How to Become an Editor

September 11, 2024

How to Become a Video Editor

Top Rated Course

One Education

Training Outcomes Within Your Budget!

We ensure quality, budget-alignment, and timely delivery by our expert instructors.
Share this Resource

Table of Contents

How to Become an Editor

What Are the Main Types of Editors?

To become an editor involves gaining the right combination of education, skills, and experience. Editors work in different industries, using different kinds of materials such as print, digital media, and publishing. Every editorial role has its own set of tasks and expertise. The main types of editors are:

  • Copy Editor: Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and consistency and often (if time allows) fact-checks. Makes sure that the text reads well, is suitable for the audience, and follows a style guide. Make sure that the language and tone are appropriate.
  • Developmental Editor: Developmental editors guide authors toward their best work, helping them organise, develop, weed and polish their ideas. Often, they’re found in book publishing, where they help authors craft plots and characters, as well as tackle pace and flow.
  • Acquisitions Editor: Acquisitions editors are responsible for finding and acquiring new content for publishers, including books, articles and multimedia content. They review proposals, assess the commercial viability of submissions, and work with authors to develop their ideas into viable projects.
  • Managing Editor: Managing editors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a publication, such as a magazine, newspaper or website. They oversee editorial schedules, manage the assignment of stories, and make sure that the content is delivered on time. They often work closely with the staff, including other editors, writers and production staff, on the various stories assigned to them.
  • Substantive or Content Editor: Substantive editors work with writers to improve the structure and content of the writing. This involves recommending changes in the organisation of ideas, the coherence of content, and the persuasiveness of the argument. This type of editing is usually done for non-fiction writing, academic work, or business documents.
  • Technical editor: Editors who specialise in technical subjects such as science, technology, engineering or medicine. Their work is primarily concerned with technical accuracy, clarity and conformity to standard practice. Technical editors are likely to have subject-specific knowledge.
  • Proofreader: A proofreader is responsible for looking over the final version of a manuscript or article for any remaining typographical, grammatical and formatting errors. They will often be brought in after copyediting. They can be thought of as the last line of defence before publication.
  • Online/Digital Editor: You’ll find digital editors in online publications, websites, and blogs. They manage digital content, optimise it for SEO, and check that articles are formatted correctly for a digital platform. A digital editor curates social media and other forms of digital engagement to boost readership.
  • Film/Video Editor: Film/Video Editor works with footage to cut, edit and assemble it into a single story, with a focus on the visuals, timing and sound. The editor ensures that the footage matches the director’s vision.
  • Editor-in-chief: The head of an editorial staff, usually at a newspaper, magazine or corporate media property. The editor-in-chief oversees the entire editorial process, including the composition and distribution of material. It sets the editorial direction of the publication, including editorial policies.

How to Become an Editor

What Does an Editor Do?

Editors help writers present their ideas clearly by working with them to polish the written text, making it sound as good as possible. An editor works to ensure that all written pieces are clear, coherent and engaging. This means that editors review, revise and polish written work to make it more engaging or follow certain pre-established standards. Here are their key responsibilities:

  • Content Analysis: Editors review manuscripts, news articles, or other documents to evaluate whether they are well done. This involves looking for problems with structure, tone, clarity, and consistency. For example, an editor might examine whether the content is arranged in the best logical order, with the most important information clearly outlined.
  • Correcting mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling: An editor’s job includes correcting the grammar, punctuation and spelling of a text. This means that the text doesn’t have mistakes and can be read and understood easily.
  • Fact-Checking: Editors also perform fact-checking and make sure that the information in a text is correct, for example, in journalism, non-fiction and technical documents.
  • Style-Guide Adherence: Many editors work with style guides (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press [AP] Style, and the Modern Language Association [MLA] style) and make sure content adheres to these guides for the sake of clarity and consistency.
  • Collaboration with Writers: An editor is a trusted collaborator who works alongside the writer to help them develop a piece of writing to its best potential. An editor will provide feedback to the writer on how a piece of writing could be improved, perhaps by adjusting the structure, tone or content. The editor will make suggestions on possible revisions for the writer’s consideration.
  • Managing Workflow: For publications with multiple contributors, editors keep track of workflow from submission to publication, communicating with writers, other editors, and production teams to make sure deadlines are met and content is delivered when it needs to be.
  • Keeping Readers’ and Viewers’ Interest: Editors customise content to meet the needs and tastes of the targeted audience. This means editing the content so that it is interesting, relevant and aligned to what readers or viewers are most likely to be interested in.
  • Adapting Content for Multiple Platforms: Digital editors might be tasked with adapting content for websites, social media, newsletters, and other digital platforms. This might include optimising for SEO, incorporating multimedia, and optimising for devices.
  • Mentoring and Training: Senior editors are also often mentors to junior editors and writers. They give guidance on current best practices, standards of editorial work, and writing techniques. This support ensures that junior editors can maintain standards and produce consistent editorial work.

