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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Editors.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Editors.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: -5%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
If you're interested in a career in editing, you're likely someone with a keen eye for detail and a passion for the written word. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you establish yourself in this field.
Before you pursue a career as an editor, it's essential to understand what the job entails. Editors are responsible for reviewing and revising content to improve its clarity, accuracy, and quality. They work in various industries including publishing, journalism, and online media. Their tasks can range from proofreading articles to managing entire publications.
Editors often specialize in areas such as:
Consider what type of content you are passionate about and seek out specific positions or freelance opportunities in that niche.
Create an online portfolio or professional website where you can:
A strong online presence can make you more discoverable to potential clients or hiring managers.
As you work towards becoming an editor, remember that this career path requires dedication to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to seizing opportunities. With the right education, experience, and networking efforts, you can build a successful career in editing.
Most editor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field. However, the specific educational requirements can vary based on the type of editing you want to do. For example:
Yes, there are several certifications and courses that can enhance an editor's skill set and employability:
Editors need a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed:
Yes, many editors choose to specialize in a particular type of editing or content area:
Work experience is highly valued in the editing field. Many editors start their careers with internships or as assistant editors. Gaining experience can involve:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of editors is projected to decline slightly over the next decade. However, there will still be opportunities, particularly for those with digital media experience.
Many editing jobs can be performed remotely, particularly as digital content continues to grow. Remote work may be more common for:
Editors can advance their career by:
Remember that each editor's career path is unique, and success often comes from combining talent with persistent effort and ongoing learning.