An editor is in charge of preparing language, images, and final content for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or website. Among other things, an editor can serve as a copy editor, editor-in-chief, or associate editor. He or she will read the writers' work and recommend ways to improve their writing style, punctuation, and grammar. As the demand for content, in particular, grows in the market, editor as a career option offers tremendous prospects. As the world becomes more digital, the demand for editors and writers is growing at a rapid rate.
Courses like Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (BA Mass Comm.) or Diploma in Mass Communication can be pursued to start a career as an Editor. An Undergraduate course can cost anywhere between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 2,00,000, while a Diploma in Journalism course might cost anywhere between INR 10,000 and INR 5 Lacs.
Top institutes that offer relevant degrees include AJ Kidwai MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, University of Hyderabad, Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC), Pune, and others.
Table of Contents
- How to Become an Editor: Quick Facts
- What does an Editor do
- Steps to Become an Editor
- Types of Editors
- How to Become an Editor in India
5.1 How to Become an Editor After 12th
6.1 B.A. Journalism
6.3 B.A. Journalism & Mass Communication
7.1 How to Become an Editor in UK
7.2 How to Become an Editor in USA
7.3 How to Become an Editor in Canada
7.4 How to Become an Editor in Australia
10.2 Specialization Wise Salary
10.3 Gender Wise Salary
How to Become an Editor: Quick Facts
| Industry | Writing |
| Eligibility | A diploma or degree in mass communication/journalism is required, as well as a strong command of the English language. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 236,250 per year |
| Job Opportunity | Newspaper houses, News agencies, Magazines, Websites, Publishing houses, Freelancers, Advertising companies, Radio and TV stations, NGOs |
What Does an Editor Do?
Editors are in charge of checking facts, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They're also in charge of making sure a piece follows in-house style rules and feels polished and refined when it's finished.
Editors set the publication's policies, supervise the personnel, and organise all of the work. Editors are in charge of their publication's content. They choose what will appeal to readers, assign topics, and supervise the newspaper's production. There are associate or assistant editors who are responsible for specific subjects in very large publications, such as sports, international news, education, careers, family, and so on. Editors' administrative responsibilities include hiring writers, budgeting, and negotiating contracts with freelance writers, among other things.
Steps to Become an Editor
There are a few stages that must be taken in order to understand how to become an editor, and we'll go over them in depth here:
- Make a decision: Before you start pursuing a career in writing and editing, make sure you know what your hobbies are, what subject combinations you'll have to take in high school, and what courses you'll be eligible for to become an editor. You must have the desire and motivation to work for the people even under stressful circumstances to pursue a profession as an editor
- Choose the correct Subjects: An academic degree is the most popular subject like language and English communications.. However, several employers currently explore for candidates with or without a degree, but with previous writing/editing experience, proofreading, etc skills.Employers are always looking for candidates with experience.
- Prepare for college Entrance: After passing the 10+2 test, one would sit for the relevant entrance exams. There are several institutes that allow admission without an entrance exam; admittance is dependent on past exam merit. Many institutes need a pass in the 10+2 examination/equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% in aggregate in five subjects, with English as a compulsory subject.
- Choose the correct college: If you want to get into the best colleges, you may have to compel yourself to do well in your 10+2 or entrance examinations. If your grade is low, you will be allowed to attend any school that will accept your grades. According to consultants and specialists, requiring admission to top government institutions is always better because they require the simplest college, the lowest course fee, and well-developed labs.
- Qualify Entrance: Taking the entrance exam and being accepted into the greatest college is only the beginning of the road. This journey will last upto 3-4 years and will necessitate a lot of patience and devotion.
Types of Editor
In order to keep up with the newest trends and promote their websites or magazines, editors are expected to be adept in multimedia and social media. Once you begin working in this field, you can choose from a variety of job profiles. Following are some of them:
- Commissioning Editors : Authors, book titles, and publication ideas are purchased by commissioning editors. Their goal is to amass a publisher's list and obtain profitable content. They appoint authors or respond to book proposals from authors and agencies to commission work. They also make certain that typescripts are delivered on time and according to the specifications.
- Associate and Section Editors : The Associate and Section Editors are in charge of article quality, making pre-decisions on manuscript topic applicability to the journal's focus, collaborating with the editorial team and passing various editorial decisions.
- Web / Content Editors : Web editors are typically in charge of a website's content and visuals. They design, research, write, copy, and edit the material of a website in the same way as content editors do.
- Copy Editor : The job of a copy editor is to proofread content and correct problems in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Their responsibilities also include verifying the accuracy of data such as dates and statistics. They look for things like style, readability, and conformity to editorial principles in the material. They are in charge of arranging photo, article, and advertisement page layouts.
