Career Spotlight: Steps to Becoming an Editor

The world of writing is broad and diverse. While in the past writing was mostly found in printed media such as newspapers, books, and magazines, much writing today is performed on the web.

Where there's writing, there's also editing. Editors are highly important to preserve the continuity, tone, and quality of content in any given media. Becoming an editor takes years of experience as a seasoned writer with a knack for words and the English language.

The Role of an Editor

Many people believe editors sit behind a desk and scribble unintelligible markings in page margins with a red pen. However, editing documents with proofreader's marks is only part of the job of an editor.

Generally speaking, the editor's job is to review the work of other writers and suggest changes according to writing style, punctuation, and grammar. The editor also ensures that all writing is consistent in tone and quality and matches the business goals of the company.

Major newspapers including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times have a senior editor overseeing what stories are placed on what pages of the newspaper and when. A great resource to see this in action is the 1976 film, "All the President's Men."

Website editors review the work of writers and suggest changes based on a number of factors including search engine optimization (SEO), tone, style, grammar, screen readability, consistency, and whether the writings match the company's business goals.

Editor's Guidelines

Editors must adhere to specific guidelines as to what to say and how to say it. These guidelines come from company management and ultimately impact the company's revenues. For example, a controversial breaking story with nationwide impact will have more of a chance of bringing in revenue than a local story of petty larceny.

Editor's Resources

To adhere to industry conventions, editors in the mainstream media generally follow the Associated Press Stylebook. Editors of books, journals, and electronic publications may elect to follow the Chicago Manual of Style. And editors in the information technology industry may choose to follow the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications.

How to Become an Editor

Becoming an editor doesn't happen overnight. Typically, editors start out as writers and learn all about the company's tone, style, and audience before taking the editor's chair.

For college students, a degree in English or Journalism is required to become an editor. Adults can take continuing education courses in these areas that will lead them into a job as an editor. Writers in technology, science, or the media can network with other editors in person or on sites such as LinkedIn to find job opportunities in editing.

Editorial work takes a lot of time, energy, and can be very stressful. The work is directly tied into company profitability, so the editor must have thick skin, the ability to successfully lead a team of writers, and the ability to tolerate a high degree of criticism. However, it can also be a very rewarding career for those who love writing, communication, and the English language.