Editor Career Profile

Picture this: A skilled professional meticulously reviewing a manuscript, not just for grammar and spelling, but transforming raw text into compelling content that resonates with its intended audience.

Think about the last book you read or article you enjoyed online. An editor likely played a crucial role in making that content clear, engaging, and impactful. Editors are the invisible architects of written communication, bringing structure, clarity, and polish to written works while maintaining the author’s unique voice.

An editor reviews, revises, and prepares written, audio, visual, or film material for publication or presentation. These professionals work across various media platforms, from traditional print to digital content, serving as the bridge between writers and audiences.

Total Employment: 95,700 (2023)

Common Names for Editors

• Acquisitions Editor
• Business Editor
• Editor
• Features Editor
• Legal Editor
• News Editor
• Newspaper Copy Editor
• Science Editor
• Sports Editor
• Web Editor

What Editors Do

Editors ensure content quality and accuracy while maintaining editorial standards. Core responsibilities include:

• Content Review and Revision: Evaluate and modify written material for clarity, accuracy, and coherence to ensure the final product meets quality standards and effectively communicates intended messages.
• Editorial Planning: Develop and maintain editorial calendars, content strategies, and workflow processes to ensure timely publication and consistent quality across all materials.
• Style Compliance: Enforce style guidelines and maintain consistency in tone, format, and presentation across all content while adhering to established brand or organizational standards.
• Author Collaboration: Work directly with writers to improve content quality through constructive feedback, revision suggestions, and guidance on structure and organization.
• Quality Assurance: Perform final review of all materials before publication to verify accuracy, completeness, and compliance with editorial standards and legal requirements.
• Fact Verification: Research and verify factual information, sources, and references to maintain credibility and prevent misinformation in published content.
• Project Management: Coordinate with various stakeholders including writers, designers, and subject matter experts to ensure projects meet deadlines and quality expectations.
• Grammar and Language Expertise: Apply advanced knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and language mechanics to maintain high editorial standards and professional communication.