Job description
Description
Freelance Copy Editor (UK English / Localization Focus)
Contract & Engagement Details
Engagement type: Freelance / Independent contractor
Workload: Ad hoc, typically less than 20 hours per month
Rate: USD 30–35 per hour, depending on experience and project scope
Location: Remote ( UK-based editors only)
Collaboration model: Asynchronous work with globally distributed teams
We are seeking experienced UK-based freelance Copy Editors to support ad hoc copy editing and language localization work across professional learning and business content. This role focuses on precision editing and consistency, rather than developmental or substantive editing.
Role Focus
This role focuses primarily on copy editing and language localization, not developmental or substantive editing. Editors are not expected to rewrite content, restructure narratives, or re-author materials. The emphasis is on clarity, correctness, consistency, and alignment with established guidelines and regional language standards.
Key Responsibilities
Copy Editing & Quality Assurance
Edit content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage
Ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness across documents
Check for continuity of terminology, tone, and factual references
Flag unclear, inconsistent, or potentially incorrect content for review
Style & Editorial Standards
Follow provided style guides and client-specific checklists
Support the use or light refinement of project style sheets when required
Notify design or production partners of editorial deviations that may impact layouts or compliance
Localization & Language Consistency
Ensure content aligns with British English spelling, usage, and conventions
Identify and correct inconsistencies between UK and US English (or other variants)
Ensure language level and tone are appropriate for the intended audience and medium
Stylistic Editing (as required)
Improve clarity and readability while preserving original meaning and structure
Reduce unnecessary jargon or overly complex phrasing
Adjust sentence and paragraph flow where needed for comprehension
Maintain consistent voice, tone, and level of formality within defined guidelines
Content Risk Awareness
Flag potential copyright or attribution concerns (e.g., quoted material, cited studies, editorial images)
Identify factual or citation-related issues for follow-up, rather than conducting independent research unless explicitly requested
Requirements
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience as a professional copy editor, ideally within corporate, learning, publishing, or digital content environments
Native-level fluency in British English, with strong localization awareness
Excellent attention to detail and editorial judgment
Ability to work independently with clear briefs and defined scope
Comfort collaborating asynchronously with international content and production teams
Reliability in managing short, ad hoc assignments
Why Work With Us?
Clearly defined copy-editing and localization scope
Short, ad hoc assignments with defined briefs
Asynchronous collaboration and predictable review cycles
Ongoing engagement opportunities based on availability and performance
