Things copy editors can do:

1. Speak up for yourself. Sometimes we're good about expressing opinions among members of the desk, but not to those who are in a position to make changes. We can't be wallflowers and expect positive results. However...

2. ... don't be a chronic whiner who gripes all the time but never offers alternatives to make things better. Focus on solutions, not problems.

3. Volunteer in your own newsroom. When supervisors need someone to help with the high school workshop or to serve on the pagination committee, offer up yourself or another desk member.

4. Be the first to introduce yourself to new reporters, photographers, designers and graphic artists. Sounds simple, but too often we tend to act like shy forest creatures toiling away at night in the back of the newsroom.

5. Blow your own horn when you do something good. Let your supervisor know when you make a great catch or when you have written a headline you're really proud of.

1. Make sure your people have the same perks everyone else has: a desk to call their own or at least a shared desk, voicemail, Internet access, business cards, e-mail, etc.

2. Don't let newsroom-wide meetings, classes and training sessions be scheduled before 11 a.m. or noon. When possible, have a separate but equal night session for those who work in the evenings.

3. When newsroom parties, picnics and other events are held, make sure the copy editors who must work get their own equal -- or even better -- festivities.

4. Promote job sharing wiht other departments, even on a limited basis. After just a couple of nights on the desk, reporters or assigning editors will have a newfound respect for copy editors. This works both ways, too: It's good for copy editors to get experience in other departments.

5. As in No. 5 for the copy editors, trumpet the efforts of those on your staff. Let the top editors know who on the desk is doing what. Put out a regular list of the best headlines and catches along with names of the copy editors responsible.