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Editors 
Types of Book Editors
The Role of "the Editor"
The Editorial Process
Becoming an Editor
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Becoming an Editor
Education
Internships and Other Editing Jobs
Copyediting
Assistant Editorships and Periodical Editing

The position of "editor" at a book publisher is a coveted one, and usually requires years of experience, especially at the larger houses. Though the routes editors take vary, there is a more or less standard career path. This path takes editors through the main categories of editing, and is outlined below. See Resources and Professional Organizations for formal training opportunities and reference tools.

Education

Editors are, above all, readers. A life-long engagement with books is a de facto job prerequisite. The vast majority of book editors receive a liberal arts college education; higher degrees may be relevant but are not necessary. Many editors, if not all, have tried their hand at writing at some point, and some few manage to continue to write.

Academic programs: to come.

Internships and Other Editing Jobs

There are any number of ways to "break into" book editing. The most direct, perhaps, is to get an editorial internship at a publisher. These positions are unpaid or underpaid, distinctly unglamorous, and often, at least at the bigger houses, monotonous. Depending on abilities and experience, an internship could involve "slush pile" duty (sifting through unsolicited manuscripts), many administrative duties, and some copyediting or proofreading--of marketing copy, correspondence, and even, perhaps, manuscripts. Interns can definitely get a broader range of experience, and rise more quickly, at smaller publishers, but the experience and contacts gained in any internship can be quite valuable.

There are also thousands of newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and Web sites that need editors of all kinds, and many of them ask for little or no experience.

Copyediting

Unlike an internship, copyediting can be a career. Good copyeditors are scarce and sought after, and though the job is not exactly glamorous, it can be satisfying and remunerative. As a stop along the career path, copyediting should be a requirement--for writers as well as editors. It is nothing less than the study and practice of clear, effective writing.

Getting a start as a copyeditor might involve some independent study first (see Sites and Books for some of the many books on the topic), and is probably easier to do at a magazine or Web site than at a book publisher. Most major publications or houses have copyediting tests that applicants or freelancers must pass before they are assigned work. Many managing editors are happy to give advice to aspiring copyeditors.

Courses, instruction: TO COME.

Assistant Editorships and Periodical Editing

Since book editors must know so much about both the business and the market, it makes sense to have some kind of apprentice system. Assistant positions run the gamut from near-intern to protege. What they generally have in common is (a) a lot of work, and (b) exposure to a wide range of activities.

Although publishing professionals tend sharply to distinguish book publishing from all others, newspapers and magazines have obvious similarities to books, and so do their editors. Magazine and/or journal editing is especially good (if not sufficient) training for someone who wants to edit books. The transition to editing longer works, with much more lead time, could be natural--at least as far as the actual editing is concerned. Book publishing, however, is such a quirky and "insider" business that there is no substitute for immersion.


 

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