If you decide to get into editing, you have to understand that you will have to work tirelessly and meet deadlines in order to get the publication running smoothly. Ideally, the editors work in close collaboration with the writers and journalists. There are times when the editors do everything from writing, reporting, editing, and sometimes also designing. The job of an editor is that of an all-rounder. Hence, it is important that the editor has amazing command over the language. An editor cannot afford to misspell words or make grammatical errors. The editor should also be updated with the current happenings so as to report them to the readers.
Anyone who intends to become an editor should ideally possess a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in journalism or an associate vocation. There are also specialized courses that teach reporting, editing, writing and other allied activities. These courses add a professional edge to the skills of the student.
Students who plan to get into editing start chasing their dreams while they are still studying. This practice helps in providing them with experience that helps them in the later stages of their career. A lot of schools and colleges allow students to volunteer for their periodic newspapers and magazines. The students can thus excel the skills of writing, reporting and editing. Also, the students can take up an internship or a part-time job at any local newspaper which will give them an insight to how the newspaper companies actually operate. All these activities are carried out along with education to help in shaping the future of the potential editor.
Another option for editors in the making is to apply for online jobs. There are a large number of newspapers online that hire editors to edit the data that they intend to put on their website. Also, if you maintain a record of your best edited articles, you can show those articles in order to impress any potential employer who you intend to work for. The editor's job requires constant brushing up of their skills. Also, to be a good editor, it is important for a person to be approachable and well spoken as he has to work in collaboration with the other writers and reporters working in the company.
The fees paid to an editor depend on the type and size of the publication. The skills of the editor are also an important aspect that is taken into consideration while deciding the amount of money that will be paid to the editor. Hence, the job of an editor can be acquired and enhanced only on the basis of skill, perseverance and team work.
