There are more authors than ever before, and all of them would benefit from an editor.All the way to the final layout before printing, publishing companies assign editors to manuscripts from the first decision to accept them.It can take years of hard work to become a part of that process, but you could take your first editing job before that.
Step 1: You can get a university degree.
Employers prefer candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree in English, communication, or journalism.Mass media and cross-media studies are included in some courses.Programs focused on editing and publishing are offered by some institutions.A business and marketing degree is very relevant to the publishing world, but you'll need to supplement it with writing experience.
Step 2: You should train yourself to use publishing software.
Many programs are used in the book publishing world.You will have an advantage when applying to editor jobs if you teach yourself how to use these on your own time.Microsoft Word's "track changes" feature will likely be used a lot in your future job.Editors work on multimedia projects.More job opportunities will be created by additional training in graphics and video editing software.It's important to have other options when entering the field because your ultimate goal is book editing.Students may be able to get discounts on this software.
Step 3: You need to improve your writing skills.
Editors are experts in their field.Working on your own writing project gives you hands-on experience shaping style and form.A portfolio of finished work can help you enter the field, as many future editors begin their careers as writers.College newspapers and student magazines are great places to gain experience.Personal experience writing in this genre is important if you want to edit fiction or memoirs.If this is your dream, enroll in writing courses.
Step 4: Seek internship opportunities in the publishing industry.
You can get an internship at a publishing house during the summer.You can find these opportunities on websites and in the print publication Writer's Market.About 20% of all U.S. editors work in New York, and most publishing internships are free.If finances limit you to paid or local opportunities, prepare for a thorough search.You should look for publishing houses that specialize in different genres.You can look at the Copyright page of your favorite books to find out which companies published them.Stay informed about future opportunities by following publishing houses and editors.Don't be afraid to ask for help in your search.
Step 5: Consider attending a seminar.
These one-day workshops teach you how to make sure your work is perfect.If you've been out of school for a while or lack experience in a writing field, this can be useful.
Step 6: Purchase reference works.
The Chicago Manual of Style is used by most U.S. publishing companies.Refer to these when you write or edit to improve your understanding of the rules.To find out which style manual is used in your area, look at job listings from publishing houses.
Step 7: As a temp, you can work as a proofreader.
One of the easiest ways to gain editing experience is by proofreading for a temp agency.You will build your resume and skills if you work for a law firm rather than a publishing house.
Step 8: You can network online for work.
Entry-level editing jobs are in high demand.Unless you're lucky enough to land a permanent job right away, you will need to rely on volunteer work or work from home.Word of mouth is important at this stage.If you want to showcase your work on a personal website, you should put effort into an active, professional online presence.You can promote yourself on social media.There are online editing groups on Facebook and on professional editor association websites.
Step 9: You should start with academic work.
Books for small audiences are published by universities and academic presses.The majority of their copy editing jobs focus on spelling and grammar.It's a good choice for novice editors who don't have the experience for structural or style editing.
Step 10: There are editorial assistant jobs.
You will meet more people in publishing and develop the experience you need for a permanent job as your list of edited works grows.Attend editing and publishing conferences where you can meet employers face to face, and check your dream publishing companies' websites often for job postings.It will most likely be the role of editorial assistant when one of them hires you.The job may include performing the final review after the main edits are complete, as well as assisting the rest of the staff in day-to-day organization.
Step 11: Go to full editor.
This can take up to seven years in the industry.You will move from editorial assistant to assistant editor, then associate editor and finally to a full editing position during this time.Although not all publishing houses separate them completely, there are several different roles you could steer yourself toward.Line editors who work on a smaller scale help to improve the overall structure of the book.Technical editors use specialized knowledge to edit works.The final stages of the manuscript are managed by production editors.