Before considering education, though, let's take a look at what being an editor is really all about, and what your options are.
What Does an Editor Actually Do?
The answer to this depends on where you work. If you work for a publishing house, you'll most likely be editing books or manuals, overseeing the writer who has written the copy for the book. If you work for a magazine, you may be overseeing several writers.
As a book editor, you would need to be good at directing writers, sometimes suggesting ways for the writer to do a better job with a story in order for it to flow well. Thus, people skills are very important. Another important requirement is creativity. Most readers have no idea how much the success of a book has to do with good editing. Once the book is written, you — as the editor — can suggest possible titles. You would then follow the book through the entire publication process.
If you were a magazine editor, you'd have the advantage of variety due to the number of stories you'd be editing each month. But you'd also be on tighter deadlines due to the frequency of your particular publication.
Copy editing jobs are slightly different from straight editing jobs. As a copy editor, you'd be focusing more on the details of a book or article — proofreading for spelling and grammar, basically. Copy editing is a perfect career choice if you enjoy focusing in on details more than on the overall structure of a document, article, or book.
Other types of editors include technical, music, film, and TV, each of which requires a specialized degree.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor's degree is an absolute requirement in virtually any decent editing position being advertised these days. Your degree should be in English, journalism, or communications. If applying for a higher-level position, you'll most likely need a master's degree. And a degree in a completely different field, such as legal or medical, is always looked on favorably by potential employers looking to hire editors in those fields.
Since technical editors work with research reports and a variety of other technical documents, they're usually required to have some sort of degree in engineering or electronics. Music editors are required to know how to read music and possibly even know how to play an instrument. Film and TV editors often need to have a master's degree in media studies in order to qualify for their positions.
The best way to get on-the-job experience is as an intern. You may also be able to get a temporary position with a company that needs an editor or assistant editor on a short-term basis for the summer. Being able to show this type of experience on a resume will set you apart from the majority of graduating seniors trying to get their start in editing.
Job Outlook
Editing jobs in the print arena will most likely continue to diminish over the next several years, but jobs will increase in other areas. Online writing is a rapidly growing field, providing many openings for editors. Non-profit foundations and book publishers are other sectors expected to grow.
Since editors can make substantially more money as freelancers, many work independently. Recent job search surveys have shown the job outlook to be great for freelance editing jobs.
Landing a Job
The best place to start your job search is online. Check out editing jobs, whether freelance or staff, with the help of search engines and job boards. Once you've zeroed in on some potential jobs, follow their application requirements.
One of those requirements will be a good resume. As an aspiring editor, it will be especially important that your resume is completely error-free. Proofread carefully, and don't be afraid to have someone else look it over for you, just to be on the safe side.
Writing a good cover letter is also important. Be sure to focus on what you can offer your potential employer, and be as concise as possible. Your editing skills in this letter should represent the kind of editing you'd be doing on the job.
Dress appropriately for the interview. Look professional. Be ready to discuss your past work experiences and other topics that may relate to the position.
Follow up the interview with a thank-you note. If you don't hear from the employer within the first week, call to check on the status of your application. Doing this will convince the employer that you're definitely interested in the position.
If editing is the field you've set your heart on, be persistent in your job search. The right job is out there waiting. You just need to find it!
