Chief editors work for all kinds of organizations, from magazines to newspapers, book publishers and teams of high school journalists. Being editor-in-chief is not automatic, but it takes years of writing, editing, and management experience to reach this executive position. The editor-in-chief position is sometimes called executive editor and is responsible for the entire publication act, including the actual publishing process, budgeting and finance, and the vision and strategy of a media. The chief editor can also be a public representative of a print media.
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Part 1 of 5: Choosing Your Path
Step 1. Focus on one type of publication
There is a wide variety of editor-in-chief for all types of publication media, from magazines to newspapers or blogs and book publishers. Determine which one appeals to you the most. The skill set required by an editor-in-chief can typically be used in a variety of writing industries, from online or print newspapers to magazines and academic publications. However, once you reach the executive level, you are considered to be an expert in a particular industry and may have to continue to stay in it to achieve the position of editor-in-chief.
Step 2. Learn all you can about the industry
Do some research on the industry and identify some of the key organizations that interest you the most as their potential hires. Focus on trends in the industry, and learn from models that are successful and not.
Step 3. Follow a further education program
Most publications require a bachelor's degree (or higher) in journalism, public communications, business, or the like to reach executive level positions. However, for some media, a degree in journalism is not the most important thing. For example, if you want to be the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, study fashion school. You should also consider location when determining the best program. Access to internship programs is easier in urban locations, and certain types of publications may be based in some cities than others. For example, fashion magazines are easier to find in New York City, while entertainment magazines are more common. in Los Angeles.
- A prestigious program may provide more opportunities or connections with the people or organizations that are important to you. However, smaller schools do not mean your chances of getting a higher position are closed. In fact, smaller programs may provide more opportunities for you to assume a leadership role because there are fewer competitors.
- If you have a bachelor's degree in another field, this doesn't mean you'll soon be left out of editor-in-chief opportunities. You can upgrade your bachelor's degree with a master's degree, or build on years of professional industry experience, which will replace a particular educational background.
Part 2 of 5: Developing Your Skills
Step 1. Write often
Any type of writing will help you practice your writing skills, voice your opinion, and become accustomed to writing fast in a variety of styles. Find a balance between creativity, function and effective communication in your writing. Try to avoid using words that are too complex or not easy to understand in your writing. Think about your readers and write interesting and fun dramatic articles, whatever the topic.
Ask for input on your writing. What is obvious to you may be confusing or unclear to someone else
Step 2. Read often
Becoming a writer, and ultimately a good editor-in-chief, is inseparable from good reading habits. Read other people's writing with a critical eye and notice what's good to do and what's not. Read all kinds of material, from dense novels to magazine articles and blog posts. Reading habits are very important in your field; if you want to be the editor-in-chief of a science magazine, make sure you keep reading about developments in your field.
Step 3. Be a good editor
Being a good editor means checking for consistency, quality, tone, and style of writing. In addition, you should also assess whether an author is using reliable and valid sources or not. Maintain a balance between editing a piece of writing to reflect the mind of a medium and the mind of the author. Be completely honest with the author. Acknowledge the positive aspects of your writer's work first and give concrete suggestions on how to change problematic or unclear writing. Develop good relationships with your writers, who depend on you for guidance and lessons.
Remember that a writer's project is still his project. Don't let your ego rule over editing
Step 4. Review the style guide for your publication or industry
Start by learning the AP style, which is the industry standard for writers and editors. You may also need to master other citation styles, such as APA, Chicago, MLA and others. As you develop a career in professional editing, there will come a time when you will need to master these editing styles.
Step 5. Connect digital and print formats
There are a few publications that do not have a digital version to complement the print version. There are also many specialized publications online, but understanding the print format will help you position yourself as a versatile worker.
Step 6. Develop your interpersonal skills
Your skill set shouldn't just include technical abilities. You also have to be someone who can work well in a team and as a person. Having a positive and optimistic attitude will benefit you every step of the way. Also, be a little pragmatic: be realistic about what you can achieve in a given timeframe, and what you can expect from other people.
Step 7. Build your knowledge of the trends that affect your readers
Identifying trends that match your publication's media editing style will provide story ideas that you can then assign to writers. This will help your publication become a leader in its industry and become a decisive party that can attract more readers.
Part 3 of 5: Developing Your Career
Step 1. Take an internship program
An internship at a magazine, newspaper, book, or website publisher is a great way to start building relationships with people, gaining experience, and learning about the publishing business. Smaller companies may offer more opportunities to do more, while larger companies will look better on your career resume. Set up a few companies that interest you and contact their labor department to inquire about possible internships. Alternatively, visit a career counselor at a university for advice that best suits your interests and skills. You can also look for internship opportunities online or through print job advertisements.
Internship programs are often offered as unpaid work. These programs may count as Semester Credit Units (SKS) for your coursework, but they can be financially burdensome for someone looking to start a career in the publications industry. Learn the rules about unpaid internships. There is a lot of debate about whether this is legal or not, as many apprenticeship programs are created simply as a way to reduce labor costs. Typically, internships should be profitable for their participants, and provide a quality educational experience (for example, by doing more than just preparing coffee for your boss), and apprentices should not replace regular staff
Step 2. Work in a smaller publications office
These offices may have a lower readership, lower budget, and narrower reach, and are usually very niche-oriented (a particular theme/interest - for example, publications for hobbyists). These offices usually have a smaller number of staff, so all existing positions may have to take on more responsibilities. This will ensure you gain valuable experience in a leadership role and self-development process. Here, you may be able to become editor-in-chief more quickly than if you were in the office of a larger publication. Alternatively, after that you may be able to move to a larger publications office.
