A bachelors degree or higher is generally required to become a book editor. Magazines, newspapers, and websites, just to name a few publications, all employ editors to guide and encourage writers. How to become an editor editors read pieces written for publication and edit them with an eye for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. Youve taken your first step into the exciting world of marvel entertainment, llc. Since 2002, when i began working in the bookediting industry, ive regularly been asked how i became a freelance editor and what it takes to become a part of this fascinating business. To become a book editor, start by earning a bachelors degree in a writingheavy subject such as english, communication, or journalism. They may be involved in every part of the content creation process, from the bigpicture planning of stories to the detailoriented task of.
Becoming a book publisher can take many different forms, from an editorial or directorial position within a major publishing house to running your own ondemand digital small press. But the most critical characteristic to consider after that is what kind of writing you hope to do in the futureperhaps fiction, journalism, poetry, or business writing. We also asked film and video editors what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up. How to become a film and video editor a step by step guide. The best college majors for people who just want to read. If you become a book editor, then you wont be reading for the fun of it, youll be reading because you no choice. The people i know whove gone into publishing have majored in english although another writingintensive humanities major would also work, i would think and then have started at lowlevel jobs at a publishing company in nyc and worked their way up. A little warning, being a book editor doesnt have a whole lot to do with how much you love to read. Despite this range of potential career paths in book publishing, they share a common preparatory college coursework in writing, business. Five teen vogue editors on choosing their college majors do particular degrees lead to jobs in fashion. Editors usually need a bachelors degree in english, journalism or communication. English major here, heading toward the end of a long career in book publishing. You should know whether you prefer developing stories themselves, or working through the gritty mechanics of writing spelling, grammar, etc. Find out how to become an editor for a publishing company, including what education and experience is needed to enter the field.
At this level, the most common majors include english literature, creative writing and english with a writing emphasis composition. Although there is no set educational path to become a book editor, the u. Most editors start with a bachelors degree in a subject such as english, communications, journalism or writing. An acquisitions editor actually does very little editing. Basically, their job is to scout out the next big thing, so foreign publishers can pick up the rights. Learn what you need to get started on how to become a book editor. Learn about editorial responsibilities, as well as how much you can earn in this position. Although basic proofreading and grammar checks are part of the job, the main goal of an acquisitions editor is. Some schools like florida state university offer an editing, writing, and media degree this is one degree that is specifically geared towards those who want to go into editing. The specific pay depends on factors such as level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and specific industry. Read email from agent wanting to know if id like to look at a proposal for a book about zen golfing. Get the facts about education requirements, salary and job outlook to determine if this is the. They work with writers to help shape their work into a piece that fits with the writers vision or with the vision of the publication the editor works for.
What do i study in college to become a book publisher. The 10 best colleges for aspiring editors college magazine. A writer or editor can be successful by earning bachelors degrees in several areas, such as english, communications, journalism, and more. English and journalism programs may teach you to how to articulate and compose yourself through writing. Biology majors become doctors, while english majors become teachers not. How can i become an editor for a publishing company. If helping to create a bestselling book appeals to you then editing might be a good choice. Luckily, in editing, university degrees are required. To attain an editor position particularly one with a distinguished publication youll need a formal college education. Writing majors for college students the balance small. Asburys journalism program molds techsavvy editors through writing, editing and photojournalism courses. But these things might matter in no particular order. One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do i need to become film and video editors or what courses do i need to take.
Bureau of labor statistics bls states that you typically need at least a bachelors degree in english, journalism or communications. Overview if youre good with words, a role as an editor might be for you. Your website isnt going to be a major hit overnight. Apply to senior researcher, editors, writereditor and more. At the 10year mark, an editor has significant editing experience, has been through every major snafu possible, and has a steady stream of responsibilities. Griffin just over did it with the boring descriptions of regulations and documents and introduced too many new minor characters. What classes do you need to take to become an editor. Although its entirely possible to become a writer without any technical training, its advised that you complete a degree in a literary related course such as english, creative writing, journalism, marketing, media or communications. The majors, the third book in the brotherhood series is probably the weakest book of the series. A bachelors is required, but i dont think it matters much what your course of study is.
