What Qualifications Do I Need To Become an Editor?
Find out about important editor qualifications, the different types of editors, and the hard and soft skills you need to develop to become a successful editor.
Do you love the written word? Have a knack for taking any piece of writing and making it better? You may want to consider becoming an editor.
Maybe you're already thinking about this career move but wondering how to get there. What skills and qualifications do you need to have to become an editor?
In this article, we'll answer this question and more.
What Does an Editor Do?
First of all, we need to establish what an editor is and what they do for a living.
Editors are professionals who work to improve a piece of writing or media produced by someone else. The editor's job is to improve that piece of writing and make it the best it can be.
There are different types of editors:
- Developmental editors look at the big picture of a story or screenplay, suggesting improvements to story structure, worldbuilding, character development, etc.
- Substantive editors focus on reordering information in a piece of writing or organizing it so that it flows well and conveys information in the clearest way possible.
- Line editors, also called copyeditors, correct grammar mistakes, misspellings, inconsistencies, and other typos.
- Proofreaders catch everything that line editors miss: typos, mixed-up character names, inconsistent font styles, issues with page numbers, and other formatting issues.
Some editors do all types of editing, but most specialize in one or two areas. As such, their exact job duties and qualifications may vary.
So, if you're hoping to become an editor, it's a good idea to think about the type of editing work that most interests you, as well as the industry you'd like to work in.
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What Qualifications Do I Need To Become an Editor?
Editors can work for publishing companies, movie studios, legal firms, and in many other professional settings. Alternatively, many editors work on a freelance basis.
With so many options, it's impossible to give a comprehensive list of editor qualifications; these can vary widely depending on their industry and the type of editing they do.
Still, there are some general rules that apply to becoming an editor. Let's take a look at the most common or universal qualifications.
Formal Education
Many companies and corporations require editors to hold at least a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or a related field.
Some large publishing houses or studios may prefer candidates with an advanced degree, such as master's degree, or a bachelor's degree combined with many years of experience.
Some industries may require editors with industry-specific degrees. An example would be a law firm hiring an editor with a degree in pre-law or legal management to edit legal documents.
Smaller companies may not require a bachelor's degree but will expect you to at least have a high school diploma. They may also prefer candidates with experience.
Freelance editors technically aren't required to have any formal education. But potential clients will want to see samples of your work and you may have to work harder to build your business.
Some editors pursue a certificate in editing or an associate degree instead of a bachelor's degree. Others, especially proofreaders, pursue short-term online courses to learn their trade.
So, the type of education you pursue may be different depending on the type of editor you want to become; but most editors need to have some form of formal education.
Hard Skills
Editors must be language experts. They must have a solid understanding of English rules, grammar and punctuation, plot structure, and more.
They should also be good researchers. If they are ever unclear about a particular rule or have a question about something in the writing, they need to be able to find the answer.
It's also essential that editors know how to use computers and various software programs. They should be proficient using websites and programs such as:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
- WordPress
Depending on your role, you may also need to know how to edit photos, videos, and other media; create SEO-friendly content; and write excellent headlines.
If you work in a specific industry, you'll need a strong understanding of that industry. Medical editors need to understand anatomy, medical terminology, and health problems, for example.
Depending on your job, you may also need to be an excellent writer, as many editors are often required to create original content.
Different types of editors may need to have different skill sets.
For example, developmental editors need to know how to address high-level issues in a story, while line editors and proofreaders focus on the small details like typos and formatting issues.
Soft Skills
In addition to language prowess and industry-specific skills, editors also need to have certain soft skills to help them succeed.
An attention to detail is key to becoming a good editor, especially if you plan to become a line editor or proofreader.
A passion for storytelling and a desire to bring the author's vision to life is important for anyone hoping to be a developmental or substantive editor.
An ability to spot and solve problems is a good soft skill to have regardless of the type of editor you are. You also need to know how to address the problems you find.
Editors should be well-organized and efficient, good at time management and at working with writers of various skill levels. They need to have good interpersonal and communication skills.
Finally, editors need to have a love of the language and of the written word. Regardless of the type of editor they are, they should enjoy the challenge of perfecting a piece of writing or media.
Consider Becoming an Editor Today
The list of editor qualifications is long and varies depending on your specialization. If the thought of polishing a piece of writing appeals to you, why not take the steps to become an editor today?
