Job Description of a Magazine Editor
A magazine editor's job can be stressful and demanding but also fulfilling for those with a love of writing and providing a quality product to dedicated readers.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duties
-
Although duties vary depending upon circulation size, general responsibilities include assigning stories to reporters; editing articles for content, sentence structure and grammar; writing stories; deciding what stories and photos to include in each issue; and overseeing all steps of production.
Qualifications
-
Magazine editors must be well-organized and great at multi-tasking. Adherence to strict print deadlines, willingness to work long hours with accuracy, and good communication and leadership skills are critical. Good judgment is needed to provide a successful final product---from design, to content and print quality.
-
Types
-
Larger magazines may employ various editors who work under the main magazine editor's final authority. Other positions include senior editor, editor-in-chief, contributing editor or specific subject editors---such as sports editor, fashion editor or business editor.
Education
-
At least a bachelor's degree in English, communications or journalism is required, states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the Bureau, many editors begin their careers as writers. Classes on writing, editing and graphic layout programs are necessary.
Job Outlook and Pay
-
The job market for magazine editors is very competitive, explains the Bureau. Typically, an open position receives many applicants. According to PayScale.com in January 2010, earnings range from $34,385 to $49,132 annually for less than a year's experience, and $48,879 to $76,234 annually after 20 or more years.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ian MacKenzie
