
Closed
Posted
Paid on delivery
I have in-depth and straight news copy that needs a fast, thorough sub-edit. The work is classic desk-subbing i.e. tightening intros, trimming excess length to fit character limits, spotting and fixing grammar or sense errors, standardising tone, and making sure every piece flows smoothly and read well, catchy. UK English. Copy has to match in-house guide i.e. don't cap common nouns, only personal nouns, 10,000 and not 10 000, September 3 and not 3 September etc. The workflow is simple: I send you the copy, you edit, track changes, and send it back to me. Turnaround is usually within five hours. Accuracy, consistency and a light editorial touch are more important than heavy rewrites. If a line genuinely doesn’t scan, rewrite it. If you’ve subbed news for a newspaper before and can stick to house style without losing pace, this should be a straightforward ongoing gig.
Project ID: 40688983
61 proposals
Remote project
Active 2 days ago
Set your budget and timeframe
Get paid for your work
Outline your proposal
It's free to sign up and bid on jobs
61 freelancers are bidding on average $85 USD for this job

News copy sub-editing demands precision under tight deadlines while maintaining consistency with strict house style—this requires someone who understands the mechanics of news desk work, not just general editing. Six years of professional editing across academic, technical, and business content has built the systematic approach needed here. The workflow is straightforward: receive copy, tighten intros, cut excess to meet character limits, fix grammar and sense errors, standardise tone, and ensure flow. Track changes, return within five hours. This is desk-subbing fundamentals. UK English conventions, house style compliance (common nouns lowercase, numerals formatted as 10,000 not 10 000, date format September 3 not 3 September), and light editorial touch are core requirements. Heavy rewrites aren't the goal—maintaining voice while improving readability is. When lines don't scan, they get rewritten. When they work, they stay. Ready to handle ongoing copy on this schedule and style framework immediately.
$30 USD in 1 day
7.9
7.9

Greetings! I can sub edit your news copy quickly and thoroughly, tightening intros, trimming excess length to fit character limits, fixing grammar and sense errors, standardising tone, and ensuring smooth flow. I would follow your in house style guide including common noun capitalisation, number formatting, and date conventions. I would use tracked changes and return copy within five hours. I am accurate, consistent, and apply a light editorial touch. I have experience with UK English news subbing. Let me know your preferred start date and I can get started. Thanks, Revival
$30 USD in 1 day
8.2
8.2

News copy sub-editing demands precision under time pressure—intros must grab while adhering to exact house style parameters, and five-hour turnarounds leave no room for error or inconsistency. This is desk-subbing at its core: tightening, standardising, and ensuring every piece reads with clarity without heavy-handed rewrites. With 15+ years of professional editing across academic, business, and creative content, combined with proven expertise in copy editing, editorial writing, and content refinement, the mechanics here are direct. UK English conventions, character limits, style consistency (caps rules, date formatting, number styling), and maintaining tone across multiple pieces are standard workflow elements. The tracked-changes process ensures transparency; the light editorial touch requirement aligns with precision work rather than creative overhaul. Having managed large-scale content projects with strict style guides, delivering within tight windows is manageable. Ready to start immediately on your next batch. Send the first set of copy and house guide—turnaround will meet your five-hour window consistently.
$30 USD in 1 day
7.8
7.8

Hello, Good news copy depends on speed, accuracy, and a light editorial touch, and this is where I have strong experience. I can sub-edit your news copy for grammar, clarity, flow, tone, character limits, and consistency while preserving the original meaning and voice. I can also follow your in-house style guide precisely, including formatting, capitalisation, dates, numbers, and UK English. I’ll use tracked changes so you can easily review every edit, with a typical turnaround of within five hours. I have experience with proofreading, editing, research-based writing, and managing content across different formats, so I’m comfortable working with detailed copy while maintaining accuracy and consistency. You can take a look at some of my previous writing work here: https://www.freelancer.com/portfolio-items/11138874-writing-and-management-folio https://www.freelancer.com/portfolio-items/11060564-how-to-guides-articles-and-blogs I’m available to start immediately and would be happy to support you on an ongoing basis. Let’s connect and have a quick chat to discuss your goals and get started. Regards, Illiyaan.
$140 USD in 7 days
4.6
4.6

As a seasoned writer and editor, I've not only perfected my craft over the years, but I've refined my skills in various writing capacities including content editing and proofreading. I'm particularly versed in working within established style guides to ensure that every piece of content meets the required tone, length and format. My familiarity with UK English combined with my extensive background in academic writing leaves me well-equipped to handle your news copy needs with utmost precision. In addition to adhering strictly to house style, I will also provide a light editorial touch that enhances the flow of your pieces and ensures they remain informative while being engaging. Having worked extensively with tight deadlines and high-pressure environments, I'm trained to work diligently and accurately within limited timeframes. Apart from my technical abilities in Word processing which include expert-level competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as reference management tools like Zotero and Mendeley, my commitment to excellence fuels my willingness to utilize any specific tool or system you may have for this project.
$30 USD in 2 days
4.9
4.9

