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

Dec 16, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing prevalence of social media has caused a dramatic shift in the way magazines are consumed. As more readers turn to digital outlets for their news and entertainment, magazine editors have had to adapt their content and formatting to appeal to an online audience. This has led to shorter articles, more engaging visuals, and interactive elements to draw in readers.

magazine editors have had to focus on optimizing their content for search engine visibility and developing strategies for building a loyal subscriber base. All of these changes have contributed to a more dynamic and engaging magazine experience for readers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a magazine managing editor, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or communications is typically required. Coursework should include classes in editing, copywriting, and publishing.
Gain Experience. Potential magazine managing editors typically need to have at least three to five years of experience in the magazine industry. Experience can come from internships, entry-level positions, or freelance work as an editor or writer.
Develop Management Skills. Magazine managing editors need strong management skills, such as the ability to lead, motivate and inspire staff. They also should be organized and able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
Familiarize Yourself With the Magazine Industry. Magazine managing editors should be familiar with the trends and advances in the magazine industry and stay abreast of digital platforms and other developments.
Pursue Professional Certification. There are several professional certifications available for magazine managing editors, which can give them an edge in the job market. These certifications include the Professional Magazine Editor Certification from the American Press Institute and the Certified Magazine Professional certification from the Association of Magazine Media.

Becoming skilled and competent takes time and dedication. For those who are serious about achieving success, the first step is to set clear goals and objectives and develop a plan to accomplish them. Once the goals are established, it becomes important to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to reach them.

This can be accomplished by taking courses, reading books and articles, attending conferences, and participating in workshops. it is important to stay up-to-date with current trends, technologies, and emerging innovations in the field. With the right resources and a dedication to continual learning, one can become proficient in their chosen field and realize success.

You may want to check Book Editor, Film/Video Editor, and Copy Chief/Managing Editor for alternative.

Job Description

Develop content strategies and editorial calendars
Lead brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for content
Oversee the production of content including copy, visuals, and video
Manage a team of writers, designers, and editors
Monitor the magazines web and social media presence
Work with outside contributors to ensure timely delivery of content
Track and analyze performance metrics to ensure content is engaging readers
Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations
Manage scheduling, budgeting, and other operational aspects of the magazine
Update editorial guidelines and style manual as needed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proven track record in managing magazine publications
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Highly proficient in digital publishing software
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Ability to research and develop engaging content
Knowledgeable in industry trends and changes
Strong budgeting and financial management skills
Ability to lead a team of writers, editors, and graphic designers
Ability to coordinate with other departments such as marketing and advertising

Organizational skills are an essential component of being a successful magazine managing editor. Planning and multitasking are key to ensuring that deadlines are met, tasks are properly assigned, and content is well-organized. Poor organizational skills can lead to missed deadlines, inefficient workflow, and missed opportunities.

In addition, magazine managing editors must have great communication skills in order to keep all stakeholders informed and ensure that the publication is successful. They must also have a working knowledge of the publishing industry, be comfortable with technology, and understand the importance of social media in driving reader engagement. All of these skills are essential to the role of magazine managing editor, and as such, they are critical to any successful publication.

Development Editor, Deputy Managing Editor, and Web Editor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your experience as a Managing Editor?
What strategies do you use to ensure a magazine is successful?
How do you handle deadlines and work under pressure?
How do you create an engaging and informative magazine content?
What processes do you use to ensure accuracy and quality of content?
How do you stay up-to-date with changing trends in the magazine industry?
What steps do you take to ensure effective communication between editors, writers, and other stakeholders?
How would you handle conflicts between different departments or staff members?
Describe a time when you had to manage a difficult situation with a magazine article or issue.
How do you measure success for a magazine issue?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe InDesign. Desktop publishing software used to create magazines and other publications. (e. g. layout, design, and produce printed documents)
Adobe Photoshop. Image editing software used to edit photos, create graphics and retouch images. (e. g. manipulate images and create art)
Adobe Acrobat Pro. Document management software used to create, edit and share PDF files. (e. g. convert documents to PDFs, electronically sign contracts)
Microsoft Word. Word processing software used to create and edit documents. (e. g. write articles, create editorial calendars)
Google Analytics. Web analytics software used to track website performance and visitor data. (e. g. monitor website traffic, measure ROI)
Hootsuite. Social media management software used to monitor, manage and measure social media campaigns. (e. g. schedule posts, track engagement)
Trello. Project management software used to organize and assign tasks to team members. (e. g. manage workflow, assign tasks to team)
MailChimp. Email marketing software used to create, send and track email campaigns. (e. g. design newsletters, analyze email performance)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Magazine Editors
Magazine Publishers of America
International Society of Magazine Editors
The National Press Photographers Association
American Copy Editors Society
Society of Professional Journalists
National Association of Black Journalists
Online News Association
Asian American Journalists Association
Investigative Reporters and Editors

We also have Executive Editor, Copy Editing Supervisor, and Associate Editor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Editorial Calendar. A schedule, usually in the form of a chart or timeline, that outlines when certain content needs to be created and published.
Content Strategy. A plan outlining the types of content to be published, and when and where it should be published, for the purpose of achieving specific business objectives.
Copywriting. The process of writing marketing material, such as website copy, blog posts, emails, and ads, that is designed to persuade readers to take a specific action.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization). A set of techniques used to optimize a website for better visibility in search engine results.
Social Media Marketing. The practice of leveraging social media platforms to promote content and engage with customers.
Digital Marketing. The use of digital channels and technologies to promote products and services.
Analytics. The process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data in order to make better business decisions.
Audience Segmentation. The practice of dividing an audience into smaller groups based on shared characteristics in order to more effectively target them with marketing messages and content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the job of a Magazine Managing Editor? A1: A Magazine Managing Editor is responsible for managing the editorial staff and overseeing the production of the magazine's content. They are also responsible for setting editorial guidelines and ensuring accuracy and quality in the publication. Q2: What qualifications are needed to be a Magazine Managing Editor? A2: Magazine Managing Editors typically need a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, as well as several years of professional experience in the editorial or publishing field. Q3: What duties does a Magazine Managing Editor perform? A3: Magazine Managing Editors are responsible for overseeing staff, assigning stories, and editing copy. They also review layout and design, and approve final proofs before publication. Q4: How many editors does a Magazine Managing Editor typically oversee? A4: The number of editors a Magazine Managing Editor oversees can vary depending on the size of the magazine. Generally, a Magazine Managing Editor might oversee anywhere from 5 to 20 editors. Q5: What skills are necessary to be a successful Magazine Managing Editor? A5: Successful Magazine Managing Editors should have excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. They should also have strong writing and editing skills and be knowledgeable about the magazine industry.