Automation index

How much of a Copy editor’s job can AI already do?

A checker and a first pass come earlier. Keeping the author’s voice and not inserting a typo do not.

This percentage does not predict how many people will lose their jobs.

Task comparison

IS WORK OVER?

31%

AI can already do 31% of this job.

#32 / 623

Copy editor

Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.

The time saving for each task is estimated separately.

Task	Share	AI	Points
Spelling, agreement and consistency. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	18%	52%	+9.4
Style, repetition and sentence rhythm. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	48%	+7.7
Queries to the author, grey areas and the house style. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	28%	+4.5
Second proofs, PDF and last-minute typos. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	18%	22%	+4
Deadlines with publisher, layout and translation. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	18%	+2.9
Judgement, not over-rewriting, and the typo that remains. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	14%	+2.2
Total	100%		31%

Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low

IS WORK OVER?

25%

#220 / 623

Book editor

Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.

The time saving for each task is estimated separately.

Task	Share	AI	Points
Readers’ reports, selection and rejection. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	40%	+6.4
Work the text with the author: structure and tone. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	18%	22%	+4
P&L, advances, contracts and the schedule. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	32%	+5.1
Coordinate copy-edit, layout, cover and press. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	18%	18%	+3.2
List, bookshops and the life of the title. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	28%	+4.5
The editorial bet and owning the book. Estimate No public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate.	16%	14%	+2.2
Total	100%		25%

Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low