Editors

27-3041.00

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
• Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
• Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
• Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
• Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
• Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
• Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
• Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
• Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
• Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
• Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
• Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.
• Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.
• Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.
• Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.
• Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
• Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.
• Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.
• Arrange for copyright permissions.
• Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.
• Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.

Technology Skills

• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Google Drive; Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer based training software - Adobe Captivate; InScribe
• Data base user interface and query software - FileMaker Pro; Style guide databases
• Data mining software - Google Analytics 🔥
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe FrameMaker; Adobe InDesign 🔥; Microsoft Publisher; QuarkXPress
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Creative Cloud software 🔥; Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop
• Information retrieval or search software - LexisNexis
• Instant messaging software - Twitter
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software - File transfer protocol FTP software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Apple macOS 🔥
• Presentation software - Apple iWork Keynote; Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Video conferencing software - Polycom RealPresence
• Video creation and editing software - Adobe After Effects 🔥; Apple Final Cut Pro; Avid Technology Media Composer; YouTube
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver; CCI NewsGate; Facebook 🔥; HP Autonomy TeamSite; LinkedIn 🔥; Social media sites; Web content management system CMS software; WordPress 🔥
• Web platform development software - Cascading style sheets CSS 🔥; Drupal 🔥; Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML; Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥
• Word processing software - Adobe InCopy; After the Deadline; AutoCrit Editing Wizard; Editor Software Stylewriter; Elite Minds RightWriter; Google Docs 🔥; Grammarly Editor; Microsoft Word ; myWriterTools; Orpheus Technology Pro Writing Aid; WhiteSmoke

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Edit written materials.
• Verify accuracy of data.
• Determine presentation subjects or content.
• Coordinate activities of production personnel.
• Write informational material.
• Discuss production content and progress with others.
• Design layouts for print publications.
• Coordinate reporting or editing activities.
• Manage content of broadcasts or presentations.
• Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations.
• Obtain copyrights or other legal permissions.
• Negotiate for services.
• Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.
• Select staff, team members, or performers.