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Acopy typist is someone who specializes in typing text from a source which they read. Originally appeared as a skill in handling oftypewriter, later it transitioned to usingcomputer keyboard with results tracking oncomputer display and obtaining using printer. Before introduction of computers, an additional skill ofproofreading and document editing were critical.[1]
Copy typists learn totouch type at a high speed, which means they can look at thecopy they are typing and do not need to look at thekeyboard they are typing on.
The source, or original document is called the copy. They have thedocument to be typed in front of them and the copy is often held in acopyholder. The adjustable arm on the copyholder aidslegibility 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. Elaborate varieties can even be adjusted by height or angle and some come with rulers and guides that appear over the front of the page.
The copy can be hand written notes perhaps from anauthor of a book, a play, or a TV show. It might be their own notes inshorthand — perhaps minutes from ameeting or notes from a talk,lecture, orpresentation. In the past whenword processors were not available and few people could type they would have typed updissertations,research papers, andletters that had been hand written by the authors. An urgent letter which was typed up was often signed by thesecretary with app 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 inwords per minute (abbreviated to wpm) on theircurriculum vitae and may be asked to demonstrate their speed and accuracy of this skill as part of theinterview or application process.