Copyediting vs. Technical Writing and Communication: Choosing the Right Career Path

If you enjoy working with words, communicating ideas, and balancing independent and collaborative projects, a career in copyediting or technical communication might be for you.

Both professions require strong problem-solving skills and subject-matter expertise while offering diverse professional writing opportunities across many industries. Yet, there are also key differences in the day-to-day tasks, skill sets, and career trajectories you need to know.

To better understand the difference between these two fields, we spoke with two professional instructors at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, Christine Steele, a senior copy editor and co-lead instructor of its Copyediting Certificate Program, and Linda Oestreich, a professional technical writer and senior editor with more than 50 years of experience and co-lead instructor for the Technical Communication Certificate Program. 

Their insights shed light on the opportunities, challenges, and dynamics of each profession, helping you decide which path might be the best fit for you.

The Core of the Work: Distinct Responsibilities, Shared Goals

Whether you're reading a book, navigating a corporate website, or referencing a user manual, the unseen hand of a technical writer/communicator or copyeditor is likely responsible for the text’s clarity and professionalism.

Both roles are integral to the production process of any professionally written content, yet they differ in timing and focus. 

Generally speaking, technical communicators are the writers and editors who contribute throughout a project's lifecycle, while copyeditors refine and make suggestions in the middle of the production process. The details about each role reveal a more nuanced reality and an important set of considerations for anyone interested in pursuing writing jobs in either field.

Technical Communications: Writing and Editing to Translate Complexity

Technical communications professionals specialize in writing and editing. Their focus is on transforming technical concepts into clear and accessible content for specific audiences. Because their work entails multiple skills, you may hear these professionals referred to under various titles: technical communicators, technical writers, and technical editors.

"Our main job is to act as the bridge between the experts who write the documents and the people who have to use those documents," Oestreich said. "It’s all about audience and purpose—who will read it, and what is it for?"

Technical communications professionals may write for highly specialized audiences, such as engineers or scientists, or adapt content for general audiences, such as healthcare patients or financial clients. Their work may appear in user manuals, training materials, scientific papers, or product documentation. Beyond writing and editing, technical communicators also use design software to create visuals that help convey ideas when needed.

Having a mindset that focuses on the end user is crucial for enabling technical communicators to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts, distill information, and produce content that meets users' needs.

While some subject-matter expertise can be valuable for a technical writer/communicator, it's not always a requirement.

"Sometimes not being an expert can be an advantage because it allows you to think like the user who's trying to understand the information," Oestreich said. "But you still need to learn about the subject matter and know enough to produce the content at the level your audience needs." 

While this article focuses specifically on technical writers and editors, these are just two roles in the broader spectrum of technical communications. With more experience and by learning design skills, technical writers and editors often move into roles such as content developers, project managers, and information architects, to name just a few.

Copyediting: Refining the Details

Copyeditors typically step in later in the writing process. They often collaborate closely with writers and other content producers to improve clarity and consistency while preserving the author's voice and message.

"We're here to support the author and help them reach their goal," Steele said. "It's about engaging with the writer, understanding their goals, and helping them achieve their vision."

The work of copyeditors spans many industries, including publishing, corporate communications, marketing, nonprofit, and academia. Their contributions can range from polishing the grammar, syntax, and style of written content, to heavier edits and discussions with an author that involve suggesting changes to the original writing.

"Every project will be different, and flexibility is key," Steele explained. "You could be asked to do a light edit for minor mechanical edits, a medium edit for revising structural issues, or a heavy edit involving fact-checking and rewriting. These are all part of the job." 

Copyeditors often also work within the context of a broader production team, which can include graphic designers, project managers, managing editors, and other communications personnel. This variety of work contexts could apply whether you work in-house or freelance. The shared goal would be to produce clear and consistent communication that adheres to brand and style guidelines. 

Collaboration and Teamwork

While both professions require independent work, collaboration is also a key component of each role. 

Technical communications roles frequently require professionals to work on multiple projects at once, involving collaboration with engineers, scientists, or other subject matter experts. Much of a technical writer or editor's work can involve initial interviews to understand the subject matter and ensure the written content is accurate. 

"You're not just writing or editing—you're managing projects, ensuring consistency, and sometimes even working with teams to translate your writing into other languages," Oestreich said.

Likewise, copyeditors often collaborate with other writers and editors to tackle large-scale projects and ensure consistency across all the materials. These partnerships require earning trust and being transparent with writers and other collaborators to build and maintain productive relationships.

