| You may have been sitting at the computer one | | | | editor. You need have general knowledge on an |
| day deciding what you want to do with your life. | | | | array of topics and have well developed research |
| And suddenly, poof it comes to you. You want to | | | | skills; this is achieved by reading often. |
| be a work at home editor. Chances are if you've | | | | Education |
| ever asked someone, how do I become an | | | | A formal education is required if you want to |
| editor?, you might have gotten a blank stare. The | | | | work in-house at a company. But your degree is |
| truth is, unlike other careers, like becoming doctor, | | | | not limited to English. You could have a degree in |
| there is no clear certain path to becoming an | | | | Math and still be qualified. It depends on the |
| editor. You just decide, if this is what I want to | | | | company you are looking to work for. For |
| do and then begin doing it. There are however, | | | | example, having literary writing skills may not fair |
| tips to becoming successful in this career. | | | | so well in a corporate setting. |
| Job Description | | | | For those looking to become freelance editors, |
| Web editors select, evaluate, describe and | | | | formal education is not absolutely necessary. It |
| organize web sites. | | | | helps, but your marketing skills will be a greater |
| Copy editors edit books for style | | | | asset. If you provide good service, most people |
| Newspaper and magazine editors | | | | are not bothered by your lack of a degree. If you |
| -take overall responsibility for the magazine or | | | | are looking to obtain a degree, some colleges |
| newspaper | | | | provide programs and courses in publishing and |
| -decide which stories to cover | | | | editing. Along with these programs you can also |
| -assign stories to reporters and writers and | | | | take course in business communication, technical |
| advise on how to cover them | | | | writing, and journalism. |
| -write or assist with news stories, columns or | | | | Find a mentor Regardless of how qualified you |
| features | | | | may be academically, you will want to find an |
| -help to prepare reporters' and writers' work for | | | | experienced editor that will go through the |
| publication | | | | material with you and share their knowledge of |
| -ensure each article's tone and style is appropriate | | | | the business. Editing is a competitive market, |
| for the publication | | | | knowing someone who has experience in the field |
| -ensure deadlines are met | | | | will help you to understand the industry and how |
| -take responsibility for business management | | | | to succeed. |
| -hire editorial staff | | | | Other requirements |
| -liaise with advertising and printing staff | | | | -A good understanding of the processes involved |
| -liaise with distributors of the newspaper/magazine | | | | in publishing |
| -liaise with people in the community | | | | -An understanding of their audience and what |
| -train editorial staff | | | | people want to read |
| -select photos for publication | | | | -Knowledge of business management |
| -do interviews and other journalist duties | | | | -Leadership skills |
| -plan the layout of each issue | | | | -Communication and people skills -Analytical skills |
| Tips to becoming an editor | | | | -Skill in evaluating the quality of written work |
| Read, read, read | | | | -Writing skills |
| It is no secret that editors like to read. They're | | | | -Knowledge of media law, including defamation. |
| not only voracious readers, they are critical as | | | | As well editors need to be organized, responsible, |
| well. They notice things the average reader and | | | | adaptable, motivated, diplomatic and enquiring. |
| or writer would easily overlook. Grammar gurus, is | | | | They need to be able to work well under |
| probably how most people would term an editor. | | | | pressure and must have good decision-making |
| However, editing requires a little more flexibility to | | | | ability. Editors must also be able to relate to |
| language. Just because you know how and when | | | | people from different cultures, lifestyles and age |
| to use an apostrophe doesn't mean you are an | | | | groups. |