What Is an Entry Level Editor and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

The duties of an entry-level editor vary depending on the type of editing they do. As a copy editor, for example, you review the grammar and flow of written copy. As a mechanical editor, you ensure that the writing complies with a particular style, such as AP for news stories. Positions also exist with magazines, publishing houses, and entertainment companies. In these fields, you may work closely with the writer and their story until you publish it. Your responsibilities also include fact checking and source verification.

The qualifications for an entry-level editor position include a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Many job candidates have previous writing experience which gives them a firm grasp of the industry. You can also gain the necessary credentials through an internship through a program like the American Society of Magazine Editors. The American Copy Editors Society offers other training opportunities. You can advance in this career path with years of experience. You need exceptional writing skills for this job. Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary for working with writers to improve their copy.