Publishing Editor

Editors work in a number of publishing areas, including newspapers and magazines, book publishing and online publishing. A publishing editor's main responsibility is for the style and content of the publication and the role is primarily managerial.

Precise duties vary, depending on the publication, but may include:

• ensuring that the production process runs smoothly and that publications are printed on time
• recruiting and managing staff
• commissioning new editions and online resources
• liaising with authors, agents and other key departments, such as marketing and production
• briefing designers.

Editors usually work normal office hours, but may work longer to meet deadlines. Editors on newspapers may work shifts. The work is office based using a computer, but may involve travel to meetings, book fairs and other events.

A local newspaper editor or book editor may earn from around £16,000 to £30,000 a year. This may be higher for a magazine editor. Editors working on national titles may earn over £100,000 a year.

Publishing editors should have:

• an excellent command of English
• accuracy and a keen eye for detail
• good IT skills, including knowledge of publishing software packages
• people skills and the ability to build and maintain good relationships
• negotiation skills and commercial sense
• a passion for the written word.

Employers include book publishers, magazines, newspapers and online publications. The publishing industry is concentrated in London and the South East. The news industry operates in every region. Most editors start in junior roles and work their way up. Competition for editing jobs is fierce.

There are no set entry requirements, but most publishing editors have a degree and may also have a postgraduate vocational qualification, as well as experience in journalism or editing. The Diploma in creative and media may be relevant to this work. Qualifications in a specialist area may be required to work on some publications.

Training is usually on the job. Some larger companies may offer graduate training schemes. There are also many short courses available.

Experience is the key to progression. A local newspaper editor may move on to a regional, then a national publication. Successful editors may eventually progress to become editors-in-chief of a group of newspapers or magazines, but these positions are rare. Book editors may become publishers, managing editors or editorial directors.

There may be opportunities to work overseas.

Further details