Book Editors: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Large and small publishing houses need book editors. It is important that books, magazines or newspapers are checked and reviewed before the public gets a copy. During the early days of book printing, the author financed the publication. A single person would perform different functions like researching, correcting and rewriting. Today, publishing industry would need employees who are assigned different tasks. Gone are the days of having a single editor. Editing a certain material is now handled by editorial staff.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Book editors have strong background in Composition, Literature and English classes. Computer class is useful to be familiar with word processing programs. Various writing styles will be taught in Journalism class. Art class is beneficial to know more about illustration, photography, design and page appearance. Applicant is required to obtain a college degree before they can practice as a book editor. Degrees in Liberal Arts are accepted but employers prefer a degree in Journalism or English. Applicants can also apply as a book editor even if they have other degrees like History, Psychology, Sciences, Mathematics and Arts. They can produce materials or books which are related to their field.
Skills and Abilities
Book editors should know how to communicate properly and establish a friendly working relation with other editorial staffs and most especially the author. It is important to have a passion in reading books. They should be detail oriented and accurate. They need to be self-motivated and should adhere to deadlines given. It is necessary to know desktop publishing programs and word processing. It is also helpful if an applicant is interested in different subjects and topics to be equipped with information that is needed in formulating a book.
Duties
Publishing house is dependent on editorial department since this is where the textbooks, reference books, trade books and magazines are formulated.
Editorial director, executive editor or the editor in chief oversees the operation of the department. Managing editor is responsible in keeping track of deadlines and schedules. They should be updated with the manuscripts at any given time. Acquisitions editor looks for authors to conceptualize projects or write manuscripts. The main responsibility of editors is to research, revise, evaluate and rewrite the manuscripts. Copy editor is involved in the final editing which includes correcting errors of grammar, punctuation, usage and spelling. Those who serve as a support for editors and handle administrative duties are editorial assistants.
Earnings and Job Outlook
In 2005, average annual income for editors was $45,510. They are paid depending on the type of book published, geographic location and size of the employer. Competition is strong in this career even if there are many job offers in this field. There is an increase in online publication which would also increase the demand for book editors.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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