ADD ADVICE TO FAVEditor
Editors work for newspapers, magazines, publishers or sometimes on a freelance basis.
What editors do
- have a wide knowledge of publishing
- take responsibility for certain publications
- set the overall tone of a piece and/or publication
- generate ideas for features
- commission work from freelance writers
- liaise with printers and designers
- may control budgets
- edit articles and copy to desired length
- check articles for tone and style.
Key skills
- detailed knowledge of the market
- attention to detail
- communication skills
- negotiation skills
- excellent writing skills
- decision-making
- may need specialist technical knowledge
- ability to work under pressure
- good grasp of grammar, punctuation and spelling
- interpersonal skills
- ability to meet deadlines.
Training to be an editor
Training is usually on the job, supplemented by short courses run by professional-training organisations. Most editors start their careers as an editorial assistant.
Salaries
Very few graduates can expect to enter the industry as an editor; most have to start as an editorial or publishing assistant, in order to gain skills and experience before progressing further. Starting salaries for editorial assistants can be low, between £16,000 and £18,000.