- Editor-in-Chief : An editor-in-chief is needed anywhere from any print or digital publication, from physical to online work. The editor-in-chief is in charge of the publication's appearance and feel, has the last word on what gets published and what doesn't, and supervises the staff of editors, copyeditors, and writers.
How to Become an Editor in India
To become an editor, you must begin developing skills as early as possible, such as knowledge of the English language, the ability to read English, great verbal communication skills, attention abilities, and adaptability. Working part-time or participating in internships might also be beneficial.
School level Preparation
- Candidates can choose from one of three streams during their school years.
- Merit and an entrance exam are used to determine admission to a Mass Communication and Journalism college. As a result, it is critical for the individual to achieve decent grades in their 12th boards. Candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 50% in their 12th grade. In rare circumstances, the cutoff can be as high as 75%.
- Entrance tests are used to determine admission to the best UG colleges. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) always holds the biggest entrance exam all over India. They must begin studying for the entrance exam as early as the eleventh grade.
How to Become an Editor after 12th
Following the completion of their 12th exam, candidates must continue their preparation to become an editor. The following sections detail the UG and PG preparation:
UG Level Preparation
- Candidates must enrol in a mass communication and journalism course after completing the 12th or equivalent exam.
- Candidates must do well in their undergraduate exams and maintain an overall percentage of 60% or higher. This is because top companies seek to hire people who have at least a 55 percent score.
- Candidates who want to improve their career prospects can begin studying for the PG level entrance exams offered by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, GGSIPU CET Exam, Delhi University (BMMMC), and others.
PG Level preparation
- In the postgraduate level course, candidates should attempt to maintain a score of 55 percent or above. This is required in order to obtain a favourable placement.
- Candidates should participate in internships at various companies to gain work experience before beginning their professional careers.
Courses to Become an Editor
The following are some courses that can be used to become an editor:
BA Journalism
Journalism is a bachelor's degree programme at the undergraduate level. For standard BA Journalism courses, the duration is three years. It could take up to 5 years for part-time and dual integrated courses.
- The average annual fees can be anywhere between INR 20,000 and INR 1,000,000. Madras Christian College in Chennai, St Xavier's College in Kolkata, Kristu Jayanti College in Bangalore, and others are among the best colleges in the country.
- The average annual salary in India varies between INR 3,50,000 and INR 6,00,000. Merit-based or entrance-based admission to this course is possible.
- Many universities, such as Chandigarh University and Christ University, hold their own admissions exams.
- Institutions that admit students based on their entrance exam scores are included in this admission strategy.
- Christ University in Bangalore, Chandigarh University (CU) in Chandigarh, and Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi are among the universities that fall under this category of admission.
- However, depending on the college, there may be further counselling meetings after the entrance exam lists are published.
- The successful candidates will be contacted to verify their documents. Candidates who are judged to be eligible will be admitted to the programme.
- Institutions that use this admission process admit students based on their 10+2 grades, with additional rounds such as an interview and a Group Discussion.
- Lovely Professional University [LPU], Jalandhar, and St. Xavier's College [SXC], Kolkata, are among the institutes that fall under this category of admission.
The following are some of the most common requirements for a BA Journalism degree:
- In any stream of study, the candidate should get about 50% in the 10+2 exams.
- The applicant must have finished his or her higher secondary education in India from a recognised institution.
- If the admitting institution requires it, he or she needs to pass the entrance exam.
B.A. Mass communication
The BA in Mass Communication is a three-year undergraduate programme that teaches students about mass communication. Symbiosis, BILAMS, and other prestigious colleges are among the best.
- The cost of a course might range from INR 1 to 12 lakhs. The average salary package is in the range of INR 3- 6LPA.
- Students are admitted to universities either through an entrance exam or through direct admission. From college to college, the admission process for courses through exams varies.
- Most colleges have an online application system where you can apply using the prescribed URL once it is opened.
- In the event of merit-based admission, the result is usually based on the grades obtained in the qualifying exams after the application has been processed.
- Reduce the number of colleges to which you want to apply.
- Go to the college's website if you're interested in enrolling.
- Check to see whether they have their own exam and if you qualify for it.
- Create an account or complete the admissions form as directed.
- Fill out the form, pay the costs, and, if necessary, send the relevant papers.
- As soon as your application is finalised, you will receive your admit card. Please keep note of the examination dates.
- It is a combination of the aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying examinations and the marks scored in the entrance exams in the case of entrance exams. This is based on how well you did on the entrance exam.
- Finally, keep an eye on the college's website for any current updates or notices on the subject.
Eligibility Criteria
- In any stream of study, the candidate should get about 50% in the 10+2 exams.
- The applicant must have finished his or her higher secondary education in India from a recognised institution.
- If the admitting institution requires it, he or she must pass the entrance exam.
