What does it take to be an Editor? The editorial job is far from being simply about proofreading text. An editor wears multiple hats—curator, manager, strategist, and sometimes, even a psychologist as you manage writers and other creative talent. Whether you’re refining articles for clarity, driving a publication’s editorial vision, or orchestrating a multimedia storytelling project, the goal is always to elevate content and engage readers or viewers. Browse our latest jobs for Editors from top media and creative employers to find your next career opportunity. Keep reading to learn more about the wide-ranging requirements and multi-layered responsibilities of a job in the editorial field, where the written word meets managerial finesse.
What does an Editor do?
This role can vary depending on the industry or the type of Editor. However, an Editor’s part is to critically read or edit—whether that’s articles, stories, books, or any written text. The Editor also works with writers by directly editing and collaborating to ensure their work is set for publication. There are various types of Editors—from newspaper editors, book editors, copyeditors, developmental editors, video editors, and more.
What are the responsibilities of an editorial job?
Editors read and edit content for grammatical errors, spelling, and punctuation. Typically, depending on the type of editorial job, they are working with words in some way. They are responsible for ensuring an article corresponds with an in-house style guide. They have to pay attention to the grammatical soundness of the work and the tone. This ensures that the work is in its final form after they view and edit it. Magazine Editors work with an editorial team of writers and edit their work, which later becomes definitive editions of articles that make up an issue. Many freelance writers also work with editors by pitching to them for various digital media outlets. Different types of editors have different sets of responsibilities. For example, a book editor works on a longer manuscript with the book’s author while also being the primary contact between the author and the publishing house. With all this being said, the editorial world has a specific hierarchy. There are editor-in-chiefs, Managing Editors, Engagement Editors, Copy Editors, and more.
What are the requirements of editorial jobs?
Typically, the requirements to work in Editorial include at least a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or Communications. This candidate should also have a decent amount of writing experience, starting at least two years for most entry-level jobs. This person:
- needs to have strong writing and proofreading skills
- experience with content management systems
- must be flexible, creative, and must pay a great amount of attention to detail, as they’ll be the final person to review content before it is published
The role of technology in modern editorial jobs
The tools and platforms available to Editors have evolved with the rise of digital media. An Editor today must be comfortable using various content management systems, editing software, and even SEO tools. Mastery over programs like Adobe InCopy, Google Docs, and SEO platforms can set you apart. These digital tools enable better collaboration with writers and other team members, streamline workflow, and make the editorial process more efficient.
Collaboration with other departments
An Editor often collaborates with other departments like marketing, public relations, and design to ensure the content aligns well with broader company goals. This could involve aligning content with marketing campaigns, ensuring PR-friendly language, or working closely with graphic designers to ensure harmonious text and visuals. Effective communication and teamwork skills are crucial here.
Types of editing: more than just grammar and spelling
Editing is not just about checking for grammatical errors. Different types of editing focus on various aspects of the text, such as content editing, developmental editing, and proofreading. Content editors usually examine the text’s structure, clarity, and coherence. Developmental editors work closely with the author to improve the narrative and its elements. Proofreaders take the final look to catch any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Understanding the nuances between these can be critical for an Editor.
Ethical considerations in editing
Editors are often the final gatekeepers before content reaches the public. This places a great responsibility on them to ensure the information is accurate, fair, and ethically sound. From checking facts to avoiding plagiarism and maintaining objectivity, an Editor must adhere to a high ethical standard.
Career growth and editorial specializations
Within the editorial world, there is room for growth and specialization. You may start as a Copy Editor but eventually become a Managing Editor or editor-in-chief. Alternatively, you may specialize in a specific niche, like scientific editing, tech journalism, or literary manuscript editing. Specializing can make your skills more marketable and offer higher earning potential.
Networking and professional development
Maintaining a strong network is beneficial for an Editor. Joining editorial associations, attending industry events, and connecting with writers, publishers, and other Editors can provide opportunities for career growth. Professional development courses in new editing software, SEO, or project management can also give you an edge in the competitive landscape.
