how to be a good assignment editor

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Career Spotlight: Assignment Editor

By NBCU Academy

What does an assignment editor do? A longtime assignment manager for NBC4 Washington shares how his team covers breaking news.

At the heart of every newsroom is an assignment desk, where assignment editors figure out what news stories to cover around the clock. They make constant phone calls, listen to police radios and sift through emails to get news tips and background information from officials and the public. They contribute to editorial meetings with reporters, editors and producers. But breaking news can rewrite coverage plans at any point of the day.  

Charlie Bragale, an assignment manager who has worked at WRC-TV in Washington since 1988, has seen many changes in technology , but his assignment desk has always been crucial to newsgathering. He calls his assignment editors “off-air reporters,” talking to sources and conveying updates to news crews and production staff.  

“I compare the assignment editor to a flight controller. I’m trying to land five 747s, a couple of A380s and a couple 737s in a blinding rainstorm,” Bragale said. “100% of my day is talking on the phone, networking with people, trying to get people to talk to me and check in.” 

Bragale talks about the work of an assignment editor in the video above and shares more remarks below.  

What are some tips to being a good assignment editor?

Be curious, be a risk taker and instinctively know what you’re doing right. You see something, go chase after it. We don’t run away from bad news or good news — we run towards everything. 

Success is collaborating with everybody.  We’re just a cog in the wheels of what we do every day. Collaboration is key.  

Your workspace is surrounded by walkie-talkies tuned in to a bunch of police and emergency medical scanners. Isn’t it confusing to listen to all that at once?

Don’t be intimidated by this. This is just white noise. Just listen for keywords, the intensity in the voice, the impact of the event. 

What are some memorable stories you worked on?

I covered a guy who pulled out an AR-15 and shot up the front of the White House [in October 1994] — that was a [Saturday] afternoon, we were running AFC football.  

The phone rings, a guy with a heavy accent says, “Do you speak Portuguese?” And I was like, “Yes, I’m from Brazil.” A Brazilian tourist, videotaping the White House with his family, captured the moment that guy shot at the White House. Back then, we had no cellphones, so I sent a courier to pick him up and look at the video. One of my colleagues ran over, grabbed the video and took it downstairs. They broke into AFC football to show the guy shooting the White House — that’s how important it was.  

[On 9/11,] we knew about the planes that struck the World Trade Center. But then I heard a plane hit the Pentagon. I heard that officer, the chill in his voice — we knew it was [a related attack]. We were ready, directing people everywhere, because we knew Washington.

You’ve worked at the same assignment desk for 36 years. What keeps you going?

This is gonna sound mushy, but I grew up here in Washington, two blocks from the TV station. As a child riding my bike through this park, past Channel 4 to the Catholic school on Massachusetts Avenue, I would always tell my brothers, “One day, I’m going to work at that place.” To represent the community and work at this incredible organization, in my job which I love, is an honor. 

Gallery: Scenes from Charlie Bragale’s Career

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Editing and Proofreading

What this handout is about.

This handout provides some tips and strategies for revising your writing. To give you a chance to practice proofreading, we have left seven errors (three spelling errors, two punctuation errors, and two grammatical errors) in the text of this handout. See if you can spot them!

Is editing the same thing as proofreading?

Not exactly. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, editing and proofreading are two different stages of the revision process. Both demand close and careful reading, but they focus on different aspects of the writing and employ different techniques.

Some tips that apply to both editing and proofreading

• Get some distance from the text! It’s hard to edit or proofread a paper that you’ve just finished writing—it’s still to familiar, and you tend to skip over a lot of errors. Put the paper aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. Go for a run. Take a trip to the beach. Clear your head of what you’ve written so you can take a fresh look at the paper and see what is really on the page. Better yet, give the paper to a friend—you can’t get much more distance than that. Someone who is reading the paper for the first time, comes to it with completely fresh eyes.
• Decide which medium lets you proofread most carefully. Some people like to work right at the computer, while others like to sit back with a printed copy that they can mark up as they read.
• Try changing the look of your document. Altering the size, spacing, color, or style of the text may trick your brain into thinking it’s seeing an unfamiliar document, and that can help you get a different perspective on what you’ve written.
• Find a quiet place to work. Don’t try to do your proofreading in front of the TV or while you’re chugging away on the treadmill. Find a place where you can concentrate and avoid distractions.
• If possible, do your editing and proofreading in several short blocks of time. Your concentration may start to wane if you try to proofread the entire text at one time.
• If you’re short on time, you may wish to prioritize. Make sure that you complete the most important editing and proofreading tasks.