B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication
A bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication takes three years to complete. Among the best universities are Calcutta University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and Amity University Noida. In different universities, the average course fee ranges from INR 2,000 to INR 5 lakh. A Journalism and Mass Communication degree holder can expect to earn between 4 and 10 LPA in their first job.
Direct Entrance - Students are admitted directly based on their grades in the class board exams. The following are the specifics:
- Candidates are chosen based on their qualifications. Before applying, candidates need to ensure that they are meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Students can apply to institutions which allow merit-based admissions through online or offline applications.
Exam-based Entrance : Students are required to take an entrance exam organised by the college in order to be admitted:
- Only a few universities require an applicant to take an entrance exam before enrolling in a BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.
- Students must register and pay for tests online in order to take them.
- Institutes that accept entrance exam scores use a standard selection process, however the cut-off mark varies for every institution.
- Candidates in the SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories are allowed to relax a certain percentile.
Eligibility Criteria
- This programme is open to candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent in any stream with a minimum of 50% in each subject.
- Institutions that need an entrance exam may consider both the entrance exam score and past academic records when making admission decisions. Each institution determines the examination's cut-off mark.
- Candidates from the SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories will receive a 5% mark relaxation.
- Letters of recommendation might also be in the candidate's favour.
How to become an Editor Abroad
It is feasible to work as an editor outside of India. It may, however, necessitate certain unique entry standards and qualifications. Before applying to the relevant schools in various foreign countries, aspirants must bear the following factors in mind.
- University Ranking: Candidates must research the rankings of numerous colleges as well as the specific programmes that each college offers. Candidates must compile a list of colleges based on their QS ranking as well as their national ranking. Candidates must also examine the fee requirements before compiling their list.
- Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements: Foreign universities may have more severe eligibility and selection standards, so attempt to obtain as much information as possible on the subject. For admittance, passing English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS is required. Occasionally, universities will need scores from entrance exams, etc., particularly in the case of PG admission.
- Other Requirements: Candidates are frequently asked to provide proof of their financial capability (Bank Statements), letters of recommendation, work experience, medical certificates, and other documents.
How to Become an Editor in UK
- In the United Kingdom, around 50 universities offer master's degrees in journalism.
- Students must have a bachelor's degree in media, communications, journalism, or allied subjects to apply for Masters in Journalism at top UK universities.
- To study there, you'll also need references and a current CV.
- In the United Kingdom, job opportunities include Journalist/News Reporter, Fashion Photographer, TV Correspondent, Producer, and more.
- Editors and journalists with up to five years of experience can expect to earn around £25,000, while those with ten years or more can expect to earn roughly £35,000 to £40,000.
Top colleges
| College name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Cardiff University | INR 16,22,095 |
| University of Sheffield | INR 19,56,739 |
| Oxford Brookes University | INR 14,40,829 |
| University of Warwick | INR 20,76,653 |
| University of Plymouth | INR 14,12,942 |
| Goldsmiths, University of London | INR 14,98,462 |
| Newcastle University | INR 18,40,543 |
| Loughborough University | INR 19,05,613 |
| University of Southampton | INR 18,45,191 |
How to Become an Editor in USA
- There are 115 accredited journalism and mass communication colleges in the United States.
- International students wishing to pursue a master's degree in journalism in the United States must have a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, mass communication, or a related field with a minimum overall score of 50-60 percent.
- They must also provide GRE test scores of 155 or higher in the quantitative section.
- The job scope includes positions such as editor, presenter, marketing analyst, brand manager, and public relations (PR).
- The typical pay ranges from $52,396 to $74,178 per year.
Top colleges
| College name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| West Virginia University | INR 81,13,152 |
| Valparaiso University | INR 18,19,618 |
| University of Washington | INR 1,18,37,430 |
| Kent State University | INR 30,76,721 |
| DePaul University | INR 2,76,60,070 |
| University of Utah | INR 89,16,895 |
| Kent State University | INR 56,05,725 |
| Illinois State University | INR 81,23,744 |
| Madonna University | INR 37,67,858 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | INR 17,76,454 |
How to Become an Editor in Canada
- There are about 50 colleges dedicated to journalism and mass communication.
- To be considered for admission, students must have a four-year bachelor's degree in communication, media studies, journalism, or a related discipline.
- A public relations officer, an advertiser, a director, a screenplay writer, a photographer, a video/photo editor, a news editor, a content writer, a news anchor, a journalist, a reporter, a translator, and many other positions are available.
- In Canada, the average wage for communication and journalism is $50,000 per year, or $25.64 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level employment start at $37,031 per year, with the most experienced professionals earning up to $77,090 per year.
