To become an executive editor, one needs a passion for writing, specialized training, and years of experience managing publishing or editorial operations. A bachelor’s degree in relevant fields, previous editorial experience, and skills in managing people and enforcing editorial standards are also required. Continuing education is also necessary to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.
If you want to become an executive editor, you need to have a passion for the written word, some specialized training, and years of experience managing all aspects of a publishing or editorial operation. The skills needed to become an executive editor include the ability to manage creative people on staff, a constant attention to detail and a desire to be in charge of the overall success of a publication. Employers are often looking for an editor with adequate education and many years of experience. An executive editor must be able to establish the tone and overall vision of a publication. Years of experience will also provide the necessary authority to ensure that certain editorial standards are adhered to.
Typical educational requirements for someone wanting to become an executive editor include a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English or another relevant field. A significant amount of previous editorial experience will likely be required by employers. Some executive editors worked as interns or started out as reporters and rose through the ranks to work as mid-level editors, eventually gaining the skills and experience needed for this job. An executive editor may continue to seek additional education, conferences, workshops or seminars throughout their career to stay abreast of any developments in the field.
One of the biggest requirements for anyone wanting to become an executive editor is running the day-to-day operations of a publication or editorial operation. Editors must be trained to deal with managing many different types of people, including reporters, mid-level editors, and other editorial staff. An executive editor must have the necessary skills to ensure that the publication’s content is consistent with the editor’s overall mission. This requires a lot of experience coordinating tasks with assistant editors and effectively managing people who may be working to very tight deadlines. Years of experience as a reporter or editor allow an executive editor to relate to or work in a variety of roles required in the day-to-day running of a publishing or editorial operation.
Enforcing the standards of a publishing or editorial operation is another requirement for anyone wishing to become an executive editor. Often working with an editorial board, an executive director needs skills in setting standards for editorial submissions, performance reviews, deadlines, budgeting, and planning. Developed through years of experience, excellent people skills can be used to maintain productive collaboration between an executive editor, a manager, and assistant editors. An executive editor must also have the ability to see the big picture of an operation, manage a team, oversee editorial content and ensure the editorial integrity of a publication.
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