How to Become an Editor

Average Editor Salary

It is hard to give a specific figure for an editor’s salary in the UK. It depends on several factors, such as the level of experience and age of the editor, industry, location, and level of responsibility. Below is an outline of the editors’ salaries.

  • Entry-Level Editor: Junior editors or assistant editors at the beginning of their careers generally earn between £18,000 and £25,000 per year. At this level, editors are often learning the job and are working under the supervision of senior editors.
  • Mid-Level Editor: With a few years under their belt, editors can make between £25,000 and £40,000 per year. Mid-level editors might be in charge of a section of a publication and manage a team of junior editors or more complex content.
  • Senior Editor: Senior editors, sometimes referred to as managing editors or department heads, typically earn between £40,000 and £60,000 per year in the UK. They often handle the day-to-day management of editorial teams and help steer editorial strategy.
  • Editor-in-chief: £60,000-£100,000+, depending on the size and reach of the publication or company. Managing the whole editorial process and making executive decisions about content and direction.
  • Freelance Editor: Earnings for freelance editors vary widely depending on the type of work and the level of experience of the freelance editor, who may charge by the hour or per project. Typically, freelance editors charge £15 to £50 an hour, and the most experienced freelancers, especially those with specialisms, can command higher rates.

Editor Skills

Editors must be a Jack (or Jill) of all trades and be able to do all these things well: to improve the content, to work with writers, and to oversee the editorial process. Here are the key skills you will need to have to create and sustain an editorial career.

  • Eagle-eyed for detail: Editors must be able to spot the oddest spelling mistake, grammatical error, or punctuation decoration. They need a relentlessly meticulous eye for detail if they’re going to produce high-quality work.
  • Good writing skills: Editors must also be good writers themselves. They need to make copies more readable, suggest alternative forms, and check for smooth flow. A good editor’s ability to write well also helps them provide good feedback for writers.
  • Communication: Editing frequently requires feedback from writers and collaboration with other members of the editorial team. The editor needs to be able to communicate articulately and tactfully, giving constructive criticism while maintaining positive relationships with writers and colleagues.
  • Versatility: As an editor, you might find yourself working on books, blogs, technical documents or other types of content, so it’s important to be able to switch between styles, tones and formats.
  • Schedule Management: Editors are often given tight deadlines, and in industries such as journalism and publishing, deadlines can be even tighter. Good time management skills are necessary to juggle several projects at once and to stay on top of all the deadlines.
  • Research and fact-checking: Whether you’re reviewing a piece of journalism, a work of non-fiction, or academic publishing, accuracy is essential. The editor needs to have good research and fact-checking skills to ensure the content they’re reviewing is accurate.
  • Command of Style Guides: Editors should know which style guide is required. Some publications use AP Style, while others prefer the Chicago Manual of Style, and many companies have their style guides. Whatever it is, editors need to know it and ensure that everything adheres to the correct set of standards.
  • Creativity: Editing isn’t just about checking for mistakes; it’s about creating better content. Editors need to have a creative eye to make suggestions on how to improve storytelling and make content easier to read and more engaging.
  • Leadership and Mentoring: Every senior editor manages an editorial staff comprising writers and one or more junior editors. Leadership skills come in handy in making sure the team ticks and flows in the right direction, as well as in mentoring the junior staff.
  • Technical proficiency: Most editors work with digital tools and platforms, from content management systems (CMS) and search engine optimisation (SEO) tools to word processing software, and must be adept in formatting content for target audiences and tech platforms.

Editor Tips

Here are some tips for those aspiring to become successful editors:

  • Read More and often:
  1. Read widely and consistently.
  2. Read different genres.
  3. Read different writers.
  4. Read different forms of writing.

This is a great way to develop a sensitive ear for what works and doesn’t in writing.

  • Get on the Style Guide: It could be AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style or a house style guide of the publication you’re editing for if it has one, but get on the style guide so that your copy is consistent and looks professional. Please familiarise yourself with the guide for your industry and use it strictly.
  • Get a Portfolio Going: Editors-in-training should strive to accumulate a broad range of editing experiences, from freelance projects to internships to contributions to small publications. A good portfolio will demonstrate your abilities to prospective employers or clients.
  • Be aware of industry trends: Publishing and media is a dynamic field. Keep up to date with trends, including SEO, social media content and multimedia editing, to put yourself in the best position to get a job.
  • Build Good Relationships With Writers: As an editor, you will be working with writers a lot. Try to build good relationships with them by giving constructive feedback, being supportive, and encouraging them to learn and become better writers. When you do this, you will have more high-quality content and better relationships with your writers.
  • Professional Development: Take editing courses – from copy editing to developmental editing to digital content management – to fine-tune your skills, show your dedication to the profession, and build your resume.
  • Practice Editing Often: Like anything, the more you do it, the better you get at it. Allocate time for editing, and edit multiple kinds of content when you can. The more you edit, the better you’ll become at identifying mistakes and improving the rhythm and shape of a piece of writing.

