The written word is found everywhere. Not only do people read information via printed media such as newspapers, books, and magazines, but they also read information on the web.
Behind all the fancy wordsmithing and storytelling is the work of a savvy editor. Editors are indispensable to preserving the continuity, tone, and quality of content in any given media.
Day in the Life of an Editor
Contrary to popular opinion, editors do not spend their days hunched over behind a desk scribbling unintelligible symbols in page margins. Editing documents with proofreader’s marks is part of the job of an editor, but it certainly is not the only job task performed by the editor.
Generally, the role of an editor is to review the work of a team of writers and suggest changes according to conventions regarding grammar, writing style, and punctuation. Editors also ensure that all written works are consistent in quality and tone, and are consistent with the company’s mission.
To ensure quality and stylistic standardization, editors in the mainstream media generally follow the Associated Press Stylebook.
Editors of books, journals, and electronic publications may decide to follow the Chicago Manual of Style; and editors in the information technology industry may elect to follow the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications.
Spotlight on Careers in Editing: Newspaper Editors
Newspapers including the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times have a senior editor overseeing what stories are placed on what pages of the newspaper and when. Other opportunities in editing for newspapers include associate editors and assistant editors.
Spotlight on Careers in Editing: Book Editors
Book editors work in the publishing industry and perform a wide variety of tasks. Acquisitions editors acquire, develop, and edit books. Production editors plan, edit, budget, schedule, and manage production of book titles.
Spotlight on Careers in Editing: Web Editors
The web editor must pay close attention to search engine optimization (SEO) and screen readability. For example, web editors stress shorter paragraphs and information displayed in “chunks.” Web editors can find editing positions in many places including television stations and online media companies.
How to Become an Editor
For college students, a degree in English or Journalism is required to become an editor.
Adults can take continuing education courses in these areas that will lead them into a job as an editor. Writers in technology, science, or the media can network with editors in person or on sites such as LinkedIn to find job opportunities in editing.
Editorial work can be very demanding. Many jobs in editing take a lot of time and energy, and can be very stressful.
The work is generally tied to company profitability, so the editor must have thick skin, the ability to successfully lead a team of writers, an eye for quality, an advanced understanding of the English language, and excellent communication skills.
Though challenging, editing as a career path is diverse and can lead to a very rewarding career for those who enjoy working with various forms of written communication.
See related articles, “How to Take Online Classes,” "How to Make Money Writing for About.com," and "Top 4 Websites That Pay People to Write."
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
