Careers and Courses Webzine

Media Careers

Browse in :

All > Career Areas > Media Careers

A career as a book editor

Love to read? Do you want to discover the next JK Rowling or Anne Fine? Then perhaps a career as a book editor may be for you.

Editors are responsible for the style and content of publications. In book publishing, a commissioning editor selects the authors a publisher uses and the books to be printed, while copy-editors check articles for consistency and style. Much of the time is spent reading and evaluating manuscripts, meeting agents and authors, and attending book fairs.

After commissioning, the editor monitors the book�s progress and prepares regular reports for other departments such as sales, marketing and design. Controlling costs and budgets are an important part of the job, as is overseeing the work of editorial staff.

Some publishers employ specialist proofreaders and indexers to create indexes in technical books.

Hours and environment

Editors work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. The work is office-based, involves extensive use of computers, and much of the time is spent in meetings. There is a considerable degree of travel around the UK and overseas to meet new writers and agents, and to attend book fairs.

Skills and interest

To be an editor you should have:
� a good command of English with strong writing and IT skills
� planning, organisational and staff management skills
� creativity and good visual sense
� financial skills and commercial flair
� some legal knowledge regarding the content of publications
� an eye for detail and the ability to implement change where necessary
� an understanding of target audiences
� negotiating and decision-making skills.

Entry

While there are no standard entry requirements, most editors are graduates. Some larger publishing houses offer graduate recruitment schemes. Degree courses in publishing, and multidisciplinary degree courses with publishing options are available, entry for which is usually:

two A levels or an Advanced Vocational Certificates in Education (AVCEs)/three H grades five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), or equivalent.

Some courses may require additional examination passes in specific subjects, particularly English. Other relevant qualifications include BTEC/SQA higher awards in subjects such as media, publishing and journalism, for which four or five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and one or two A levels/AVCEs, or two H grades, or a BTEC/SQA national award are needed for entry.

There are current changes in the qualification systems including:

� the reorganisation of Edexcel (BTEC) national and higher national system
� the introduction of National Qualifications in Scotland
� the introduction, outside Scotland, of Advanced Subsidiary (AS) levels, vocational A levels (AVCEs) and the Key Skills Qualification
� the introduction of GCSEs in vocational subjects.

Universities and colleges are reviewing their entry requirements to take these into account. You should check with them at an early stage.

Adult entry

There is no upper age limit for entry. Editors working in book or magazine publishing frequently have previous career experience in the specialist fields covered by the publication, or in journalism. Institutions offering full-time training courses often welcome mature entrants without qualifications if they have relevant experience.

Training

Other relevant courses for editing and publishing include:
� NVQs/SVQs in various aspects of magazine and newspaper publishing at levels 3 and 4 � there are no set entry requirements
� City and Guilds - no specific qualifications are needed for entry, but candidates will usually be employed as an assistant or junior editor
� postgraduate diplomas and higher degrees � applicants will need a first degree or, in certain circumstances, a BTEC/SQA higher award.

Various colleges and organisations such as the Publishers Association and the Publishing Training Centre provide short courses. Many of these can be studied by distance learning.

Opportunities

Most opportunities are found in the south of England and Edinburgh. Employment is available with contract publishers who work with a number of different clients. Many editors work on a freelance basis, and overseas employment is possible. Commissioning editors can become editorial managers or directors, publishers, or move into specialist areas.

Annual income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Pay scales vary depending on experience, position, and the type and location of employer. Experienced editors and commissioning editors can earn in excess of �40,000 a year, while freelance editors negotiate a set fee or daily rate.