Editor Requirements

Getting a start as an editor takes a combination of education, experience and skills. Here is a list of the typical requirements for entering the editorial profession:

  • Education: Often, I find myself working with editors who graduate with a BA in English, journalism or communications. A solid degree in those fields will provide a lot of these editors with a good structure for their editorial work. As for language, writing and literature, we can’t help but look for – and writers can’t help but seek out – editors with advanced degrees. I’ve come across editors with advanced degrees in science and a few other technical fields, but those are rare.
  • Work Experience: An editor should have experience either as an intern, freelancer or working in an entry-level editorial capacity. This is because, as an editor, you have to be sure about what you’re working on and understand the nuances of the editorial process.
  • Mastery of Language: Editors must be fluent in the language they are working in with respect to grammar, syntax and punctuation. It is often advantageous if an editor can work in a second language; this often comes in handy for those who work with international content.
  • Specialised Knowledge: For certain editorial roles, such as technical or medical editing, there is a need for specialised knowledge of the topic, and thus, editors working in these fields may require further qualifications or experience in the content that they will be editing.
  • Familiarity with Editorial Tools: A decent editor has to be savvy with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and a content management system (CMS) for websites. If you’re working in digital publishing, you should also be familiar with digital tools like Grammarly, Hemingway or SEO tools.

How to Become an Editor

To become an editor involves gaining the right combination of education, skills, and experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you become a successful editor:

  • Earn a Degree in the Subject: The majority of editors have degrees in English, journalism, communications, or other related fields. Make sure you hone your writing, thinking and analytical skills while you’re in school.
  • Gain Experience with Internships: Undertake internships at a newspaper, magazine, publishing house, or in the digital media. Internships give you practical experience in copyediting, proofreading, and the bustling pace of an editorial environment.
  • Create a portfolio: As you gain experience, build a portfolio of your finest editorial work, and make sure to include examples of different kinds of editing (copy editing, content editing, proofreading, etc). That portfolio will be an indispensable tool when you apply for jobs or freelance work.
  • Think about Specialised Training: If your goal is to focus on a specific area, for example, technical editing, medical editing, or managing digital content, then that is something you can train for. Take some courses and get a certification: you can acquire the specialised expertise that niche editorial jobs will require.
  • Network in the Industry: Join editorial associations, attend industry events, and connect with other professionals in the field. Doing so can help you learn about job openings, gain mentors, and keep up with industry trends.
  • Apply for Entry-Level Positions: After you’ve gained the requisite experience and portfolio, apply to entry-level editorial jobs. Assistant editor or copy editor are often good positions for new editors to land.
  • Keep Learning and Improving: Editorial practice is constantly changing. As well as on-the-job experience, continue to develop your skill set through training courses and workshops and be alert to new developments in editorial theory and practice and the tools of the trade.
  • Advance to Senior Editorial Positions: With experience, you can rise to senior editorial positions such as managing editor or editor-in-chief, where you will have more responsibility, overseeing editorial teams and developing content strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Be an Editor?

As an editor, you’ll help to create the narrative arc of an article, hone a writer’s style, and make sure that the writing is the best it can be. Being paid to read and write all day is a good gig if you love language, pay attention to detail, and enjoy stories.

Is Being an Editor a Good Career Choice for You?

If you love reading, writing and language, then becoming an editor could be the perfect career for you. Editors do a vital job of making sure that writing is clear, accurate and interesting.

Editor Salaries

The salaries of editors in the UK depend on experience and the type of content edited. An entry-level editor earns between £18,000 and £25,000 per annum. Meanwhile, a senior editor and editor-in-chief earns between £40,000 and £100,000 per year.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as an Editor?

Editorial roles typically call for a degree in English, journalism or communications. However, additional qualifications – such as editorial certifications from professional associations or training in proprietary editorial software – can boost your chances of landing a job.

Do I Need to Be an Experienced Editor to Get Started?

You don’t have to be a seasoned editor to begin. Still, you do need to get internships, freelancing or an entry-level position to learn the ropes and build your portfolio.

Editor Career Outlook

Interest in editors is thriving; in digital media, publishing and corporate communications, editors are in demand, especially those with knowledge of SEO or digital content; technical editors are also in demand in specific fields.

Editor Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Junior editors rise through the ranks to senior roles, often starting as copy editors or assistant editors, then eventually moving to managing editor or editor-in-chief roles. Editors can also move into specialised fields such as technical editing or video editing.

Editor Exit Options and Opportunities

Editors can go freelance, and they can move into content strategy or communications management. They can also move into publishing consultant, writer or project manager roles and draw on those skills in other industries.

How to Become a Video Editor

One Education

Copywriting Mastery: Become a Giga Writer

Learnexus

Become a Giga Writer – Copy

Skills Arena