How to Become an Editor?
Professional editors are people who read written articles and publications to improve the quality of communication between the writer and the reader. They look for spelling and grammatical errors and ensure all punctuations are on point. They work closely with writers to shape the publication into something that fits the vision of the reader.
There are different types of editors. A copy editor’s work is to edit individual publications. These editors work closely with the authors to usher their work through the publishing process. Managing editors usually work for magazines, newspapers, websites or journals. They are responsible for handling daily activities related to the publication such as choosing what will be printed and assigning tasks to writers and staff.
Assistant editors of online publications help managing editors in executing these tasks within their department. Executive editors set the vision and direction of a publication. In most cases, they are normally responsible for the budget of a publication. Here are some of the common questions on how to be an editor.
Do you need the training to become an editor?
You don’t need to be educated to become an editor however, most professional editors usually have a degree in a particular subject such as English, communication, and journalism. If you want to be an editor of particular expertise, then having a degree in that area will be good for you. For instance, if you need some college help to earn a degree in biology, you will be fit for nature or environmental magazine.
Editors have different responsibilities depending on the organization they work for. However, the goal is usually the same. And that is to improve the quality of communication between the writer and the reader.
Editing is a skill and like all other skills, you get better at it through practice and persistence. You can start gaining experience as an editor by being an intern for magazines and publishing houses or working as a freelance writer.
Certification for becoming an editor
You might be wondering if there are any certificates or licenses required to become a professional editor. Since there is no common training for editors, there are no certificates or licenses required. All that is needed is practice, patience, and persistence.
How long does it take to become a professional editor?
If you want to specialize in a specific field and become an editor, you’ll need four years to get your bachelor’s degree. If you only want to publish or editing degree, it will take on or two years depending on the learning institution. If you want to work for a publishing house, you’ll need to complete your internship and work in entry or beginner positions for a while before becoming an editor. Another way to become an editor is to start off as a freelance editor. Freelance editors work on their own without any rules or regulations however, it takes time to build a reputation that will attract clients. The more experienced you are, the more jobs you’ll get and the better the pay will be. Knowing how to become an editor is essential for anyone who loves languages.
