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Degrees and Schools
A bachelor's or master's degree in English, communications or journalism is the most common educational requirement for an editing position. A journalism degree is the best choice for those who want to work in the news industry while English and communications majors are a good choice for most other industries. All of these degrees can be found at universities and colleges throughout the country.
Coursework
The courses listed below are examples of the types of courses that would prepare a student for a position as an editor:
- expository writing
- creative writing
- professional and technical writing
- rhetoric and critical thinking
- copy editing
- research and writing methods
- digital media skills
- literary publishing
Online Classes and Programs
Online programs in communications, English and journalism are all easy to find at reputable online schools and through traditional schools that offer online programs. Schools need to be accredited by agencies that are recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Employment Requirements
General requirements for editor positions typically include a bachelor's degree in English, communications or journalism. Other requirements will vary depending on the type of position and the industry. For example, an organization hiring someone to edit history textbooks may be looking for someone who completed a minor in history. Positions working with online media may require candidates have proficiency with online publishing tools and other technology. Most positions require the person have very strong attention to detail and excellent writing skills.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
When choosing a program that will lead to a position as an Editor, the following questions should be considered:
- Career Goals - Does the program offer courses that directly relate to the student's career goals? For students who are undecided, does the curriculum offer a wide variety of coursework or allow students to change focus?
- Financial Aid and Loans - Can the student expect to receive financial aid? Will the amount of student loans the student needs to take out be reasonable?
- Reputation - Does the school or program have a reputation that is recognized by employers?
- Graduate Success - What types of positions do past graduates hold? Does the school hold job fairs or provide other assistance to help graduates find employment?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by a regional accrediting agency or by an agency that is recognized the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?
Editors Job Description
The many types of publications in the form of printed books, magazines, newspapers and digital media present a wide range of opportunities for those in the editing profession. In general, an editor's job is to supervise the content of a publication which is usually in written format but also may be in video or audio format. There are many types of editors, with differing roles, which are described below:
- Executive Editor – hires and manages staff and freelancers, manages budget, makes final decisions
- Managing Editor – is responsible for daily operations of publication
- Assistant Editor – is responsible for content of certain subject areas
- Assignment Editor – assigns stories to reporters or writers
- Copy Editor – reviews and revises written material
- Book Editor – reviews book proposals and decides which to publish
Due to the variety of editing roles, responsibilities vary considerably depending on the type of editing position. Below are some examples of responsibilities the various types of editor positions might entail:
- plan content of a publication
- review and select story ideas
- review, proofread and revise content
- determine content layout
- hire, manage and direct staff and freelance writers
- perform fact checking
- monitor news events and assign stories to reporters
- create and manage department budget
- review book manuscripts
Resources
American Copy Editors Society - A professional membership organization that aims to provide solutions to copy desk problems through an online forum, editor's guide and executive blog. They also offer a mentoring program and job board.
American Society of Business Publication Editors - The ASBPE supports freelance editors and writers through education, conferences and awards for excellence.
National Association of Independent Writers and Editors - NAIWE is a professional organization that offers support, marketing, professional development and networking to its members.
American Society of Magazine Editors - ASME is a professional organization of about 850 members that advocates to preserve editorial independence as well as provide their membership with professional support through conferences, workshops, an internship program and awards.
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