Editing is what you begin doing as soon as you finish your first draft. You reread your draft to see, for example, whether the paper is well-organized, the transitions between paragraphs are smooth, and your evidence really backs up your argument. You can edit on several levels:

Have you done everything the assignment requires? Are the claims you make accurate? If it is required to do so, does your paper make an argument? Is the argument complete? Are all of your claims consistent? Have you supported each point with adequate evidence? Is all of the information in your paper relevant to the assignment and/or your overall writing goal? (For additional tips, see our handouts on understanding assignments and developing an argument .)

Overall structure

Does your paper have an appropriate introduction and conclusion? Is your thesis clearly stated in your introduction? Is it clear how each paragraph in the body of your paper is related to your thesis? Are the paragraphs arranged in a logical sequence? Have you made clear transitions between paragraphs? One way to check the structure of your paper is to make a reverse outline of the paper after you have written the first draft. (See our handouts on introductions , conclusions , thesis statements , and transitions .)

Structure within paragraphs

Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence? Does each paragraph stick to one main idea? Are there any extraneous or missing sentences in any of your paragraphs? (See our handout on paragraph development .)

Have you defined any important terms that might be unclear to your reader? Is the meaning of each sentence clear? (One way to answer this question is to read your paper one sentence at a time, starting at the end and working backwards so that you will not unconsciously fill in content from previous sentences.) Is it clear what each pronoun (he, she, it, they, which, who, this, etc.) refers to? Have you chosen the proper words to express your ideas? Avoid using words you find in the thesaurus that aren’t part of your normal vocabulary; you may misuse them.

Have you used an appropriate tone (formal, informal, persuasive, etc.)? Is your use of gendered language (masculine and feminine pronouns like “he” or “she,” words like “fireman” that contain “man,” and words that some people incorrectly assume apply to only one gender—for example, some people assume “nurse” must refer to a woman) appropriate? Have you varied the length and structure of your sentences? Do you tends to use the passive voice too often? Does your writing contain a lot of unnecessary phrases like “there is,” “there are,” “due to the fact that,” etc.? Do you repeat a strong word (for example, a vivid main verb) unnecessarily? (For tips, see our handouts on style and gender-inclusive language .)

Have you appropriately cited quotes, paraphrases, and ideas you got from sources? Are your citations in the correct format? (See the UNC Libraries citation tutorial for more information.)

As you edit at all of these levels, you will usually make significant revisions to the content and wording of your paper. Keep an eye out for patterns of error; knowing what kinds of problems you tend to have will be helpful, especially if you are editing a large document like a thesis or dissertation. Once you have identified a pattern, you can develop techniques for spotting and correcting future instances of that pattern. For example, if you notice that you often discuss several distinct topics in each paragraph, you can go through your paper and underline the key words in each paragraph, then break the paragraphs up so that each one focuses on just one main idea.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process, focusing on surface errors such as misspellings and mistakes in grammar and punctuation. You should proofread only after you have finished all of your other editing revisions.

Why proofread? It’s the content that really matters, right?

Content is important. But like it or not, the way a paper looks affects the way others judge it. When you’ve worked hard to develop and present your ideas, you don’t want careless errors distracting your reader from what you have to say. It’s worth paying attention to the details that help you to make a good impression.

Most people devote only a few minutes to proofreading, hoping to catch any glaring errors that jump out from the page. But a quick and cursory reading, especially after you’ve been working long and hard on a paper, usually misses a lot. It’s better to work with a definite plan that helps you to search systematically for specific kinds of errors.

Sure, this takes a little extra time, but it pays off in the end. If you know that you have an effective way to catch errors when the paper is almost finished, you can worry less about editing while you are writing your first drafts. This makes the entire writing proccess more efficient.

Try to keep the editing and proofreading processes separate. When you are editing an early draft, you don’t want to be bothered with thinking about punctuation, grammar, and spelling. If your worrying about the spelling of a word or the placement of a comma, you’re not focusing on the more important task of developing and connecting ideas.

The proofreading process

You probably already use some of the strategies discussed below. Experiment with different tactics until you find a system that works well for you. The important thing is to make the process systematic and focused so that you catch as many errors as possible in the least amount of time.