"How you engage with writers and colleagues makes all the difference," Steele said. "You have to query and discuss edits in a way that earns trust. This approach helps ensure everyone feels like their work is being honored and the best outcome for the material is being created."

Career Opportunities: Diverse Paths Across Industries

Both technical communication and copyediting offer numerous employment opportunities. Skilled writers and editors are needed wherever the written word is used.

"I've worked in everything from government research labs to oil and gas companies to medical device manufacturers," said Oestreich. "Any field that needs to communicate technical information can benefit from a technical writer."

Copyeditors find opportunities in publishing, academia, corporate communications, nonprofits, government and freelance work. 

Steele's own experience includes working for a mutual fund company, where she edited shareholder reports, website content, and marketing materials. 

"There were different audiences for each piece of writing," said Steele." Financial advisors have different needs than shareholders or institutional investors, so each audience required a tailored approach to what was shared and how we shared it." 

Many healthcare organizations also rely on copyeditors and technical writers for communications, such as human resources material, process documents, marketing, or patient communications.

The increasing reliance on technology and user-centric design has created a growing demand for skilled technical writers and copyeditors.

"There are many opportunities out there, but job titles can vary," said Steele." The position could be as a digital editor, quality assurance checker, content manager, curriculum editor, and others. Yet the primary role in many of these positions is writing and editing."

In-House vs. Freelance: Flexibility vs. Stability

Another perk of this career path is the potential flexibility of opportunities. Both copyeditors and technical writers can work as full-time employees, independent contractors, or freelancers. Yet each path has its own pros and cons. 

"Freelancing offers flexibility but requires persistence, networking, and marketing skills," said Steele. "It can take two to three years to build a client base and start getting consistent work. During that time, you're not just editing—you're managing invoices, negotiating rates, and handling your own marketing."

The rise of remote and hybrid work environments has also opened up new possibilities for technical communicators and copyeditors who want to experience the best of both worlds. 

"A lot of work can now be done remotely,” Oestreich said. "I personally find that working face-to-face helps build relationships and fosters better communication, especially when working with writers and editors."

For aspiring copyeditors who want to work independently, the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies also offers a Business of Copyediting course that can be taken outside of the Copyediting Certificate.

Skills for Success

Both Steele and Oestreich emphasize that subject-matter knowledge, understanding of fundamental writing techniques, and attention to detail are valuable skills for both professions, yet there are also less obvious skills or traits that can be equally important for success.

"Flexibility is number one," said Steele. "You have to be able to adapt to different projects, writer preferences, and even regional or industry-specific standards." 

Document management is also critical, as copyeditors and technical communicators often coordinate with multiple teams to produce materials that need to be well organized and cohesive throughout their different uses and life cycles. 

Curiosity is a third essential trait. 

"Approach every project as a learner," Steele advised. "Copyeditors must often ask questions to understand the author's intent and steer the material in the right direction. The writer might have had a good reason for including something that you didn't initially see as important. Seeking clarity with an open mind is what helps you collaborate effectively." 

Likewise, the technical communication field requires writers and editors to be learning all the time. 

Oestreich believes that each trait needed by copyeditors also applies to technical writers and editors. 

"You don't have to know everything, but you do need to be willing to learn and know enough to talk intelligently with the experts," said Oestreich. 

The Future: AI and Emerging Trends

While AI is changing how content is created, both Steele and Oestreich believe human expertise remains indispensable.

"AI might change how we work, but it won't replace the critical thinking and human touch that copyeditors bring," Steele said. "You might use it to brainstorm or generate ideas, but the output still needs to be checked for accuracy, tone, and context."

Oestreich echoed a similar sentiment. 

"AI can gather information and produce text, but it still needs a human to review, refine, and ensure accuracy."

She compared the current wave of AI to the introduction of computers in the 1970s. 

"When computers came on board, our jobs changed dramatically but they didn't disappear," she said. "I think AI will create new opportunities and areas to explore, especially as technology continues to grow."

Which Path Is Right for You?

Choosing between copyediting and technical communication ultimately depends on your strengths, interests, and career goals. 

Both professions are more than a career—they are crafts that require ongoing learning and growth. 

"Be flexible, be curious, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there," Steele said. “It's a rewarding career that lets you make a real impact."

If you're considering a career in copyediting or technical communication—or want to enhance your skill set in either field—a certificate program can provide the foundational knowledge and practical tools you need to succeed. 

To learn more about the certificate offerings from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, visit the program pages for the Copyediting Certificate Program and Technical Communication Professional Certificate.