How To Become An Editor

Candidates will need a bachelor's degree in order to become an editor. Fields such as English, communications and journalism are preferred but not required. Graduates holding degrees in other subjects can also work as editors provided that they have strong writing skills. Sometimes editors are required to have specific knowledge about a subject which can be gained through related work experience or formal training. It is important for them to be familiar with electronic publishing, Web design, graphics and multimedia production. They must also possess the ability to operate communications equipment and computer.

What Essential Qualities Are Needed?
Candidates should have the ability to recognize writing talent by identifying well written content. They should be creative and detailed oriented with remarkable writing and language skills.  They must also possess good decision making and interpersonal skills.

What Do Editors Do?
They are expected to do several tasks related to planning, reviewing and revising material for publication in magazines, newspapers, books and websites. They read and rewrite content to make it lucid and make appropriate adjustments after checking for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuations. They make use of reference sources in order to verify facts. Other responsibilities include:-

• Ensuring that the final piece of work match the style of the publication and is error free
• Developing content ideas and stories
• Evaluating submissions and working with writers to help develop successful ideas
• Suggesting titles and headlines
• Reviewing drafts of books and articles

How To Benefit From Online Education?
If you want to join this line of work but are hampered by work and familial responsibilities, you can opt to go for online education. Prospective Editors need a degree in subjects that can be easily pursued online. There is no requirement for hands-on experience; students can complete their education online without ever having to attend the campus. Online programs offer students the opportunity to work at their own pace under a flexible schedule.  

What Is The Job Outlook?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 1 percent increase in the employment of these professionals for 2010 through 2020. Admittedly this increase is negligible. Print media is facing cut throat competition from the online publications and the traditional editing jobs have declined drastically. Online editing work has reported some growth thus tapering off the overall employment growth for this occupation. Still many individuals who are passionate about this work will choose to join this field.

What Is The Work Environment?
Different industries employ these professionals including local and state universities and schools, civic and grant making organizations. They also work for the publishers of newspapers, books, periodicals and directories. Editing positions are of various types and are available under the following titles:

• Publication assistants
• Executive Editors
• Assistant Editors
• Managing Editors
• Copy Editors

They often work full time in offices but it is also feasible for them to work from other locations using their computers. They have to work under pressure and stress to meet strict deadlines.