Description

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 Titles

• Advertising editor
• Associate editor
• Contributing editor
• Copy editor
• Editor
• Editorial consultant
• Literary editor
• Manuscript editor
• News service editor
• Sports editor
• Technical editor

Main Duties

• 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

• Journals
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Publishing departments of companies
• Publishing departments within government
• Publishing firms
• Radio stations
• Self-employment/free-lance
• Television stations and networks

Work Environment

• Indoors, environmentally controlled

Physical Demands

• Sitting

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Time Management
• Writing
• Coordinating
• Negotiating

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Perceptual Speed
• Speech Clarity
• Verbal Ability

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Collaboration
• Creativity

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Source: OaSIS