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Useful experience for editors includes:

• research, writing, editing or proofreading
• management
• journalism
• administration
• communications and marketing work.

Editors may do some or all of the following:

• edit online and print content and check it against guidelines, including legal requirements, and rewrite if necessary
• proofread online and print content.

Commissioning editors or editors for news organisations or magazines may also:

• decide what material to cover, and ensure it meets the needs of the audience
• plan content layout
• assign work to staff
• ensure deadlines are met
• hire and train editorial or writing staff.

Good demand for editors to work on online content

Opportunities for editors are limited due to the occupation being relatively small.

However, demand for those who specialise in online content is good because:

• the amount of online content is increasing rapidly
• more organisations are recognising online content needs to go through an editor.

Limited opportunities at publishing houses

Although publishing companies are increasingly moving from print to digital publishing, opportunities for editors at these companies are limited. They tend to hire editors as needed, on contract, so chances are best for those with a good reputation and strong network.

According to the Census, 1,800 editors worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Low turnover among senior editors

Senior editors tend to stay in the job for a long time, so vacancies at this level are limited. When vacancies do arise, they are often filled by internal candidates.

Opportunities are better for editorial assistants, as turnover is higher among them.

Publishing diploma boosts chances of securing a job

Chances of securing a job are higher if you have completed the Graduate Diploma in Publishing, as graduates get help to find internships, or editor/editorial assistant positions.

Editors often self-employed

Editors are often self-employed. They may work for:

• publishing companies that produce books, newspapers, magazines or educational resources
• government departments
• marketing and communications organisations.

New Zealand Institute of Business Studies

0800 801 994 - www.nzibs.co.nz

Whitireia New Zealand

0800 944 847 - www.whitireiapublishing.co.nz

Editors can progress into more senior positions or managerial roles.

They may also specialise in one of the following roles:

Commissioning Editor

Commissioning editors do market research to uncover what content is in demand, and commission authors and illustrators to create that content.

Copy Editor

Copy editors check written content to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style before the content is published.

Newspaper or Magazine Editor

Newspaper and magazine editors plan and direct production and editing of a publication such as a newspaper, magazine or journal.

Online Editor

Online editors plan website pages, organise multimedia content, write headings and captions, and ensure material follows guidelines for web writing.

Production Editor

Production editors oversee the entire publishing process to make sure that content meets quality standards and is published on time. They may also be responsible for managing staff.

Publishing Editor

Publishing editors evaluate manuscripts of books or scripts to determine suitability for publication or production. They edit material in preparation for publication or production, and supervise others helping with this process.

Editors need to be:

• organised and responsible
• adaptable
• enquiring and diplomatic
• quick and accurate, with an eye for detail
• able to work well under pressure
• excellent problem solvers
• skilled communicators.