Copy Editor Onboarding Checklist

Copy Editor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Copy Editor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Writing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Copy Editor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Copy Editor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Copy Editor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the copy editor understand the organization’s ethos and align their work accordingly. Typically, the HR department or a designated company representative performs this task.

2. Familiarization with style guide: The copy editor needs to become acquainted with the company’s style guide, which outlines the preferred writing style, grammar rules, and formatting guidelines. This task is usually performed by the editorial team or a senior copy editor.

3. Introduction to content management system (CMS): As a copy editor, understanding how to navigate and utilize the company’s CMS is crucial. This task involves training the copy editor on how to access, edit, and publish content using the CMS. The IT department or a designated CMS administrator typically handles this task.

4. Review of existing content: The copy editor should review previously published content to gain an understanding of the company’s writing style, tone, and voice. This task can be performed independently by the copy editor, or they may receive guidance from a senior copy editor or the editorial team.

5. Introduction to the editorial team: Connecting the copy editor with the editorial team fosters collaboration and ensures a smooth workflow. This task involves introducing the copy editor to their colleagues, including other copy editors, writers, and content creators. The editorial team lead or a designated team member typically performs this task.

6. Training on company-specific terminology: Depending on the industry, companies may have specific jargon or terminology that the copy editor needs to be familiar with. This task involves providing training or resources to help the copy editor understand and use industry-specific terms correctly. Subject matter experts or the editorial team can assist with this task.

7. Review of company’s target audience: Understanding the target audience is crucial for a copy editor to tailor their writing to the intended readership. This task involves providing information about the company’s target audience, including demographics, preferences, and interests. The marketing or research department typically performs this task.

8. Introduction to the company’s content calendar: The copy editor should be familiarized with the company’s content calendar, which outlines upcoming content deadlines, themes, and priorities. This task involves providing access to the content calendar and explaining how it is used to plan and organize content creation. The editorial team or content manager typically handles this task.

9. Training on plagiarism and copyright guidelines: Copy editors need to be well-versed in plagiarism and copyright guidelines to ensure the company’s content is original and legally compliant. This task involves providing training on proper citation practices, copyright laws, and plagiarism detection tools. The legal department or a designated expert in intellectual property can perform this task.

10. Introduction to feedback and revision process: The copy editor should understand how feedback and revisions are handled within the company. This task involves explaining the process for receiving feedback, making revisions, and collaborating with writers or content creators. The editorial team lead or a designated team member typically handles this task.

11. Familiarization with company’s branding guidelines: Understanding the company’s branding guidelines is essential for a copy editor to maintain consistency in messaging and visual identity. This task involves providing access to the branding guidelines and explaining how to apply them to written content. The marketing or design department typically performs this task.

12. Training on SEO best practices: Copy editors often play a role in optimizing content for search engines. This task involves providing training on SEO best practices, keyword research, and how to incorporate relevant keywords into content. The SEO team or a designated SEO specialist can assist with this task.

13. Introduction to project management tools: Depending on the company’s workflow, copy editors may need to use project management tools to track progress, collaborate with team members, and manage deadlines. This task involves training the copy editor on how to use these tools effectively. The project management team or a designated project manager typically handles this task.

14. Review of company’s writing samples or portfolio: The copy editor should have access to the company’s writing samples or portfolio to understand the quality and style of work expected. This task involves providing access to relevant samples and explaining their significance. The editorial team or a designated content curator can perform this task.

15. Introduction to company’s feedback culture: Understanding the company’s feedback culture is crucial for a copy editor to grow and improve their skills. This task involves explaining how feedback is given, received, and utilized within the company. The HR department or a designated mentor can assist with this task.

16. Training on industry-specific guidelines: Depending on the industry, there may be specific guidelines or regulations that the copy editor needs to adhere to. This task involves providing training on industry-specific guidelines, such as medical writing guidelines or legal writing standards. Subject matter experts or the editorial team can assist with this task.

17. Introduction to company’s social media presence: Copy editors may be involved in creating or editing content for social media platforms. This task involves familiarizing the copy editor with the company’s social media presence, including platforms used, tone of voice, and content strategy. The social media team or a designated social media manager typically performs this task.

18. Training on accessibility and inclusivity guidelines: Copy editors should be aware of accessibility and inclusivity guidelines to ensure content is accessible to all users. This task involves providing training on accessibility standards, inclusive language, and considerations for diverse audiences. The editorial team or a designated accessibility specialist can assist with this task.

19. Introduction to company’s feedback channels: The copy editor should be aware of the various channels available for seeking clarification, asking questions, or providing feedback. This task involves introducing the copy editor to communication platforms, such as email, chat tools, or project management systems. The HR department or a designated team member typically handles this task.

20. Review of company’s editing and proofreading checklist: The copy editor should be provided with the company’s editing and proofreading checklist to ensure consistency and accuracy in their work. This task involves sharing the checklist and explaining its importance in maintaining quality standards. The editorial team or a senior copy editor typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Copy Editor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Copy Editor up to speed and working well in your Writing team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.