How to Be Magazine Editor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of digital media has had a significant effect on the magazine industry. With readers increasingly turning to online platforms for their news and entertainment, the demand for physical magazines has decreased dramatically. This has created financial difficulties for many magazine outlets, leading to fewer titles being printed and published, as well as resulting in a decrease in the number of jobs within the industry.

Furthermore, with the increased competition from online media, magazines must also adapt in order to remain relevant to their readers. This has meant that magazines have had to focus on creating higher quality content and offering more value to their subscribers in order to stand out from the crowd.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or another related field. A degree in magazine journalism is ideal for aspiring magazine editors.
Take courses in magazine writing and editing as part of your degree program. Additionally, take courses in related specialties such as graphic design and desktop publishing.
Gain experience in magazine writing and editing through internships or volunteer work. Many colleges have student magazines where you can get practical experience.
Consider earning a master's degree in magazine journalism or a related field to further your knowledge and increase your job prospects.
Apply for jobs at magazines and other publications. Many entry-level jobs are available in the editorial department, such as assistant editor or copy editor.
Develop a portfolio of your work to show to potential employers when applying for jobs.
Advance your career by working as an assistant editor or copy editor for a period of time before becoming a magazine editor.
Keep up to date with current trends in the magazine industry and stay abreast of new technologies that can help you with your job.

In todays fast-paced world, it is essential to stay ahead and efficient in order to succeed. One way to do this is to stay organized. Planning ahead and staying organized can help you avoid procrastination, reducing the time it takes to complete tasks.

setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller steps can make them more manageable and ensure that you are making progress. In addition to staying organized, it is important to take regular breaks and get enough sleep in order to maintain energy and focus. Finally, staying up-to-date on industry trends and technology can help you stay ahead of the competition.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you remain productive and efficient.

You may want to check News Anchor, Arts & Culture Journalist, and Financial Reporter for alternative.

Job Description

Commissioning Editor: Responsible for searching for and acquiring stories for the magazine.
Content Editor: Responsible for overseeing the development of stories, working with writers and photographers to ensure accuracy, quality and compliance with the magazine's editorial policy.
Copy Editor: Responsible for proofreading, editing and fact-checking content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Design Editor: Responsible for overseeing the design and layout of the magazine, working with the art department and printers to produce a visually attractive publication.
Production Editor: Responsible for coordinating the magazine's production process, from initial concept through to printing and delivery.
Web Editor: Responsible for creating and maintaining the magazine's website, ensuring it is up-to-date, relevant and engaging.
Social Media Editor: Responsible for creating and managing the magazine's social media presence, developing strategies to increase engagement with readers.
Advertising Sales Manager: Responsible for selling advertising space in the magazine, negotiating with clients and ensuring revenue targets are met.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong knowledge and understanding of the magazine industry
Ability to develop creative concepts for magazine features
Excellent writing and editing skills
Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
Ability to develop relationships with writers, editors, photographers, and other contributors
Knowledge of the latest trends in magazine design and layout
Ability to collaborate effectively with other staff members
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of advertising and marketing strategies
Proficiency in computer graphic design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator
Ability to work on tight deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously
Understanding of copyright laws and regulations

Good writing skills are essential for anyone wishing to become a magazine editor. A magazine editor needs to have the ability to write clearly and concisely, as well as being able to spot errors and make corrections quickly. Furthermore, they must be creative and have a good eye for detail in order to ensure the magazine looks visually attractive and professional.

they must have excellent communication skills in order to work collaboratively with the other staff members, as well as with external contributing writers. Finally, they need to be organized and able to manage their time efficiently in order to meet any deadlines. All of these skills are essential for an effective magazine editor, and having them will help ensure the success of the magazine.

Investigative Analyst, Web Journalist, and Technology Writer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the magazine editing field?
How do you stay current with trends in the magazine industry?
What challenges have you faced when editing magazines?
How do you ensure accuracy when editing content for a magazine?
What strategies do you use to ensure deadlines are met?
How do you maintain quality control when editing a magazine?
How do you manage multiple projects simultaneously?
What techniques do you use to ensure the magazine appeals to its target audience?
How do you handle reader feedback and complaints?
What methods do you use to ensure the magazine is fresh and engaging?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe InDesign. Desktop publishing software used to create layouts and designs for print and digital publications. (eg: newsletters, magazines, books)
Adobe Photoshop. Image editing and manipulation software used to create images for print and digital publications. (eg: magazine covers, advertisements)
Content Management System (CMS). Web-based platform used to store and manage content for digital publications. (eg: WordPress, Drupal)
Copy Editing Software. Software used to help editors check grammar, spelling, and style in text. (eg: Grammarly, ProWritingAid)
Digital Asset Management (DAM) System. Software used to store and organize media assets for digital publications. (eg: Adobe Experience Manager, Bynder)
Social Media Management Platform. Software used to manage multiple social media accounts in one place. (eg: Hootsuite, Buffer)
Email Marketing Platform. Software used to create and send bulk emails to subscribers and readers. (eg: MailChimp, Constant Contact)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME)
Association of Magazine Media (MPA)
Magazine Publishers of America (MPA)
National Association of Science Writers (NASW)
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Local Media Association (LMA)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
National Writers Union (NWU)
Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE)

We also have Medical Writer, Opinion Writer, and Book Reviewer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Submissions. Pieces of work submitted to the magazine by writers, photographers, illustrators and other contributors.
Layout. The design and arrangement of text, images and other elements on a page of the magazine.
Feature Article. A longer article in the magazine that is more in-depth than a regular article.
Copy Editing. The editing process of refining and correcting the grammar, spelling, and punctuation of a piece of writing.
Captioning. Adding short descriptive text to accompany a photograph, illustration or other image.
Proofreading. The process of reading through a piece of writing to check for errors before it is published.
Typesetting. The process of arranging text on a page using a specific font and size.
Fact Checking. Verifying that information in an article is accurate and up-to-date before publication.
Indexing. Creating an index for the magazine that allows readers to quickly find content.
Editorial Calendar. A schedule outlining when articles, features and other pieces should be submitted and published in the magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to become a Magazine Editor?

To become a Magazine Editor, you typically need a college degree in a field such as journalism, communications, marketing, or English. Additional qualifications include strong writing and editing skills, as well as an understanding of the magazine publishing process.

How much does a Magazine Editor typically earn?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Magazine Editors was $63,200 in 2019.

What are some of the daily tasks of a Magazine Editor?

Some of the daily tasks of a Magazine Editor include reviewing and selecting articles for publication, editing articles for accuracy and clarity, liaising with writers and other staff members, developing story ideas, and overseeing the production process.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Magazine Editor?

The primary responsibilities of a Magazine Editor include reviewing and selecting articles for publication, editing articles for accuracy and clarity, assigning stories to writers, setting deadlines, and ensuring that articles meet the publication's editorial standards.