In January, freelance copy editor Cheryl Della Pietra will be teaching the basics of copyediting. Here, she gives some advice on how you can turn that into a career.

Are you always correcting your friends' grammar? Know the difference between an en dash and an em dash? Do misspelled signs drive you insane? Then you probably would make a great copy editor. But without prior employment, it can be difficult to break into the field. Here are five things you can do to make yourself marketable, even without any formal experience.

1) Glom onto the copy department: If you're trying to get into copy editing and are already working at a magazine, offer your spare time to the copy department. Peruse the house style guide. Look at edited copy to study proofreading marks and see the types of things that were changed. Offer to do a first read or a backup proofread. Not only will the department love you, if you show progress and are a fast learner, your interest might earn you a position if one becomes available.

2) Build a great copy-editing resume: Even if you don't have any copy-editing experience, draw on any editorial or detail-oriented work you've done, especially fact-checking and line editing. Highlight any copy-editing or grammar classes you've taken. Write an articulate and error-free cover letter explaining why you enjoy this type of work and what skills you can offer. These experiences may be enough to get you an interview-but be prepared to ace the copy test.

3) Ace the copy test: Copy tests vary in scope and size depending on who's giving it. It could be a tricky 10-page test you'll take in their offices or a short take-home piece you'll have a week to complete. Study tricky grammar and punctuation situations that often arise: who/whom, that/which, lay/lie, subject/verb agreement, active vs. passive voice, essential vs. non-essential clauses, etc. And polish up on commonly misspelled words. Acing the copy test is the single best way someone with little experience can get in the door.

4) Know your style guides: Know the basic differences between the Associated Press Stylebook, the Chicago Manual of Style, and Words Into Type. Which use the serial comma? What are the differences in number style? Familiarize yourself with navigating these publications ahead of time in case you are required to use one during the copy test.

5) Polish up on your grammar: Take grammar tests online; enroll in grammar review classes at local universities; curl up by the fire with Words Into Type or the Chicago Manual. And if that sounds interesting to you, you should be a copy editor.

Want to learn more? Sign up for Cheryl's class!