Profession editor: education, requirements, salary

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Many people dream of having a prestigious profession. The editor is one of the best options that can satisfy the ambitions of the humanities. But what do you need to know about this position in order to prepare yourself for professional duties in advance? What skills do you need to learn while studying? And how to build your career then?

Who is an editor?

Let's start with the fact that this is a very responsible profession. An editor is a specialist responsible for preparing material for publication. That is, it is he who will be hit hard if the final version of the article contains errors or false information. Therefore, the editor, like a kindergarten teacher, tirelessly makes sure that his wards skillfully do their job.

It should also be noted that there can be several specialists in the same publication. Thus, the editor-in-chief is responsible for creating the main concept, selecting topics for articles and authors. But the art editor deals exclusivelypage design, enhances photo quality and magazine colors.

Classification of editors

Considering the above, let's look at what types of editors exist. After all, thanks to this information, the future specialist will be able to decide on a specific direction and focus on mastering it.

So, at the moment we know about the following types of profession:

• art editor;
• science editor;
• technical editor;
• broadcast editor;
• literary editor.

You should also be warned that each direction has its own characteristics. This can make it quite difficult to move from one category to another.

Where can I learn?

This speci alty requires a higher education in the humanities. At the same time, the closer it is to the specifics of the profession, the more likely it is to get such a coveted position. Therefore, if a person is not satisfied with the editorial office of the newspaper, he is counting on something more, then he needs to master one of the following speci alties:

• edit;
• publishing;
• literary creativity;
• philology;
• journalism;
• linguistics.

Fortunately, most Russian universities have such departments. Therefore, you should not worry about the fact that you will certainly have to go to the capital for the education of an editor.

What qualities shouldpossess a good specialist?

Alas, this profession is not suitable for everyone. The editor is a position that requires the presence of certain qualities, without which success cannot be achieved here. Let's look at them in more detail.

Responsibility comes first. Whether it's the editor-in-chief or an ordinary one, he must be able to "keep in check" both his charges and himself. After all, he is the person who is responsible for the quality of the material and the project as a whole.

Therefore, it is quite logical that the editor should have excellent organizational skills. Only in this way will he be able to create the atmosphere necessary for work and competently distribute responsibilities between his subordinates. In addition, he will have to constantly push his colleagues to improve themselves, otherwise they will not be able to grow professionally.

And, of course, stamina. Without it, the editor is nowhere, especially before the delivery of the project. At the same time, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to get tired both physically and psychologically. Mountains of untested material, lack of sleep, responsibility for the result of the work of the entire team … And that's not all.

Main responsibilities of an editor

Naturally, it is impossible to foresee the whole range of responsibilities, as this is a very multifaceted profession. A magazine editor, for example, is busier than a specialist working for a small newspaper. Therefore, we will have to limit ourselves to only the basic functions of the profession, without going deep.

So what does an editor do?

He creates the main concept of the project, right down to the titles of the articles, gives the task to the authors and indicates the deadlines, controls. Analyzes the material received from writers and decides its future fate. If necessary, returns articles for revision, while pointing out errors or inaccuracies. Checks the quality of printed material and makes corrections.

In addition, the editor can participate in all stages of writing articles. He can also train authors, and, if necessary, sends them for advanced training. If we talk about the editor-in-chief, then his duties are even wider. Therefore, often in large publications there is a whole group of specialists who are distributed throughout the organization, and each is responsible for his area of work.

Where to look for a job?

The newspaper office is the perfect place to start any editor's career. Firstly, here you can get invaluable work experience, and secondly, it is much easier to get a job here than in a glossy magazine. Otherwise, when looking for a job, you need to build on the available vacancies and the requirements for them.

You should also remember that the first time you can work as a freelancer. So, many electronic publications are recruiting editors who are ready to perform their duties remotely. In general, this is a good chance for those who live in a small town with limited opportunities.

Pay and competition

Editor is a profession in which the salary largely depends on the placework. So, in small newspapers, these specialists receive no more than 20-25 thousand rubles. But glossy magazines and popular publications offer amounts much higher. For example, the average salary in Moscow fluctuates between 40-50 thousand rubles.

Now about the competition. If it is quite easy to get a job in small newspapers and electronic publications, then it is much more difficult to get into more prestigious places. Firstly, all ambitious specialists tend to settle down there, and secondly, often the companies themselves toughen the fight for vacancies. And yet, having a good store of knowledge and self-confidence, the editor will never be left without a piece of bread.