Hello I can assist you in writing and sub-editing straight news copy with a sharp, accurate, and professional editorial touch. I understand the importance of preserving the writer’s voice while improving clarity, pace, and readability. I can tighten intros, trim copy to character limits, correct grammar and sense errors, and rewrite lines only where genuinely necessary. I’ll also ensure every piece reads naturally and remains engaging. I’m comfortable following strict UK English and house styles, including your preferred capitalisation, number formats, and date conventions. I can work efficiently while maintaining consistency across ongoing assignments. Thanks Brian
$140 USD in 3 days
4.4
4.4

Hello there! I'm excited about the opportunity to sub-edit your news copy. I understand the importance of following your in-house guide, especially with details like “10,000” over “10 000.” My first step would be to review the provided copy for clarity and ensure smooth flow while adhering to your guidelines. I’m available immediately and can deliver a polished edit within your five-hour timeframe. Let’s connect to get started!
$30 USD in 1 day
4.2
4.2

Hello, I’m an experienced copy editor with a sharp eye for accuracy, clarity and fast-paced news copy. I can tighten intros, cut copy to exact character limits, correct grammar and sense issues, and improve flow without unnecessarily rewriting the journalist’s voice. I’m comfortable working in UK English and following strict in-house style guides, including your preferences such as common nouns in lower case, “10,000” rather than “10 000”, and “September 3” rather than “3 September”. I’ll use Track Changes so every edit is easy to review, while keeping the editorial touch light and preserving pace, meaning and news value. If a sentence genuinely doesn’t scan, I’ll rewrite it cleanly rather than forcing a minor edit. I understand the usual five-hour turnaround and can work reliably within that window. I’m also interested in an ongoing arrangement and can adapt quickly to your house style after reviewing a few pieces. I’m ready to start immediately.
$30 USD in 1 day
4.3
4.3

Hi, I am ready to assist with your news sub-editing workflow. Fast, clean desk-subbing is right up my alley, and I understand the importance of trimming, catching sense errors, and tightening leads while keeping the original voice intact. I work strictly in UK English and adhere precisely to house style requirements, including formatting like September 3, 10,000, and lowercase common nouns. My priority is accuracy, speed, and applying a light editorial touch to improve flow, rhythm, and clarity without making unnecessary rewrites. Meeting your five-hour turnaround time with clear tracked changes will be seamless. I can take on your first piece whenever you are ready. Send over the copy along with your house style guide, and I will get straight to it. Best, Emmanuella
$140 USD in 7 days
3.9
3.9

GIVE ME 30 SECONDS TO SHOW YOU WHY I'M THE RIGHT FIT FOR THIS PROJECT. I recently completed a sub-editing project for a regional newspaper where I tightened news copy and ensured compliance with strict style guidelines, resulting in a 20% increase in reader engagement. With over five years of experience in news sub-editing for various publications, I have a strong grasp of UK English standards and the ability to maintain a consistent tone while enhancing clarity. I understand your need for accuracy and efficiency. I will ensure each piece flows smoothly while adhering to your in-house style guide, allowing for quick turnarounds without sacrificing quality. My focus will be on clear communication and delivering polished content that meets your deadlines and standards. I am confident that I can exceed your expectations and contribute positively to your team. The difference between an average result and an exceptional one is usually decided before the work even begins. Regards Patrick
$150 USD in 7 days
4.0
4.0

Hello, I have thoroughly reviewed your project requirements for an Online News Copy Sub-Editor. I understand the need for fast and precise sub-editing to tighten intros, ensure conciseness, fix errors, and maintain a consistent tone in UK English. With my 5 years of experience in Content Strategy, I am well-equipped to provide professional editing solutions tailored to your specific needs. To get a better sense of my skills, please visit my portfolio: https://www.freelancer.pk/u/Aqsa4400 I would love to discuss this project further with you. Please start the chat so we can explore how I can assist you in achieving your editorial goals. Best regards, Aqsa Usman
$60 USD in 2 days
3.7
3.7

Hey!! I have worked with another client in this similar space and I think you find it very interesting to have a chat. Instead of just talking about my experience, I’d love to share a few examples of my work, which you can view here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/leenadvnani6 So, let's hop on a chat and talk specifics. -Leena D.
$30 USD in 1 day
3.2
3.2

With a strong background in content writing and website development, I am Arti and I believe I am the perfect fit for your project. My work as a website developer has honed my skills in managing high volumes of information at a quick turnaround time - an essential aspect for online news copy editing. Additionally, my experience as a virtual assistant managing product content, inventory, and campaigns has been a valuable asset to the projects I undertake. In line with your need for grammatically precise, consistent and clean content, I assure you that my skills will aptly fulfill these requirements. Having been strictly adherent to house styles whilst working with popular website builders like Shopify, WooCommerce and WordPress, obeying your in-house guide will come naturally to me. My experience working with different Content Management Systems also guarantees that I will be familiar with your mode of delivery and the overall workflow of the project. Lastly, my command over SEO strategies is an opportunity to amplify not only the readability but also the reach of your captivating news pieces. An efficient collaborator, stickler for detail, and an irrepressibly creative thinker, there is no doubt that selecting me will ensure top-notch deliverables aligning perfectly with both your expectations and deadlines. Thank you for considering me for this job!
$140 USD in 7 days
3.3
3.3

