Few jobs are so coveted and powerful that people take to the internet and other ways to learn how to find them and want to every essential thing about it. Similarly, a job of an editor is just like that many people are talking about it. Editing is a job that needs learned characteristics as well as natural qualities.
When we talk about learned characteristics, the things that include are which an editor would get with a language arts degree, and natural qualities are those which are part of the personality of an editor. There are many types of people who become good editors. It is not to say that anyone can't work hard to become perfect in this role, but certain types of people will find the needs of editing come more naturally to them. This guide covers all the great Qualities to become an editor, including the education and experience you will need to start your career in editing.
A Qualification of an Editor:
It is the most important thing that you must have if you want to become an editor. Every company looking to hire an editor wants to see that you have some training in a related subject. While if you want to start your career as an editor, you generally need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or mass communication.
Editors who work in particular fields like science or medicine may also require educational qualifications in those fields. These requirements will be found in particular editor job descriptions. You can also get your certificate in copy editing or publishing from colleges or any training organization. Most companies will want to see a portfolio of editor's work that includes both before and after versions of articles or published writing qualities examples. It is the topmost priority when we consider the Qualities to become an editor.
Command Over Language:
Generally, writers tend to use the most difficult language to attach dept. and gravity to their content. It is the major reason that writing is often unsuccessful in establishing a good connection with the audience. An editor needs to have an exceptionally good command of language.
An editor is a man of the reader, and it is their job to know what may attract the audience and what may not and accordingly present the text. It is his job to make the text attractive for the audience to absorb the information and content without taxing their brains too much. It also includes in the list of top Qualities to become an editor.
Market Knowledge:
It is also a responsibility of an editor to acquisitions require good market knowledge and a network of contacts with authors, agents of writers, and other content procedures. They can find contributors for their upcoming projects.
It may also need complete knowledge of writers working in fiction or non-fiction, education, business, or scientific publishing. Furthermore, they may also need to be more familiar with SEO tactics if they write for an online publication. To access the publishing potential of a proposal, he also requires experience in the market and good commercial judgment and with the current and planned requirements of the publisher.
Capable to Deal with Criticism:
A job of an editor is certainly not an ideal job of the world. He has to face lots of criticism, ranging from pressuring to even thankless most of the time. Especially well-experienced writers are not particularly fond of the editors.
The reason is that they mostly take the call on what needs to be written about and can very easily veto hours of hard work of any writer. Therefore, it is one of the best qualities of an editor to clean a specific piece of content.
It is the biggest reason and not very hard to assume why they are not frequent in the list of the best boss award. However, an editor requires the skills to deal with all the criticism that may come his way and still deliver with as much drive and passion as required. Furthermore, an editor must have the skill to sort out disagreements with the writers without getting personal and should be able to deal with wry looks or even contempt from them without taking it personally. It is also one of the best Qualities to become an editor.
Need Good Knowledge of Grammar and Style:
It is also very essential that an editor has an in-depth understanding of grammar. Most people often use the phrase "fake it until you make it" to describe the job hunt, but editors can't fake an understanding of the language in which they are editing. The editor must be well aware of grammar which includes subject-verb agreements, passive voice vs. active voice, and, most important thing the punctuation.
In addition to grammar, it is also very important that an editor understand the style of the content. Style is a completely different set of rules, which governs standard practices in certain publications. It is also included in the list of top most Qualities to become an editor.
