The copy desk seldom deals with reporters. We take any questions to those editors first, and problems are usually resolved at that point. Two rim editors are occasionally called upon to work in the slot. One of those two also occasionally does layout, as does another rim editor who is not qualified as a slot. Only a few copy editors at the Times are not nearing retirement.
Turnover is extremely low on the copy desk, so there's no way to answer that.
Great headline writing, tight copy. Don't have too much layout experience or opportunity. We've won many awards for punny headlines, but the heds have become more striaght forward in recent years. The Washington Times has a large news hole and a relatively small staff, so the copy desk is always rushed. Barbara Taylor, assistant managing editor.