Publishing Editor

Publishing editors work in a number of publishing areas. These include newspaper and magazine publishing, book publishing and online publishing. A publishing editor's main responsibility is for the style and content of the publication.

In newspapers and magazines, the role of an editor is likely to be managerial, with responsibility for the entire content. Junior editors on the same title might be in charge of sections, such as sport, fashion or news. Editors are also responsible for:

• making sure that the production process runs smoothly
• making sure that publications are printed on time
• recruiting staff
• liaising with the advertising and production departments.

Editors are likely to work normal office hours, but meeting deadlines may involve working additional hours, especially on large circulation newspapers. Most of the time is spent working in an office using a computer and holding regular meetings with other key members of staff.

A local newspaper editor or book editor may earn around £16,000 to £30,000 a year. This may be higher for a magazine editor. Experienced editors and commissioning editors can earn up to £40,000. Editors working on national titles may earn over £100,000 a year.

Publishing editors should have:

• excellent grammar and spelling skills
• an eye for detail and be very accurate in their work
• imagination and good visual sense
• good IT skills, including knowledge of word processing and design programs
• leadership skills and the ability to be diplomatic and fair.

Employers include book publishers, magazines, newspapers and online publications. Most book and magazine opportunities are in the south of England, particularly in and around London. The news industry is based across the country in every region. Most editors start in junior roles and work their way up. Competition for editing jobs is fierce.

While there are no standard entry requirements, most publishing editors have a degree and often have a background in journalism or editing. The Diploma in creative and media may be relevant to this work. Qualifications in a specialist area may also be asked for by some publications.

Training is usually on the job, though employees may have the opportunity to do professionally-related short courses.

With experience a local newspaper editor may move on to a regional publication, and then on to a national paper. Successful editors may also progress to become editors-in-chief of a group of newspapers, or of a magazine publisher, although these positions are extremely rare. Book editors may become publishers and manage their own editorial team.

Further details