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. 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.
Job duties
Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Editors have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:
- 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.
Workplaces and employers
Here are the typical workplaces where Editors are employed and some of their main characteristics:
- Publishing firms
- Journals
- Television stations and networks
- Radio stations
- Self-employment/free-lance
- Newspapers
- Publishing departments of companies
- Publishing departments within government
- Magazines
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- A bachelor's degree in English, French, journalism or a related discipline is usually required.
- Several years of experience in journalism, writing, publishing or a related field are 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.
