Editors
(NOC 5122)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportEditors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication, broadcast or interactive media and coordinate the activities of writers, journalists, and other staff. Copy editors read and edit copy to be published or broadcast to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. They work for publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce publications like newsletters, handbooks, manuals, and websites. Editors may also work on a freelance basis. Editors may specialize in a subject area like news, sports, or features, or in a publication like books, magazines, newspapers, or manuals.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Newsprint and publishing industries are facing challenges and continue to adjust to the growing demand for digital content and cost pressures. Competition for positions is likely to remain strong for higher-level editors with bigger media outlets, while many local media outlets have generally downsized over the years. A decrease of advertising revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in the downsizing of some print media operations. Occasional opportunities may occur with companies which have a need for technical writing/editing, and with those involved with website content editing or online news distribution.
Hourly Pay
$18.46
Minimum$26.00
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$578
Minimum$33,199
Median$70,025
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Editors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication, broadcast or interactive media and coordinate the activities of writers, journalists, and other staff. Copy editors read and edit copy to be published or broadcast to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. They work for publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce publications like newsletters, handbooks, manuals, and websites. Editors may also work on a freelance basis. Editors may specialize in a subject area like news, sports, or features, or in a publication like books, magazines, newspapers, or manuals.
Job duties
Editors:
- Evaluate suitability of manuscripts, articles, news copy and wire service dispatches for publication, broadcast or electronic media and recommend or make changes in content, style, and organization.
- Read and edit copy to be published or broadcast to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax, and shorten or lengthen copy as space or time requires.
- Confer with authors, staff writers, reporters, and others regarding revisions to copy.
- Plan and implement layout or format of copy according to space or time allocations and significance of copy.
- Plan and coordinate activities of staff and assure production deadlines are met.
- Plan coverage of upcoming events and assign work accordingly.
- Write or prepare introductions, marketing and promotional materials, bibliographic references, indexes, and other text.
- May negotiate royalties with authors and arrange for payment of freelance staff.
Sample job titles
- advertising editor
- assistant editor
- book editor
- copy editor
- editor
- editor, Web site
- literary editor
- magazine editor
- newspaper editor
- technical editor
Skills
- You should be organized, resourceful, and creative. A critical mind, excellent writing ability, and language skills are also necessary. At times, writing requires patience, self-discipline, and perseverance. Editors must be tactful and able to guide and encourage others. Copy editors require a sharp eye for detail. Good keyboarding skills and word processing skills are a definite asset.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in English, French, journalism or a related discipline is usually required.
- Membership in the Editors Association of Canada may be required.
- Editors who specialize in a specific subject matter may be required to have training in that subject.
Other considerations
- Some people in these jobs work irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Several years of experience in journalism, writing, publishing or a related field are usually required. Progression to supervisory and management positions like editor-in-chief or managing editor is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$37,143 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$36,915 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information and cultural industries
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
45-54
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$38,481 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$33,948 median annual incomeMaster
$23,955 median annual incomeHigh school
$20,558 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
English Language and Literature
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills, and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
French Language and Literature (Canada)
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the French language, including its history, structure and related communications skills, and the literature and culture of French-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Journalism
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news and that prepares students to be professional print journalists, news editors, and news managers. They include courses in news writing and editing, reporting, photojournalism, layout and graphic design, journalism law and policy, professional standards and ethics, research methods, and journalism history and criticism.
Institutions providing this program
Technical and Scientific Communication
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on communicating technical and scientific knowledge to a variety of audiences through print, video, and digital media and prepares students to function as technical writers and editors, documentation developers, web designers, and usability specialists. They include courses in scientific and technical writing and editing, graphic and information design, web design, audience analysis, document usability and field testing, publications management, and applications to specific technical fields.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
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