How can I be an Editor in a Short Time? Training, Licenses, Salary & Cost

Ever wondered how to be an editor? I hope you know that proofreaders make a lot of money? This is because they are in high demand. Did you know that publishers always need the services of a rewriter before they publish a book? This is because the editorial personnel reads through the material to correct mistakes.

Why not follow me as I show you how to be an editor. However, you will also know the basics of the career, your future job opportunities, and what you need to get started. Also, you will know how much editorial personnel earns.

However, editors read pieces written for publication and edit them with an eye. Proofreaders check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. Also, rewriters work with writers to help shape their work into a piece that fits with the writer’s vision.

Similarly, editorial personnel is responsible only for correcting individual pieces. Besides, editors at publishing houses work closely with authors. They not only edit their work but guide that work through the publishing process.

Who is an Editor?

An editor is someone who works closely with writers to revise their work and help prepare it for publication. However, the duties of a proofreader include:

Also, a copy rewriter is responsible only for editing individual pieces. Managing editorial personnel guide the day-to-day activities of publications like newspapers, magazines, journals, and websites. They choose pieces for print, or give work to staff and self-employed writers.

However, assistant editors of print or online publications are responsible for managing these tasks within their department.

What qualifications do I need to become an editor?

Well, for you to become a proofreader, you will need the following education and experience:

Well, most rewriters have at least a bachelor’s degree, usually in English, communications, or journalism. However, some have graduate degrees, but it is not a requirement.

To be honest, you need to have a passion for reading and editing more than just your degree.

Honestly, aspiring editorial personnel needs to have experience. However, the person can get it through internships at publishing and media houses. Moreover, you also need to have connections in the publishing world, whether to another rewriter or a successful writer. This can help your chances of landing a job as a book editor.

Well, if you are interested in editing books that deal with a specific subject, such as fashion or food, you should have formal training or work experience in that area to increase your chances of getting hired. Thus, to grow your network, you can join professional organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

What skills do I need to be a proofreader?

Well, for you to become editorial personnel, the skills you need include:

How much can I earn in a year as a book rewriter?

Honestly, the amount of money a book editor makes varies widely. However, the top 10 percent of proofreaders earn more than $ 114,460 a year; an average of $55.03/hour per hour according to the BLS report. On the lowest end of the pay scale, rewriters are paid less than $30,830 per year, an hourly wage of $14.82.

But, editors, in general, earned an average annual wage of $60,490, or $29.08 per hour, according to the most recent statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the median wage is slightly lower, $52,380 per year, or $25.18 per hour according to the BLS.

Also, the largest number of editorial personnel work for book and periodical publishers, earning an average of $60,120 per year, or $28.91 an hour. Besides, the best-paid publishers work for computer manufacturers, where they earn an average of $91,710 per year or $44.09 per hour.

How long does it take to become editorial personnel?

Honestly, it takes most people around four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Anyone who wants a graduate publishing or editing degree will take another year or two to complete his/her education.

Also, anyone who wishes to work with publications or in publishing houses may have to spend some time completing internships or working in an entry-level position before landing an editing job.

However, freelance editors can begin seeking clients at any time, but it may take time to build a portfolio that will attract bigger clients.

How can I find a job as a proofreader?

Well, if you are looking for your first editing job and want to work for a publishing house, you can gain experience and make contacts by taking on internships or taking entry-level clerical jobs.

Competition for jobs in traditional and online media can be strong. However, you will need to increase your chances of landing a position by first building a professional network of experienced rewriters who are familiar with you and your work.

Also, if you want to pursue freelance editing work, there are many websites devoted to connecting freelancers, including editors, with potential clients. Some editorial associations host job boards on their websites as well. However, if you do not have a portfolio of work to show clients, you can start by taking on small jobs.

What is the job outlook for rewriters?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of editors is expected to have little change up to 2026, as print media continues to face strong pressure from online publications.

However, the BLS predicts that competition for jobs in print media will be very strong. Also, job prospects will be best for those who are comfortable with online media and digital publishing tools.

How can I become an editor without a degree?

Even though a bachelor’s degree is preferred, you as editorial personnel can enter the field without a degree. Honestly, all you need is strong writing skills and a background in areas other than English and communications.

For example, some editors may be able to specialize in a particular area where they have had work experience before, such as fashion or advertising.

How can I become an Editor?

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Actually, editors typically need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or communications. Bachelor’s degree programs in these fields usually take 4 years to complete. However, some programs may offer a 3-year fast track. Besides, you can complete the programs online.

Also, most of these degree programs provide hands-on learning opportunities through projects and internships. Undergraduate courses in English may include topics like:

2. Get an Experience

Well, editorial personnel usually need to have some experience writing and proofreading. However, they can gain experiences through internships or work as a writer, editorial assistant, or reporter.

Moreover, internship opportunities can commonly take place during college. Here, students may also have the opportunity to gain experience at school newspapers and radio stations.

Also, editors develop computer skills in such areas as multimedia production, electronic publishing, and social media. Rewriters generally need to be good at finding compelling stories and communicating well with writers throughout the writing process.

3. Make Your Career to Advance

Advancement in editing looks different for various kinds of proofreaders. But it may include working at larger and/or more well-known publications. Also, editorial personnel can move up from copy editing positions to positions of an executive or managing editors.

