A copy typist is someone who specializes in typing text from a source which they read. Originally appeared as a skill in handling of typewriter, later it transitioned to using

computer keyboard A computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Replacing early punched cards and paper tape technology ...

with results tracking on computer display and obtaining using printer. Before introduction of computers, an additional skill of

proofreading Proofreading is the reading of a galley proof or an electronic copy of a publication to find and correct reproduction errors of text or art. Proofreading is the final step in the editorial cycle before publication. Professional Traditional ...

and document editing were critical.

Professional overview

Copy typists learn to

touch type Touch typing (also called blind typing, or touch keyboarding) is a style of typing. Although the phrase refers to typing without using the sense of sight to find the keys—specifically, a touch typist will know their location on the keyboard thro ...

at a high speed, which means they can look at the copy they are typing and do not need to look at the keyboard they are typing on. The source, or original document is called the copy. They have the

document A document is a written, drawn, presented, or memorialized representation of thought, often the manifestation of non-fictional, as well as fictional, content. The word originates from the Latin ''Documentum'', which denotes a "teaching" o ...

to be typed in front of them and the copy is often held in a

copyholder {{Unreferenced stub, auto=yes, date=December 2009 A copyholder is a device that holds the hand written or printed material being typed by a copy typist. They were used in the past with typewriters and are now used with computers and word proces ...

. The adjustable arm on the copyholder aids legibility and maximizes the typing speed. There could also be an adjustable ruler and marker to help the typist keep their position when they are interrupted, clips to hold the pages in place, and a light. The copy can be hand written notes perhaps from an author of a book, a play, or a TV show. It might be their own notes in shorthand — perhaps minutes from a

meeting A meeting is when two or more people come together to discuss one or more topics, often in a formal or business setting, but meetings also occur in a variety of other environments. Meetings can be used as form of group decision making. Defini ...

or notes from a talk, lecture, or presentation. In the past when word processors were not available and few people could type they would have typed up dissertations, research papers, and letters that had been hand written by the authors. An urgent letter which was typed up was often signed by the secretary with a pp or was otherwise given back to the sender to sign before dispatch. A copy typist or a secretary with this skill will quote their speed in words per minute (abbreviated to wpm) on their

curriculum vitae In English, a curriculum vitae (,

and may be asked to demonstrate their speed and accuracy of this skill as part of the interview or application process.

References

{{Reflist Office and administrative support occupations

Professional overview

See also

References