How to Be Editorial Writer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 2, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Steps How to Become

Develop a Specialty. Decide what kind of editorial writing you want to focus on. You may wish to specialize in a particular type of editorial, such as political or business writing. You may also choose to focus on a specific industry or subject matter.
Get Training. Consider taking courses in journalism, writing, or communications to learn the fundamentals of editorial writing. You may also choose to take courses in the specific type of editorial writing you plan to specialize in.
Build a Portfolio. As you gain experience and hone your skills, build up a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience.
Network. Reaching out to other writers and editors in your field will help you make connections and stay up-to-date on industry news. Consider joining professional organizations and attending conferences to network with other editorial writers.
Research and Develop Ideas. Spend time researching current events, industry trends, and other topics related to your area of expertise. This will help you develop ideas for articles and stay informed about the latest developments in your field.
Pitch Your Ideas. Reach out to editors at publications or websites that accept freelance submissions. Pitch your article ideas and submit samples of your work.
Develop Professional Relationships. As you build relationships with editors, continue to submit article ideas and follow up with them about potential opportunities for publication. Over time, these relationships can lead to more editorial writing jobs and opportunities for advancement.

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You may want to check News Reporter, Court Reporter, and Magazine Editor for alternative.

Job Description

Research and develop content for editorials and op-eds
Analyze current events and formulate editorial stances
Review news coverage and respond to current issues
Compose engaging and well-written editorials for publication
Monitor public opinion and adjust editorial content accordingly
Collaborate with other writers and editors to ensure accuracy and clarity
Proofread editorial content for grammar, spelling, syntax, and accuracy
Research and provide background information for editorials
Pitch ideas for opinion pieces to editors
Stay abreast of relevant topics and newsworthy stories

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent written communication skills
Strong research and analytical skills
Ability to interpret and synthesize complex information
Knowledgeable in current events
Ability to think creatively and develop compelling arguments
Familiarity with journalistic conventions and standards
Proficiency in using editing tools such as Microsoft Office and Adobe
Knowledge of AP style and grammar
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
Understanding of marketing principles and social media platforms

The ability to write effectively is an essential skill for any editorial writer. Being able to craft a compelling and persuasive argument is key to success in this role. Writing well requires knowledge of grammar and mechanics, but also the ability to structure and organize your thoughts.

Having a clear, logical structure is important when presenting a complex argument. It helps the reader understand the points you are making and grasp their relevance. having a strong command of language and vocabulary can help you communicate your ideas more clearly.

Knowing how to effectively use rhetorical devices, such as persuasive language, irony, and satire, can help to make your arguments more convincing. Finally, having the ability to research and analyze facts and statistics is essential for any editorial writer as it helps to back up your points with credible evidence. All of these skills combined help an editorial writer create compelling and persuasive arguments that can effectively influence their audience.

Weather Reporter, Entertainment Reporter, and Investigative Producer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in writing editorials?
What publications have you written for previously?
What topics have you written editorials about?
How do you stay informed on current events and trends?
Describe a recent editorial that you wrote and are particularly proud of.
What challenges have you faced when writing editorials?
How do you evaluate your success when writing editorials?
How do you develop compelling arguments for controversial topics?
What processes do you use to ensure accuracy and quality when writing editorials?
How do you handle criticisms and feedback when writing editorials?

Common Tools in Industry

Word Processor. A computer program used to create, edit, and format documents (e. g. Microsoft Word).
Text Editor. A software program used to write and edit text (e. g. Notepad).
Database Software. A computer program used to store, manage, and retrieve data (e. g. Microsoft Access).
Desktop Publishing Software. A computer program used to design, create, and publish documents (e. g. Adobe InDesign).
Web Page Editor. A software program used to create and edit websites (e. g. Adobe Dreamweaver).
Image Editing Software. A computer program used to edit, modify, and enhance digital images (e. g. Adobe Photoshop).
Reference Manager. Software used to collect, organize, and store reference materials for research (e. g. Zotero).
Citation Generator. A tool used to quickly generate citations in a specific format (e. g. EasyBib).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
American Copy Editors Society (ACES)
Association of Opinion Journalists (AOJ)
International Journalists Network (IJNet)
Online News Association (ONA)
Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)
National Writers Union (NWU)
National Writers Association (NWA)

We also have Business Journalist, Radio Journalist, and Photojournalist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Opinion Piece. A piece of writing that states the writer's opinion on a particular issue or topic.
News Analysis. A type of journalism that involves analyzing and interpreting news stories to explain their context and underlying meaning.
Argumentative Writing. Writing that expresses a point of view and supports it through evidence and reasoning.
Persuasive Writing. Writing that attempts to convince readers to accept an opinion or take a particular action.
Fact-Checking. The process of verifying the accuracy of facts and figures in a piece of writing.
Research. The process of gathering information from a variety of sources to inform ones writing.
Synthesis. The combining of various elements to create a new idea or concept.
Editing. The process of revising and improving a piece of writing in order to make it clearer and more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Editorial Writer?

An Editorial Writer is a professional journalist who produces content for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications. They are responsible for researching, writing, and editing articles, opinion pieces, and other editorial content.

What skills do Editorial Writers need?

Editorial Writers need strong writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to think analytically and creatively. They should also be knowledgeable about current events and issues in order to provide informed commentary.

How much do Editorial Writers earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Editorial Writers in the United States is $58,250. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

What qualifications do Editorial Writers need?

Most employers require Editorial Writers to have a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or a related field. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in the field of journalism.

What is the job outlook for Editorial Writers?

The job outlook for Editorial Writers is positive. Employment of journalists and correspondents is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

Writing an Editorial - Geneseo www.geneseo.edu
Writer and Editor | About Us | Regent College www.regent-college.edu
Understanding the Editorial Process | Harvard Catalyst writingcenter.catalyst.harvard.edu