Editing Jobs: How To Become An Editor?

Editing Jobs: How To Become An Editor?
You may have been sitting at the computer one day deciding what you want to do with your life. And suddenly, poof it comes to you. You want to be a work at home editor. Chances are if youve ever asked someone, how do I become an editor? You might have gotten a blank stare. The truth is, unlike other careers, like becoming doctor, there is no clear certain path to becoming an editor. You just decide, if this is what I want to do and then begin doing it. There are however, tips to becoming successful in this career.

Job Description

Web editors select, evaluate, describe and organize web sites.

Copy editors edit books for style

Newspaper and magazine editors

-take overall responsibility for the magazine or newspaper

-decide which stories to cover

-assign stories to reporters and writers and advise on how to cover them

-write or assist with news stories, columns or features

-help to prepare reporters' and writers' work for publication

-ensure each article's tone and style is appropriate for the publication

-ensure deadlines are met

-take responsibility for business management

-hire editorial staff

-liaise with advertising and printing staff

-liaise with distributors of the newspaper/magazine

-liaise with people in the community

-train editorial staff

-select photos for publication

-do interviews and other journalist duties

-plan the layout of each issue

Tips to becoming an editor

Read, read, read

It is no secret that editors like to read. Theyre not only voracious readers, they are critical as well. They notice things the average reader and/or writer would easily overlook. Grammar gurus, is probably how most people would term an editor. However, editing requires a little more flexibility to language. Just because you know how and when to use an apostrophe doesnt mean you are an editor. You need have general knowledge on an array of topics and have well developed research skills; this is achieved by reading often.

Education

A formal education is required if you want to work in-house at a company. But your degree is not limited to English. You could have a degree in Math and still be qualified. It depends on the company you are looking to work for. For example, having literary writing skills may not fair so well in a corporate setting.

For those looking to become freelance editors, formal education is not absolutely necessary. It helps, but your marketing skills will be a greater asset. If you provide good service, most people are not bothered by your lack of a degree. If you are looking to obtain a degree, some colleges provide programs and courses in publishing and editing. Along with these programs you can also take course in business communication, technical writing, and journalism.

Find a mentor Regardless of how qualified you may be academically, you will want to find an experienced editor that will go through the material with you and share their knowledge of the business. Editing is a competitive market, knowing someone who has experience in the field will help you to understand the industry and how to succeed.

Other requirements

-A good understanding of the processes involved in publishing

-An understanding of their audience and what people want to read

-Knowledge of business management

-Leadership skills

-Communication and people skills -Analytical skills

-Skill in evaluating the quality of written work

-Writing skills

-Knowledge of media law, including defamation.

As well editors need to be organized, responsible, adaptable, motivated, diplomatic and enquiring. They need to be able to work well under pressure and must have good decision-making ability. Editors must also be able to relate to people from different cultures, lifestyles and age groups.


editing jobs
|