed by
Harriet Clayton
Last Updated
June 13, 2025
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Lead Copy Editor Resume Example:

Grace Perry
[email protected]
•
(613) 967-4523
•
linkedin.com/in/grace-perry
•
@grace.perry
•
Lead Copy Editor
Dynamic Lead Copy Editor with over 10 years of expertise in digital content strategy and precision editing. Proven track record in enhancing editorial quality, achieving a 30% increase in reader engagement. Specializes in SEO-driven content and adept at leading cross-functional teams to exceed organizational goals.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Lead Copy Editor
04/2021 – Present
Universal Upholstery
  • Led a team of 15 editors and writers to revamp the editorial process, increasing content accuracy and consistency by 30% through the implementation of AI-driven editing tools.
  • Developed and executed a strategic content plan that boosted audience engagement by 45% and increased website traffic by 60% within one year.
  • Managed a $500,000 annual budget for editorial projects, optimizing resource allocation and reducing operational costs by 20% through process automation and vendor negotiations.
Senior Copy Editor
04/2019 – 03/2021
Unity Ultrasound
  • Oversaw the successful launch of a new digital publication, coordinating cross-functional teams and achieving a 25% increase in subscriber base within the first six months.
  • Implemented a comprehensive training program for junior editors, resulting in a 40% improvement in editing efficiency and a 50% reduction in error rates.
  • Collaborated with the IT department to integrate a cloud-based content management system, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing project turnaround time by 35%.
Assistant Copy Editor
10/2014 – 03/2019
Kinetic Kin
  • Streamlined the editorial review process for a major publication, reducing content approval time by 25% and improving overall team productivity.
  • Conducted a thorough audit of existing content, identifying and rectifying inconsistencies, which led to a 15% increase in reader satisfaction scores.
  • Assisted in the development of editorial guidelines and style guides, ensuring uniformity and quality across all published materials.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced Proficiency in AP, Chicago, and MLA Style Guides
  • Expert-level Copyediting and Proofreading
  • Content Strategy and Editorial Planning
  • Team Leadership and Mentoring
  • Mastery of SEO and Digital Content Optimization
  • Cross-platform Publishing Workflow Management
  • Data-driven Editorial Decision Making
  • Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
  • Agile Project Management for Editorial Teams
  • Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusive Language Expertise
  • AI-assisted Editing and Content Generation
  • Multimedia Content Editing (Video, Audio, Interactive)
  • Blockchain-based Copyright and Licensing Management
COURSES / CERTIFICATIONS
Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) Certification
05/2024
Board of Editors in the Life Sciences
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Professional Membership Certification
05/2023
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
Certified Professional Editor (CPE) from Editors' Association of Canada
05/2022
Editors' Association of Canada
Education
Bachelor of Arts in English
2016 - 2020
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
English Language and Literature
Creative Writing
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What makes this Lead Copy Editor resume great

Effective leadership in editing shines here. This Lead Copy Editor resume highlights improvements in content quality, team management, and workflow efficiency. It shows measurable gains in reader engagement and process automation. The candidate embraces AI tools and SEO strategies, demonstrating clear innovation. Budget oversight and metrics provide strong evidence of their impact.

Lead Copy Editor Resume Template

Contact Information
[Full Name]
[email protected] • (XXX) XXX-XXXX • linkedin.com/in/your-name • City, State
Resume Summary
Lead Copy Editor with [X] years of experience managing editorial teams and overseeing [content types] for [industry] publications. Expert in [style guide] and [editing software], with a proven track record of improving content quality by [percentage] and reducing publication turnaround time by [X] days at [Previous Company]. Skilled in [specific editing technique] and [content management system], seeking to leverage comprehensive editorial expertise to elevate content quality, streamline workflows, and drive audience engagement for [Target Company].
Work Experience
Most Recent Position
Job Title • Start Date • End Date
Company Name
  • Led a team of [number] copy editors, implementing [specific style guide/process], resulting in a [percentage] increase in content quality and a [percentage] reduction in editorial turnaround time
  • Developed and executed [type of training program] for junior editors, improving team efficiency by [percentage] and reducing error rates in [specific content type] by [percentage]
Previous Position
Job Title • Start Date • End Date
Company Name
  • Managed the editorial calendar for [number] publications, ensuring timely delivery of [type of content] and improving on-time publication rates by [percentage]
  • Implemented [specific editing tool/software], resulting in a [percentage] increase in editing efficiency and a [percentage] reduction in formatting inconsistencies across [type of documents]
Resume Skills
  • Copy Editing & Proofreading
  • [Content Management System, e.g., WordPress, Drupal]
  • Grammar & Style Mastery
  • [Preferred Style Guide, e.g., AP, Chicago]
  • Attention to Detail & Accuracy
  • Team Collaboration & Communication
  • [Editing Software, e.g., Adobe InCopy, Grammarly]
  • Project Management & Deadline Adherence
  • Content Strategy & Development
  • [Industry-Specific Content Knowledge, e.g., Healthcare, Technology]
  • Mentoring & Team Leadership
  • [Specialized Editing Certification/Training]
    • Certifications
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • Start Date • End Date
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • Start Date • End Date
    Education
    Official Degree Name
    University Name
    City, State • Start Date • End Date
    • Major: [Major Name]
    • Minor: [Minor Name]

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    Resume writing tips for Lead Copy Editors

    Common Responsibilities Listed on Lead Copy Editor Resumes:

    • Lead editorial team in implementing AI-driven content optimization strategies.
    • Oversee cross-functional content projects with marketing, design, and product teams.
    • Mentor junior editors in advanced editing techniques and industry best practices.
    • Develop and enforce editorial guidelines to maintain brand voice consistency.
    • Utilize data analytics to refine content strategies and improve audience engagement.