Smaller publishing houses do not mean “easier path”. In fact, working in these offices can be even more difficult, as the number of readers is usually limited; so they have to develop readership from the bottom. These offices may also be more difficult financially, meaning an editor-in-chief must be inventive and shrewd in strategizing to help a small publications office survive
Step 3. Move through the career ladder
You might start out as a writer, copy editor, or editorial assistant. As you gain more experience and develop your skills, you may be promoted to assistant editor, intermediate editor, senior editor, or editor manager. Be aware that these job titles may vary depending on the industry, and do not necessarily mean that you will have the same duties in the same position in different offices.
Step 4. Create your own publication media
In today's era, it is easier to create an online publication media and you also have the freedom to appoint yourself as editor-in-chief. If you have an interesting vision and good writing skills, you can create your own publication media. Appoint yourself as editor-in-chief. If there is no formal structure of an established organization, you may feel that you are unfit for this top position or that you are simply pretending to be an editor. Radiate confidence, master the vision of your publication's media, promote its content, and BE the editor-in-chief.
Be prepared to do everything alone. You may be able to ask other writers or editors to contribute to your publications, but if you're starting with no capital (or very little), then you may not have the extra funds to pay for staff. In line with this fact, you yourself may have to work for free. You may have to write all the content, be a site designer, a good advertiser (if you want to do that), and promote your publication to the readers you want
Part 4 of 5: Building a Network in Your Field
Step 1. Conduct informational interviews with people from the best organizations of your choice
An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone who can give you an insight into a company or industry. This is not a job interview, you should not expect a job opening. Instead, view this activity as an opportunity to network and gather advice about the state of your field of work and the position of a particular company in that field. You may also learn about career paths you never considered before.
- Schedule a meeting at a specific time and place that is most convenient for the professional you wish to meet. Consider their time; maybe they sacrificed their lunch time to meet you.
- Do some research beforehand. Find out everything you can about a company, its executive lineup, its work culture, and the people you'll be interviewing with. Prepare questions beforehand. Even if you are not looking for a job at this company, you still have to convey a professional and serious impression. Wear business attire and maintain a professional demeanor during the interview.
- Follow up the informational interview with a thank you note. A carefully written and checked email will do just fine for this action. Make sure you use a formal greeting and thank them for their time and advice.
Step 2. Make friends
Find people who want you to be successful. Try to stay away from those you want to fail. You will run into obstacles as you try to reach your career goals, and the people who want to help you will keep you going. Friends are people whose judgment you trust, who will be honest with you, and who think that you are a valuable asset in your industry.
Step 3. Get involved in your community
This community is both a professional community (ie a community of other editors and writers) and your community as a whole (through charities, social events, etc.). Developing your circle of acquaintances and increasing your presence will contribute to your overall profile as a leader, expert, and mentor.
Step 4. Join a professional association
There are a number of industry and trade associations with professional members in similar lines of work. For editors of varying degrees, there are organizations such as the American Society of Magazine, the Editors' American Copy Editors Society, the Council of Science Editors, and so on. These associations offer good networking opportunities, conferences, professional development training, career opportunity events, and research materials.
Part 5 of 5: Making Your Work Come True
Step 1. Think seriously about what it means to be an editor-in-chief
This position may be more demanding, requiring you to attend community or public events, meetings with board or executive members, travel more frequently, and so on. Consider how this job will fit into your lifestyle and how your family life will be affected.
Step 2. Prepare your application
Read the job advertisement seriously and understand all the necessary parts. Write a cover letter that is concise but concise and describes your qualifications for the job in detail. You may also have to submit complementary materials, such as a strategic vision for the media publication or related company. Submit your application based on the instructions written on the job advertisement.
- If you already work for a company that has an editor-in-chief vacancy, you may want to talk to your boss about your interest in filling this position. Do not assume that you will be automatically selected for this position. At this level of executive position, companies want to select the best people; this person is the one who has the most practical abilities, but also someone who can create innovation and lead the publications to keep moving forward.
- You may work in a competitive environment with close working relationships with your competitors. Or, you may be moving from one organization to another, and you may not want to tell your managers, readers, clients, or writers that you want to change jobs. Be sensitive and confidential when talking about available job openings.
Step 3. Attend the interview
Schedule the interview at a time that is convenient for both you and the interviewer. You may need to be a bit flexible and be prepared to dedicate a full day (or more) in the early stages of the interview. Executive level positions usually require several stages of interviewing and/or interviewing; which may also include meetings with the publisher, the board of directors, and staff. These interviews may also be conducted at a company's headquarters, requiring you to travel (and take time off from your current job).
Be prepared for several rounds of interviews if you are seriously considered for this position
Step 4. Take the job offer
If you have presented yourself successfully as a good choice to fill the editor-in-chief position, chances are you will be offered a job. Safe! In the negotiation stage of this job offer, you will have the opportunity to negotiate your salary. The average salary for a novice chief editor in 2014 was $70, 220/year (approximately $80,000 - in the US). This figure is an average across many industries and markets, so you should know your own industry and market to determine the most appropriate salary.
Step 5. Be a good leader for your organization
You will rule the throne of publication. Your leadership, creativity and innovation will determine how well you work and how smoothly your publications run and succeed.
