Job Responsibilities
As an assistant editor, my job includes a fairly diverse set of
responsibilities, and rarely is one week the same as the next. I
evaluate manuscript submissions on behalf of other editors, as
well as submissions that come directly to me. This is a large
part of the job (seeking material for publication, usually via a
literary agent), though much of it takes place outside of the
office (I read for about an hour each weeknight, and usually 3-4
hours over the weekend). I am responsible for contract requests,
for preparing for launch meetings (writing descriptive copy and
culling information from databases), for some presentation work,
some negotiation, and a lot of question answering. I write copy
for marketing materials and book jackets, in conjunction with
authors. I handle a good deal of information gathering and
distribution to other departments, and all correspondence with
assigned authors. I do not attend many formal meetings, but do
spend a fair amount of time consulting with collegues about
potential projects and current ones. Though I don't create
marketing materials, I do help direct the "packaging" and
marketing of the books for which I am editor. Though my job
involves a fair amount of administration, that work is usually
closely tied to the content of our books. It's occasionally
tedious, but rarely feels like mindless busy-work.
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Job Requirements
Publishers generally require that candidates for editorial
positions have at least a bachelor's degree, preferably with a
major in English, literature, journalism, foreign language, or
history (other fields are also fine, too, but must work in
conjunction with strong language skills). Applicants must show
strong knowledge of literature, both old and new, and have
excellent writing and communications skills. A strong critical
faculty is important. After an interview, most candidates will
receive a manuscript (usually one under contract for
publication), and be asked to write what is known as a "reader's
report," a summary of the content, and comments about strengths
and weaknesses of the project. This should be turned around
overnight (reading and absorbing quickly is very helpful for an
editor, of course). There is no futher education required for
editorial work, though staying abreast of current events and
trends, and reading widely and voraciously are key to the job.
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Uppers
The best part of being an editor is discovering manuscripts and bringing them to
life as books. It's a very personal, educational, and rewarding process.
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Downers
Advancing as an editor is difficult and requires a great deal of
patience. Also, salaries in publishing are modest.
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Lifestyle
I work in the office from about 9:30 to 5:30 each weekday. I also read about an
hour at night, and 3-4 hours on weekends. There is little travel involved in my
position. Our workplace is generally casual, dress-wise, and is a very pleasant
place to be. My colleagues are probably the best part of the job--all wonderful
and intelligent, and dedicated to books.
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Compensation
I earn $38,500 anually, with full health and dental coverage,
401K with company matching, physical fitness reimbursement,
flexible spending, and other small perks (free books, museum
admission, etc). I get 4 weeks vacation, plus the week between
Christmas and New Years, 7 sick days, and 4 personal days.
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Advice to Jobseekers
This is not a field to dabble in, really. The first couple years
are devoted to learning the business, and it's not until a few
years in that an editor can really begin to work on his or her
own projects. That said, if you're passionate about books, and
about the process of conceiving, executing, and improving written
texts, and if you're not afraid of some marketing, negotiating,
and public presentation, editing can provide an opportunity to
work very much hnads on in service of creative, meaningful, and
important projects.
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