    Lead Copy Editor resume headline examples:

    Lead Copy Editor job titles are all over the place, which makes your resume title even more important. You need one that matches exactly what you're targeting. Most Lead Copy Editor job descriptions use a clear, specific title. Headlines are optional but should highlight your specialty if used. Stay precise in this industry chaos.

    Strong Headlines

    Award-Winning Lead Copy Editor: 15+ Years Shaping Digital Content Strategy

    Weak Headlines

    Experienced Copy Editor with Strong Attention to Detail

    Strong Headlines

    Multilingual Copy Chief: Driving 40% Increase in Global Readership

    Weak Headlines

    Team Leader with Good Communication and Editing Skills

    Strong Headlines

    AI-Savvy Lead Editor: Pioneering Data-Driven Content Optimization Techniques

    Weak Headlines

    Dedicated Professional Seeking Lead Copy Editor Position
    🌟 Expert Tip

    Resume Summaries for Lead Copy Editors

    Lead Copy Editor roles have become more performance-driven and results-focused than ever. Your resume summary is your strategic pitch, highlighting your strengths and aligning them with company goals. It sets the tone and convinces hiring managers to read further. Most job descriptions require that a lead copy editor has a certain amount of experience. That means this isn't a detail to bury. You need to make it stand out in your summary. Focus on key achievements, use quantifiable results, and tailor your skills to the role. Skip objectives unless you have no relevant experience, and ensure your summary clearly demonstrates your ability to lead and improve content quality.

    Strong Summaries

    • Seasoned Lead Copy Editor with 10+ years of experience, specializing in digital content optimization. Increased website traffic by 45% through SEO-driven copywriting strategies. Expert in AP style, content management systems, and leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments.

    Weak Summaries

    • Experienced Copy Editor seeking a leadership role. Proficient in proofreading and editing various types of content. Good communication skills and ability to work well with others. Familiar with different style guides and grammar rules.

    Strong Summaries

    • Results-driven Lead Copy Editor with a track record of elevating brand voices. Streamlined editorial processes, reducing turnaround time by 30% while maintaining 99.9% accuracy. Proficient in data-driven content strategy, AI-assisted editing tools, and mentoring junior editors.

    Weak Summaries

    • Detail-oriented Lead Copy Editor with a passion for language. Strong writing and editing skills developed over years of experience. Comfortable working in fast-paced environments and meeting deadlines. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team.

    Strong Summaries

    • Innovative Lead Copy Editor with expertise in multimedia content creation. Spearheaded the launch of a successful podcast series, attracting 100,000+ monthly listeners. Skilled in brand storytelling, localization for global markets, and implementing inclusive language guidelines across platforms.

    Weak Summaries

    • Dedicated professional with a background in editing and content creation. Skilled in improving the quality and clarity of written materials. Familiar with industry-standard editing software and content management systems. Looking to advance career in a leadership position.

    Resume Bullet Examples for Lead Copy Editors

    Strong Bullets

    • Spearheaded a comprehensive style guide overhaul, resulting in a 30% reduction in editing time and 95% consistency across all publications

    Weak Bullets

    • Managed a team of copy editors and ensured quality control for various publications

    Strong Bullets

    • Led a team of 12 editors in launching a new digital content strategy, increasing online readership by 45% and reducing bounce rates by 20%

    Weak Bullets

    • Edited articles and other content for grammar, style, and clarity before publication

    Strong Bullets

    • Implemented AI-assisted proofreading tools, improving accuracy by 98% and reducing turnaround time for 500-page manuscripts from 3 weeks to 5 days

    Weak Bullets

    • Collaborated with writers and other departments to meet deadlines and maintain editorial standards

    Bullet Point Assistant

    Use the dropdowns to create the start of an effective bullet that you can edit after.

    The Result

    Select options above to build your bullet phrase...
    🌟 Expert tip

    Essential skills for Lead Copy Editors

    Lead Copy Editor job descriptions often list skills like editing tools, style guides, and attention to detail, along with soft skills such as communication and deadline management. They want someone who not only corrects grammar but also elevates content quality. Want your resume to stand out? Highlight skills that show how you ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy in fast-paced environments.

