Editors

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Median Annual Wage: $54,890

Education: Bachelor's degree (73%); Associate's degree (7%); Some college, no degree (7%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Editor; Managing Editor; Newspaper Copy Editor; Sports Editor; Copy Editor; News Editor; Features Editor; Assignment Editor; City Editor; Copy Desk Chief

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Editors.

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  • Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
  • Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
  • Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
  • Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
  • Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
  • Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
  • Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
  • Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
  • Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
  • Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.
  • Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.
  • Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
  • Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.
  • Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Editors.

  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Editors.

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