Top colleges
| College name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Trent University | INR 5268381 |
| University of Guelph | INR 2555545 |
| University of British Columbia | INR 2461771 |
| Carleton University | INR 6968291 |
| Durham College | INR 1447121 |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | INR 6355297 |
| University of Victoria | INR 551170 |
| SAIT Polytechnic | INR 2255519 |
| Langara College | INR 2038049 |
| Carleton University | INR 6122743 |
How to Become an Editor in Australia
- In Australia, there are more than 50 colleges that provide Mass Communication degrees and Journalism courses.
- To be considered for admission, students must have a four-year bachelor's degree in communication, media studies, journalism, or a related discipline.
- In Australia, job opportunities include producer, radio jockey/ RJ, public relations officer, content writer, editor, and others.
- Per year, you should anticipate to pay anything between $10,000 and $50,000.
Top colleges
| College name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| The University of Queensland | INR 2551779 |
| RMIT University | INR 3231303 |
| Deakin University | INR 806836 |
| The University of Queensland | INR 3541761 |
| The University of Sydney | INR 1955215 |
| Monash University | INR 3464938 |
| The University of Melbourne | INR 3579776 |
| Monash University | INR 3435239 |
| University of Canberra | INR 4157926 |
| Western Sydney University | INR 4169806 |
Benefits of career as an Editor
Working as an editor can be fun and fulfilling. Some of the benefits of being an Editor are,
- Financial Security: At the entry, middle, and senior levels, the position offers a good wage range. At the entry level, salaries range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,50,000. Despite the fact that it does not appear to be much, it yet gives adequate financial stability. Salary ranges from INR 600000 to INR 1000000 for senior or experienced employees.
- Job Security: Editors in India have a high level of job stability because they are in high demand in today's digital age.
- Prestige: Editors and writers enjoy a high level of respect and distinction in their profession. They are treated with respect by society. Being an editor necessitates both imagination and a good outlook on life.
- Creative freedom: By coming up with new ideas and planning the content, editors can express their creative freedom. They also contribute to the creation of captions, articles, and storey editing. They are active in a wide range of projects. If you work as an editor in the publishing industry, you may have the opportunity to freelance or work from home on occasion.
- Meeting new people: One of the advantages of this job is that you get to meet a lot of people and form relationships with them. Those individuals could include top celebrities, politicians, and other newsmakers. You get the opportunity to mingle with the powerful and influential.
- Full of surprises: This is especially true if you work for a newspaper. You never know how your day will start or end, nor do you know what the day will bring.
Skills Required to Become an Editor
Mentioned below are few of the skill sets that needs to be inculcated in order to become an Editor,
| Communication expertise | Ability to collaborate effectively with others |
| Verbal & Written English | Great communication skills in writing |
| Proofreading | Adaptability and Flexibility |
| Detail oriented | Ability to work under pressure |
Salary of Editors in India
Experience Wise Salary
| Level | Salary Package |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | INR 3.3 LPA - INR 4.0 LPA |
| Mid-career | INR 4.8 LPA - INR 5 LPA |
| Experienced | INR 5.2 LPA - INR 6.5 LPA |
Specialisation Wise Salary
| Copy Editor | INR 309314 |
| Editor-in-Chief | INR 815,000 |
| Web/Content editor | INR 308,730 |
| Associate and Section editor | INR 438680 |
| Commissioning editor | ?7,00,000 |
Gender Wise Salary
| Male | INR 30300 p/m |
| Female | INR 25200 p/m |
How to Become an Editor: FAQs
Ques. Is being an editor a good profession?
Ans. Editors are frequently expected to operate with little supervision and make judgments on their own. This kind of independence can be quite gratifying for the proper person. Many freelance editors appreciate the flexibility of working from home, setting their own hours, and selecting their own tasks, but this requires discipline and passion. Thus it's a good career for the right people.
Ques. How do I get a job as an editor if I don't have a degree?
Ans. If you don't have a degree, you can gain experience editing through your existing network—people who know you and believe in your abilities. To get started, offer to edit their work for free. You can start looking for paid clients once you've gained confidence working for others.
Ques. How difficult is it to find work as an editor
Ans. Unless you're an experienced editor with a strong resume and a track record of selecting best sellers, it'll be difficult. Otherwise, you'll start as an intern or mailroom clerk and work your way up to first reader, then Assistant Editor after a few years (the editor's secretary who reviews first reader submissions).
Ques. Is a master's degree required for editors?
Ans. The majority of editors have a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or journalism. Graduate degrees are preferred, but they are not required. A passion for reading and an ability for editing are more significant than specifics of your degree.
Ques. Is there a distinction between a proofreader and an editor?
Ans. Misspellings, incorrect/missed punctuation, inconsistencies (textual and numerical), and other errors will be checked by a proofreader. Editor, on the other hand, corrects faults like sentence structure and linguistic clarity that are at the heart of writing. A comprehensive editing will aid in improving the text's readability, clarity, and tone.
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