However, other editors may prefer to work as freelancers or move to a position where they can do their own writing. Also, if you want to learn more about becoming an editor, you can seek out groups like the Editorial Freelancers Association, the American Copy Editors Society, or the American Society of News Editors.

How can I start my own editing company?

Well, in order to build any profiting business, you need to figure out your niche. This involves studying your competition to determine what you can offer that is valuable and unique. 

Honestly, small businesses do not grow overnight. You have to put yourself out there if you want to gather new clients.

However, you might also get frustrated by how hard it is to build a reliable client base, or feel intimidated by more experienced freelancers. Do not be. It is a delicate balance to strike.

Honestly, a great website is a must for any freelance business. You can not just slap your name and contact information on a WordPress template and expect clients to come running.

Also, you need your website to reflect your best professional work as well as your individual personality in order to appeal to clients.

However, writers like to know that they will be working with a real person, not just an editing robot. You might even consider putting an introductory video on your site so clients can actually see you.

Also, within your professional niche, you will still get a wide range of clientele, all of whom have different needs. It is important to segment these clients into groups so you can address them appropriately.

Well, pricing is one element to definitely consider before you launch your business. Novice editors working on a freelance job typically charge about $20/hour, while more advanced editors may charge upwards of $50.  

Staying organized is very important in running any business. Firstly, never be late on a deadline. Though communication is important, work comes first in terms of timing.

Secondly, respond to clients as soon as you see their emails, send invoices promptly, and file your taxes on time.

Furthermore

Frequently update your website, social media, LinkedIn, and any publications for which you are currently guest writing.

Finally, do not discount the benefits of offline marketing, such as in-person networking events and conferences.

Please, never badmouth clients or breach their confidentiality on any platform, even in a private message. Honestly, you never know what might come out over time. Also, keep communication with clients professional, even if it is just a friendly exchange about your weekends.

You could do an editing crash course online with sites like Proofreading Academy and The Edit Center. Just remember that even for a seasoned editor, there is always something to learn.

However, one of the best ways to successfully establish your business as a rewriter and find freelance editing jobs is to join a marketplace. 

Also, you may want to start with a marketplace like Upwork, where it is fairly quick to sign up and get connected with clients, without having to go through too intensive a screening process. 

What are the schools for aspiring Editors?

The Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia is a journalism school is one of the oldest formal journalism schools in the world. However, the school provides academic education and practical training in all areas of journalism and strategic communication for undergraduate and graduate students. However, these graduates turn out to be a certified editor.

Tuition fee:

• Resident: $299.00 per credit hour
• Non Resident: $899.70 per credit hour ($304.00 tuition + $595.70 non resident fee)
• Midwest Exchange: $456.00 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. School website

However, the Moody College of Communication has come a long way since opening in 1914 out of a small building with a printing press. The journalism program gives students incredible resources on and off-campus. 

Tuition fee: in-state $10,092, out-of-state $35,682

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools School website

However, the technology at Annenberg makes working on news, like radio equipment, green screens, and computers in the edit bay. Also, students also get support from the faculty and staff who spent years as copy editors and journalists.

Tuition fee: $56,225 (Undergraduate), $45,561 (Graduate)

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and CollegesSchool website

The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University has one of the most selective, challenging journalism programs. The college expects incoming students to rank in the top 10 percent of their class and maintain a 3.6 GPA or higher. 

Tuition fee: in-state $11,744, out-of-state $21,208

Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication School website

Another editing School is:

Well, Boston University a prime location for aspiring editors to land an internship that transits into an “adult” job. Some of their alumni go off to work for ABC and A&E Television Network, and some even get nominated for Oscars.

However, the journalism program offers classes like Media Criticism, Magazine Writing, and Editing.

Tuition fee: $50,240

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education School website

Conclusion

Book editorial personnel do a lot more than just read and edit raw manuscripts. They are a key part of the chain of command in publishing and have a lot of influence over which books get published and which ones do not.

Besides, one of the most important things rewriters do is gain books for publication. Usually, book editors or proofreaders read manuscripts submitted by writers, some solicited, most unsolicited. However, proofreaders do this by keeping their knowledge of a genre and its potential market, and determine which works are a good fit for their publishing house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honestly, the amount of money a proofreader makes varies. A freelance proofreader can expect to make between $25-$44 per hour as a proofreader. If you choose a proofreading niche, like proofreading court transcripts, you can earn more per hour.

Though a college education is required for most editing jobs, but it is advisable to earn a bachelor’s degree in English, communications or journalism. This is because, the bachelor’s degree is often a prerequisite for one seeking to become an editor. Although it’s possible for someone who demonstrates strong writing and editorial skills to train on the job.

Well, editors or rewriters need strong writing, interpersonal, listening, and speaking skills. However, proofreaders need a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or communication. Their median annual salary is $56,010.

Yes, it is a skill. It is more than knowing an adjective from an adverb, a noun from a pronoun. It is more than being able to construct and deconstruct a sentence or a paragraph.

An editor makes changes and suggestions that will improve the overall quality of your writing, particularly in relation to language use and expression. While a proofreader corrects surface errors in writing, such as grammatical, spelling, punctuation, and other language mistakes.

References

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