Hi there, I’ve reviewed your project and I’m confident I can handle this smoothly and professionally. Your need for a fast, thorough sub-editor aligns perfectly with my experience in editing news copy for flow, clarity, and adherence to style guides. With a background in subbing for newspapers, I understand the importance of maintaining tone, grammar, and consistency while ensuring the content remains engaging and concise. I can manage this task with a clear plan and make sure everything is done properly. By following your guidelines closely and focusing on accuracy and cohesion, I will deliver edited copy that meets your expectations. I am ready to take on this project and ensure a seamless editing process. Looking forward to the opportunity to work together. Best regards, Ameema Sub-Editing Specialist
$30 USD in 7 days
2.0
2.0

Hello, I reviewed the requirements, and the core challenge is tightening straight news copy without flattening its pace or meaning, while consistently applying your specific house style and UK English conventions. I would sub each piece with a light editorial touch, tightening intros, checking grammar and sense, trimming to character limits, standardising style, and tracking every change so the original copy remains easy to review. I have worked on similar news editing, proofreading, and desk subbing projects and can share relevant examples once we connect in chat. Also a quick question, will your in-house guide be supplied as a reference document, or should I work directly from the style rules included in the brief? Best Regards, Muskan
$30 USD in 1 day
2.6
2.6

Hello, I’m a detail-oriented editor experienced in proofreading, grammar correction, content polishing, and maintaining a clear, natural flow. I can carefully sub-edit your news copy in UK English while following your exact house style, character limits, and tone. I’m available for the required 5-hour turnaround and can return every edit with Track Changes, keeping the edits accurate, concise, and editorially light. I’m ready to start immediately. Feel free to message me with any questions or a sample piece.
$60 USD in 1 day
0.8
0.8

As an experienced and meticulous copy-editor, I am well-versed in the critical aspects of news sub-editing that you have so succinctly outlined. With my meticulous eye for detail, I can expertly trim down excesses in length while preserving the intended meaning of the message and never sacrificing its coherence or, most importantly, its catchy quality. In my previous stints with traditional media organisations, such as newspapers, I honed my skills in strictly adhering to house styles without compromising on the tempo or impact of any given story. This background and extensive work practice have also instilled a deep appreciation for delivering work within tight deadlines, quite like the five-hour turnaround you require. Moreover, my versatility extends into multiple languages with English being one of my primary skills – and more relevantly – British English as per your requirement. Thus, I ensure your copy will not only flow smoothly but will perfectly match the in-house guide right down to every small nuance. All in all, I am well-prepared to handle this role professionally while bringing a light editorial touch to meet your needs and future-proof our working relationship.
$30 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

Hello, I am interested in working on this project. I am hardworking, reliable, and committed to completing the work accurately and on time. I understand the importance of quality and clear communication. I am ready to start immediately and will do my best to deliver the project according to your requirements. Thank you for considering my proposal
$140 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

Hi, I’d be interested in working with you on the sub-editing work. I understand that you’re looking for more than basic proofreading. The copy needs to be tightened, accurate, readable and catchy while still keeping the original meaning and pace. I can review each piece carefully for grammar, spelling, sentence structure, clarity and flow, while cutting unnecessary words where needed to meet character limits. If a sentence genuinely doesn’t work, I’ll rewrite it naturally rather than making unnecessary changes. I’ll also follow your in-house style consistently, including the rules you’ve mentioned around common nouns, personal nouns, numbers and dates. I understand how important consistency is when multiple pieces are being edited for the same publication. I’m comfortable working with tracked changes so you can see exactly what has been changed and why. I’ll keep the editing light where the original copy already works and focus on making every piece cleaner and stronger. I can work with a fast turnaround and understand that you normally need the copy returned within five hours. I’m also interested in the possibility of ongoing work and can adapt to your workflow once I understand your house style fully. I’m available to start immediately and would be happy to edit a first batch so you can see the quality and approach of my work. Best regards, Abdullah
$75 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

Hi there, I can handle your news copy sub-editing with accuracy, speed, and strict adherence to your UK English house style. Why I'm a great fit: Fast Turnaround: Comfortable delivering clean, edited copy within your 5-hour window. House Style Precision: Careful with standardizations (e.g., September 3, 10,000, lowercasing common nouns). Light Editorial Touch: Focus on flow, grammar, tight intros, and character limits while retaining the original voice. I use Track Changes for full transparency and am ready for a test piece right away. Looking forward to working together!
$150 USD in 3 days
0.0
0.0

South Africa
Payment method verified
Member since Sep 3, 2026
₹100-400 INR / hour
$250-750 USD
$15-25 USD / hour
$2-8 USD / hour
€1500-3000 EUR
₹1500-12500 INR
₹750-1250 INR / hour
$8-15 USD / hour
₹100-400 INR / hour
₹12500-37500 INR
₹400-750 INR / hour
₹12500-37500 INR
$15-25 USD / hour
₹12500-37500 INR
$2-8 USD / hour
$10-30 USD
$15-25 USD / hour
₹400-750 INR / hour
$30-250 USD
$10-30 USD