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Freelance Copy Editor (UK English / Localization Focus) | Open to UK-based candidates only

  • Remote
    • London , Greater London, United Kingdom
  • $30 - $35 per hour

Freelance UK English copy editor needed for ad hoc editing and localization work. Remote, flexible engagement with globally distributed content teams.

Job 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

Job 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

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