Editors

Career summary

#closest match is 2173. check 3/14/19 lh

Editors have many tasks in common, but some tasks are specific to the type of editor or where they work.

Copy editors

Copy editors read written work for facts and accuracy. They check dates and statistics. They check grammar and make any corrections.

Production editors

Production editors check whether typesetting or layout is done correctly. They make sure pages are laid out correctly before the book or article goes to press.

Managing editors

Managing editors draw up budgets and assign projects to other editors.

Publishing firms

In publishing firms, editors meet with writers about creating a book or article on a certain topic. Sometimes writers send ideas or writing samples to editors. Editors may ask for a sample chapter to review. After an agreement is reached on payment and length of material, editors prepare a contract. They keep track of the writer's progress. They may read drafts and suggest changes. They also review the manuscript for errors and copyright violations. When a book is complete, editors select items for the index.

Newspapers

At larger newspapers, editors are in charge of certain sections or subjects. Editors decide which articles might appeal to readers. They assign topics to reporters. Editors also decide when articles will appear. They may write the headlines for stories, captions for photos, or an editorial column. They meet with other editors to decide where to place new stories. In addition, editors hire and supervise reporters. They are also responsible for meeting deadlines. At smaller newspapers they write articles, set budgets, and make production decisions.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Announcers
• Art Directors
• News Reporters
• Producers and Directors
• Proofreaders
• Public Relations Specialists
• Technical Writers
• Writers

Military careers

• Broadcast Journalists and Newswriters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to editors.

• Prepare, rewrite, and edit writing to improve it.
• Check layout of articles and photographs.
• Plan and develop story and content ideas for a publication.
• Check written materials for correct facts, spelling, and grammar.
• Supervise writers, editorial assistants, and reporters.
• Oversee all aspects of the publication process, including budgets and deadlines.
• Decide where to place articles in publication, working with other editors and managers.
• Make suggestions for changes to authors or ask for clarification.
• Select news items from many different sources.
• Review completed manuscripts for accuracy and copyright violations.
• Hire writers and reporters and negotiate their contracts.
• Write headlines, captions, or columns.
• Attend seminars and workshops to update skills.

Common work activities

Editors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Think creatively
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, editors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They talk to authors and reporters, but also spend time alone reading manuscripts.
• Communicate with writers and reporters daily by e-mail, telephone, and in person.
• Work as part of a team.
• Write letters and memos daily.
• Are often placed in conflict situations where others might become angry or unpleasant. Writers may disagree about edits, for example.
• Are responsible for the work outcomes of writers and reporters.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work indoors in offices.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.
• May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels, especially when working in a newsroom.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work so that newspapers, articles, and books are accurate.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks. This is important when editing and working at a computer.
• Meet strict publication deadlines daily.
• Work in a moderately competitive environment.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
• Make decisions daily that affect coworkers and publications.

Hours/travel

• Work more than 40 hours per week.
• May work early in the morning or late in the evening.

Physical demands

Editors frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for editors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for editors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

Skills and abilities

Editors need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Broadcast Journalism
• Creative Writing
• Journalism
• Mass Communication Studies
• Technical and Business Writing

Other programs of study to consider

• Business Economics
• Communication and Speech Studies
• Digital Communication and Media
• English Composition and Writing
• English Language and Literature
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Public Relations
• Radio and Television

Training

To work as an editor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

You must have at least a bachelor's degree to be an editor. Common majors for editors are journalism, English, and communications. If you wish to specialize in areas such as business, fashion, or legal issues, you need additional training in those areas.

Editorial work for technical publications usually requires a degree related to the publication's specialty area. For example, you need a degree in engineering, business, or science to edit in those areas.

Book and magazine editors usually have a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree. Knowledge of desktop publishing software is helpful. Online publications require knowledge of computers and web page design

Work experience

You can prepare for this field by working on a school newspaper or yearbook. Any writing experience is valuable, paid or not. Many students work as interns while they are in high school or college to get experience. You should keep examples of your work in a portfolio.

On-the-job training

New editors start by checking facts in stories or by editing routine copy. As you gain experience and skills, you take on additional duties. Many editors receive about one month of on-the-job training.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be public information officers. Editing is part of this occupation. You generally need a bachelor's degree before you can enter this military occupation. Training lasts eight weeks. Additional training is on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Editors need excellent reading and writing skills. Take as many English courses as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Composition
• Computer Applications
• Creative Writing

In addition, if you want to work in a particular field, take courses in that subject. For example, if you want to work at a science magazine, take science courses so you understand the subject matter.

Many editors are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require that editors have at least a bachelor's degree. Experience is also very important. Volunteer experience or internships can be helpful.

Employers look for people who are very good with details. They seek people who can concentrate amid the high levels of noise and confusion in newsrooms. A strong command of English is important.

Employers often review applicants' portfolios as part of the interview process. A portfolio is a collection of the applicant's work. This may include articles they have written.

Costs to workers

Workers may belong to a union and pay dues. Some join a professional association, which may also have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Editors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the editor's specialty. Technical editors usually earn more than book or newspaper editors.

Editors who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan. Self-employed editors must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 14% of editors are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Book publishers

National outlook

The demand for editors is expected to decline due to the reduction of print media such as newspapers and magazines. Editors who have moved to editing online content will fare best.

Other resources

Academy of American Poets 
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 901
New York, NY 10038
212.274.0343

American Journalism Review 

American Medical Writers Association 
30 West Gude Drive, Suite 525
Rockville, MD 20850
240.238.0940

American Society of Newspaper Editors 
209 Reynolds Journalism Institute
Columbia, MO 65211

Asian American Journalists Association 
5 Third Street, Suite 1108
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.346.2051

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication 
234 Outlet Pointe Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29210
803.798.0271

Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism 

Editorial Freelancers Association 
266 West 37th Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Investigative Reporters and Editors 
141 Neff Annex
Missouri School of Journalism
Columbia, MO 65211

National Federation of Press Women 
140B Purcellville Gateway Dr. Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
804.746.1033

National Writers Union 
256 West 38th Street, Suite 703
New York, NY 10018

News Media Alliance 
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22203
571.366.1000

Pew Center for Civic Journalism 
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036

Radio-Television Digital News Association 
The National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 1240
Washington, D.C. 20045

School Journalism Website 
(for youth from the American Society of Newspaper Editors)

Society of Professional Journalists 
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 North Meridian Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317.927.8000

The Newspaper Guild 
501 - 3rd Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20001-2797
202.434.7177

Writers Guild of America, West 
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
800.548.4532
323.951.4000

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Editors (27-3041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Editor, Greeting Card (132.067-022) 
• Editor, Index (132.367-010) 
• Editor, News (132.067-026) 
• Editor, Telegraph (132.267-010) 
• Editorial Assistant (132.267-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Editor

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Communication