If you want to work inhouse for a publisher, marketing agency, newspaper, or magazine, then youll most lik. Editorsinchief work for all kinds of organizations, from magazines to newspapers to book publishers and high school journalism teams. What coursesdegrees do i need to be a writer book editor. Computer proficiency and a bachelors degree in communications, journalism, or english are typically required to become an editor. Editors must be curious, creative and detail oriented. To gain handson experience that looks great on a resume, you can apply for an internship at a publishing house and try to find work as a proofreading temp. Most universities dont offer an editingspecific program, so aspiring editors must look into writing and journalism programs that develop the skills they need. A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer or editor. What major should i have if i want to be an editor in chief. Below, ive pulled together all my tips and advice for those interested in taking the first steps toward a.
How to become a successful freelance editor freelancewriting. These media and communication professionals get written material ready for publication in a book, magazine or newspaper or on a website. They need strong writing, interpersonal, listening and speaking skills and must be comfortable using computers to do their job. A lot of people on the podcast tour expressed an interest in publishing as a career, so i thought id make this the next of my extremelyinfrequent faqs. Acquisitions editor salary and career advice chegg. Becoming an editorinchief does not happen automatically, instead taking years of experience in writing, editing, and management to arrive at this executive position. You can also pursue a major or minor in english to further signal both your strong reading and editing skills and your ability to communicate effectively with the. When you search jobs for english majors, more options appear out of thin air than the more practical majors.
If you have spent some time as an editorial assistant with a publishing company, it may be possible to progress to the position of book editor. In order to become a successful editor, you need to have a genuine, passionate interest in editing from the outset. As a freelance book editor, id be happy to give you some insights. You might want to go to college and get a degree in creative writing, english, or media. Editors work in all kinds of settings, from busy newsrooms to corporate offices, to ensure that organizations get their messages to the public. Employment of editors is projected to decline 3 percent from 2018 to 2028. I decided i wanted to be an editor in high school, and this is more or less the program i followedby accident far more than design, i assure you. Good facility with computers and communications equipment is necessary in order to stay in touch with sources, editors. Individuals who want to learn how to become an editor of any kind, such as a book editor or newspaper editor, can explore the typical.
If you love books and want to work in publishing, find out what book editors do and the skills youll need to become one. This job may not have existed 20 years ago, but it has become one of the fastest growing careers. A bachelors degree in journalism provides a solid education for anyone wishing. Im studying to be a proofreader and its not the same thing, but its a draining industry to. The best college majors for people who just want to read all day, every day. Marvel touches virtually all areas of entertainment for kids, teens and young. Potential writing majors should keep in mind the conventional advice about selecting a college and program. Students who wish to work as newspaper, magazine and book editors do not need to earn degrees in journalism. A notable few begin their own magazines or imprints.
Marvel entertainment, llc is an equal opportunity employer. If this seems right up your alley, then consider these tips on how to become a. Five teen vogue editors on choosing their college majors. How to become an editor in chief with pictures wikihow. These writing degrees offer students multiple academic pathways that can lead to either work as a writer or into further graduate studies. Here is an interview on my blog with a former music editor. As a book or publication editor, you also need to have your finger on the pulse of modern literary culture. The job entails reading through drafts of books both good and notsogood books to first decide whether the book should be published, and if so, correcting any grammatical mistakes in the book. A bachelors degree in english provides them with an alternative. There are no universal standards, however excellent spelling, grammar and attention to detail will certainly help. The answer largely depend on where and how you want to work. Get the facts about education requirements, salary and job outlook to determine if this is the right career for you.
An english major or writing degree focuses on aspects of communication ethics, technical and creative writing and can prepare a person to become an editorinchief. Their work improves the readability and style of various types of copy, and ensures the content and layout is in line with the publications editorial policy. Our staffers share how they decided on courses of study and prepared for careers at magazines. Individuals with strong managerial and organizational skills become publishers. English degreeseeking students develop strong writing and editing skills, and teachers focus on ensuring that graduates are masters at spelling, punctuating and using. Moreover, an excellent grasp of the english language, style, word choice, as well as the mechanics of good fiction and nonfiction writing are useful. Students who wish to work as newspaper, magazine and book editors do not need. By majoring in graphic design, students prepare themselves. A bachelors is required, but i dont think it matters much what your course of. Degrees in english, journalism, or communications are preferred by most employers. For example, public relations firms often hire people with backgrounds in journalism.
437 110 108 1359 163 27 1522 814 629 1522 1446 1014 571 496 1365 1286 713 250 736 653 1165 1017 412 629 413 943 1342 207 1336 1273 781 849 751 421 362 91 1108 525 3 48 1484 1219 1223 303 1458