Job Satisfaction in the COVID-19 Era: A Survey of Copy Editors Across Fields

Abstract

This survey examines job satisfaction of U.S. copy editors, proofreaders, and fact-checkers ( N = 472). Participants across media fields (e.g., newspapers, magazines, and books) reported high job satisfaction, high perceptions of work quality, low role overload, and low burnout. They reported high satisfaction with their schedules, but they were more neutral regarding their salaries and prospects for advancement. Several said they felt undervalued by their employers and clients, and some thought this work was misunderstood by the general public. Freelance editors, book editors, editors who worked fewer hours, and long-time editors reported higher job satisfaction than the other participants.