The difference between a senior editor and a managing editor can vary, but generally, a managing editor is higher in the hierarchy and responsible for the editorial department. A senior editor reports to the managing editor and is responsible for ensuring projects stay on track and meeting deadlines. Both positions require experience and education.
The specific difference between a senior editor and a managing editor may vary, depending on the hierarchical structure of management in a particular business; in fact, some companies may even use the two terms interchangeably. In general, however, a managing editor is a higher position and can be someone who is head of the editorial department. A senior editor typically represents someone who is in a high-ranking position in the editorial department but still reports to the managing editor. In a corporate environment, it might be easier to think of the difference between the two as supervisory and management roles, respectively.
Some companies will organize their workplaces this way for a variety of reasons. A clear division of responsibility and chain of command can help larger departments function better, and it also allows people in higher management roles to focus more on management tasks rather than supervising other employees. A senior editor and managing editor often work closely together and share a workload when working on a large project. A senior editor will typically report to the managing editor, while the other people in the department, such as copy editors or associate editors, will usually report to the senior editor.
Both types of editors are typically people who have a lot of experience in their jobs. Most will have a bachelor’s degree at the very least, if not a more advanced degree. Many top-level editors start out in the field working as copy editors, fact-checkers, or proofreaders, and will eventually work into higher-level positions with more responsibility. These positions can include line editing or content editing. Years of experience often translates into promotions to management or senior positions.
In general, a managing editor will have the final say before a produced product goes to press. He or she may also be responsible for meeting with people such as authors or literary agents, depending on the nature of the editorial work. The senior editor may have different responsibilities, such as ensuring that the various projects the editorial department is working on stay on track and are completed on time. He or she may be responsible for meeting specific deadlines for employees across the department and resolving any issues or answering any employee questions. Only the most challenging problems will be given to the managing editor, whose focus will be more on the “big picture”.
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