Science editing requires fundamental writing, editing, and language skills, often with a degree in journalism, communications, technical writing, or a scientific field. Science editors work for magazines, publishers, and companies, and need analytical skills, technical knowledge, and strong communication skills. Moving up the editorial ladder is common.
Beyond content, editing scientific material is similar to any other type of editing and requires the same fundamental writing, editing, and language skills. At least a four-year college or university degree is usually required. The degree can be in more traditional courses for editors like journalism or communications, in technical writing and editing, or in a scientific or related field. Many people who do science editing have advanced degrees in science fields. Generally, to become a science editor, you would either be an editor with a background or aptitude for science, or an engineer or scientist with strong editing skills.
Science editors work in a variety of industries and can be staff members or freelancers. Many work for magazines focused on science or nature. Others edit articles for general interest publications that sometimes carry science-related content.
Publishers of scientific publishers of academic and commercial books. Many science editors work in scientific journals editing highly technical research articles and for companies that produce scientific and technical products. Targeting the publications and companies that produce science content is essential if you want to become a science publisher.
As with other editing positions, becoming a science editor often involves moving up the editorial ladder. An individual at a journal who is trying to become a science editor might start out as an editorial assistant or assistant editor and progressively take on more responsibilities from there. The potential science editor could also be a magazine writer or book writer and work their way up to a science editor position.
In companies, science editors may come from scientific and engineering hierarchy or from more traditional editing backgrounds, depending on the organization. The same goes for technical magazines. The editor may be a science physician or an editor with a strong aptitude for science, depending on the journal and its requirements. In any case, the necessary editing skills and an interest and understanding of science subjects are required if you want to become a science editor.
Good analytical skills to recognize inconsistencies in the text are important for science editors. It is often necessary to understand technical jargon and complex ideas. Strong communication skills are beneficial in explaining edit changes to scientists, engineers, and other highly educated people. It helps to have the focus and patience to review numbers and other data that appear in tables, charts, and listings.
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