Editors

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 are employed by publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce publications such as newsletters, handbooks, manuals and Web sites. Editors may also work on a freelance basis. Editors may specialize in a particular subject area, such as news, sports or features, or in a particular type of publication, such as books, magazines, newspapers or manuals.

Job duties

Editors perform some or all of the following duties:

• 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

For these jobs, 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, such as editor-in-chief or managing editor, is possible with experience.

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