Magazine Editor
Magazine editors have a broad range of responsibilities. He or she plans, coordinates, directs, and oversees all material that is published in a magazine or trade journal. The editor is responsible for determining the theme of each issue, and decides what type of copy, graphics, advertisements, and layout each issue will have. He or she assigns different staff members; organizes research; arranges interviews; and hires freelance professionals to contribute articles, photographs, graphics, editorials, reviews, reports, and other needed material.
The editor then evaluates all submitted material prior to publication. He or she proofreads all content, verifies facts, and if necessary, clarifies information. The editor may rewrite headlines, captions, or entire sections of copy; change layouts; select graphics; crop images; and accept or reject advertisements. He or she may also set up contracts with outside sources for particular content series, graphics, or for permission to run material.
The magazine editor holds meetings with publication executives, department chairs, and members of staff to establish policy guidelines, publication goals, production schedules, discuss organizational changes, and resolve problems. Other duties may include: hiring or firing staff, releasing public relations information, creating special flyers or brochures, and designing promotions.
Magazine editors are required to hold at least a four-year degree. Other recommended skills include: management experience, accounting skills, production experience, staffing experience, and computer skills.
The typical average salary of an experienced magazine editor is about $46,800 per year. Starting salaries pay an average of about $38,200 per year.