    Hard Skills

  • Grammar and Style Guidelines
  • Copy Editing and Proofreading
  • AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style
  • SEO Best Practices
  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Project Management
  • Team Leadership and Collaboration
  • Deadline Management
  • Fact-Checking and Research
  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • HTML and CSS

    • Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Time Management and Deadline Orientation
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Communication and Feedback
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Organization and Prioritization
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Editing and Proofreading Skills
  • Leadership and Mentorship
  • Quality Control and Consistency
  • Adherence to Style Guides and Brand Guidelines

    • Resume Action Verbs for Lead Copy Editors:

  • Proofread
  • Revise
  • Edit
  • Collaborate
  • Research
  • Implement
  • Manage
  • Coordinate
  • Analyze
  • Optimize
  • Evaluate
  • Delegate
  • Craft
  • Refine
  • Develop
  • Enhance
  • Implement
  • Strategize

    • Tailor Your Lead Copy Editor Resume to a Job Description:

    Highlight Your Editorial Expertise

    Carefully examine the job description for specific editorial skills and responsibilities required. Emphasize your experience with these tasks in your resume summary and work experience sections, using the same terminology. If you have experience with similar editorial processes, highlight your transferable skills while being transparent about your specific expertise.

    Showcase Leadership and Team Management Skills

    Identify the leadership and team management expectations mentioned in the job posting. Tailor your work experience to highlight relevant leadership roles and successful team projects, focusing on outcomes like improved workflow efficiency or enhanced content quality. Use metrics to quantify your impact on team performance and project success.

    Demonstrate Industry Knowledge and Adaptability

    Pinpoint any industry-specific requirements or challenges in the job description and adjust your experience accordingly. Highlight your familiarity with industry trends, showcase your adaptability to different content styles, and emphasize any experience with similar editorial challenges or content types they may encounter.

    ChatGPT Resume Prompts for Lead Copy Editors

    In 2025, the role of a Lead Copy Editor is evolving to emphasize precision, adaptability, and digital expertise. Crafting a standout resume requires highlighting not just experience, but the ability to lead and innovate. These AI-powered resume prompts are designed to help you effectively communicate your skills, achievements, and career growth, ensuring your resume meets the latest industry standards and expectations for Lead Copy Editors.

    Lead Copy Editor Prompts for Resume Summaries

    1. Craft a 3-sentence summary highlighting your leadership in managing editorial teams, your expertise in digital content strategies, and a key achievement that demonstrates your impact in the industry.
    2. Develop a concise summary that showcases your specialization in cross-platform content editing, your proficiency with the latest editing tools, and a notable project that reflects your editorial vision.
    3. Create a summary focusing on your career progression from copy editor to lead, emphasizing your role in enhancing editorial workflows and your contributions to achieving company goals.

    Lead Copy Editor Prompts for Resume Bullets

    1. Generate 3 impactful resume bullets that highlight your success in cross-functional collaboration, detailing specific projects where you led editorial efforts and the measurable outcomes achieved.
    2. Create 3 achievement-focused bullets emphasizing your data-driven approach to content optimization, including the tools used and the quantifiable improvements in content performance.
    3. Develop 3 bullets that showcase your client-facing success, illustrating how your editorial expertise contributed to client satisfaction and retention, supported by metrics or feedback.

    Lead Copy Editor Prompts for Resume Skills

    1. List 5 technical skills essential for Lead Copy Editors, including proficiency in editing software, content management systems, and emerging AI tools relevant to the industry in 2025.
    2. Generate a list of 5 interpersonal skills that are critical for leading editorial teams, such as communication, leadership, and adaptability, formatted as bullet points.
    3. Create a categorized list of 6 skills, dividing them into technical and soft skills, and include any certifications or training that reflect current industry trends and expectations.

    Resume FAQs for Lead Copy Editors:

    How long should I make my Lead Copy Editor resume?

    A Lead Copy Editor resume should ideally be one to two pages long. This length allows you to comprehensively showcase your extensive editing experience, leadership skills, and industry knowledge without overwhelming hiring managers. Focus on highlighting your most relevant achievements and skills. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure each section is concise. Tailor your resume to the specific job description to make the most of the space.

    What is the best way to format my Lead Copy Editor resume?

    A hybrid resume format is ideal for a Lead Copy Editor, combining chronological and functional elements. This format highlights your editing expertise and leadership roles while showcasing your career progression. Key sections should include a professional summary, skills, work experience, and education. Use clear headings and consistent formatting. Emphasize achievements with quantifiable results, such as improved publication accuracy or team efficiency, to demonstrate your impact.

    What certifications should I include on my Lead Copy Editor resume?

    Relevant certifications for Lead Copy Editors include the Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing, the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC), and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) courses. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to industry standards and advanced editing skills. Present certifications in a dedicated section, listing the certification name, issuing organization, and date obtained. This highlights your ongoing professional development and expertise in the field.

    What are the most common mistakes to avoid on a Lead Copy Editor resume?

    Common mistakes on Lead Copy Editor resumes include neglecting to quantify achievements, using generic language, and overlooking proofreading errors. Avoid these by providing specific metrics, such as increased publication accuracy or reduced error rates. Tailor your language to reflect industry-specific terminology and ensure your resume is error-free to demonstrate your editing proficiency. Overall, maintain a clear, concise, and targeted resume that aligns with the job description.

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