• Don’t rely entirely on spelling checkers. These can be useful tools but they are far from foolproof. Spell checkers have a limited dictionary, so some words that show up as misspelled may really just not be in their memory. In addition, spell checkers will not catch misspellings that form another valid word. For example, if you type “your” instead of “you’re,” “to” instead of “too,” or “there” instead of “their,” the spell checker won’t catch the error.
• Grammar checkers can be even more problematic. These programs work with a limited number of rules, so they can’t identify every error and often make mistakes. They also fail to give thorough explanations to help you understand why a sentence should be revised. You may want to use a grammar checker to help you identify potential run-on sentences or too-frequent use of the passive voice, but you need to be able to evaluate the feedback it provides.
• Proofread for only one kind of error at a time. If you try to identify and revise too many things at once, you risk losing focus, and your proofreading will be less effective. It’s easier to catch grammar errors if you aren’t checking punctuation and spelling at the same time. In addition, some of the techniques that work well for spotting one kind of mistake won’t catch others.
• Read slow, and read every word. Try reading out loud , which forces you to say each word and also lets you hear how the words sound together. When you read silently or too quickly, you may skip over errors or make unconscious corrections.
• Separate the text into individual sentences. This is another technique to help you to read every sentence carefully. Simply press the return key after every period so that every line begins a new sentence. Then read each sentence separately, looking for grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. If you’re working with a printed copy, try using an opaque object like a ruler or a piece of paper to isolate the line you’re working on.
• Circle every punctuation mark. This forces you to look at each one. As you circle, ask yourself if the punctuation is correct.
• Read the paper backwards. This technique is helpful for checking spelling. Start with the last word on the last page and work your way back to the beginning, reading each word separately. Because content, punctuation, and grammar won’t make any sense, your focus will be entirely on the spelling of each word. You can also read backwards sentence by sentence to check grammar; this will help you avoid becoming distracted by content issues.
• Proofreading is a learning process. You’re not just looking for errors that you recognize; you’re also learning to recognize and correct new errors. This is where handbooks and dictionaries come in. Keep the ones you find helpful close at hand as you proofread.
• Ignorance may be bliss, but it won’t make you a better proofreader. You’ll often find things that don’t seem quite right to you, but you may not be quite sure what’s wrong either. A word looks like it might be misspelled, but the spell checker didn’t catch it. You think you need a comma between two words, but you’re not sure why. Should you use “that” instead of “which”? If you’re not sure about something, look it up.
• The proofreading process becomes more efficient as you develop and practice a systematic strategy. You’ll learn to identify the specific areas of your own writing that need careful attention, and knowing that you have a sound method for finding errors will help you to focus more on developing your ideas while you are drafting the paper.

Think you’ve got it?

Then give it a try, if you haven’t already! This handout contains seven errors our proofreader should have caught: three spelling errors, two punctuation errors, and two grammatical errors. Try to find them, and then check a version of this page with the errors marked in red to see if you’re a proofreading star.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Especially for non-native speakers of English:

Ascher, Allen. 2006. Think About Editing: An ESL Guide for the Harbrace Handbooks . Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Lane, Janet, and Ellen Lange. 2012. Writing Clearly: Grammar for Editing , 3rd ed. Boston: Heinle.

For everyone:

Einsohn, Amy. 2011. The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications , 3rd ed. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Lanham, Richard A. 2006. Revising Prose , 5th ed. New York: Pearson Longman.

Tarshis, Barry. 1998. How to Be Your Own Best Editor: The Toolkit for Everyone Who Writes . New York: Three Rivers Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Unlocking Success: A Guide to the Assignment Editor Career Path

• Published: November 17, 2023
• By: Yellowbrick

Understanding the Role of an Assignment Editor

An assignment editor plays a crucial role in the newsroom. They are responsible for coordinating and assigning news stories to reporters, photographers, and other members of the news team. They work closely with journalists to determine which stories are newsworthy and need to be covered. Additionally, assignment editors often monitor news sources, such as wire services, social media, and press releases, to stay updated on the latest developments and breaking news.

Skills Required for Success

To excel as an assignment editor, certain skills are essential. First and foremost, you need to have a strong news sense and the ability to identify stories with potential impact. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also vital as you will be working closely with reporters, photographers, and other newsroom staff.

Additionally, organizational skills are crucial to effectively manage multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines. Being adaptable and able to work well under pressure is another key attribute of a successful assignment editor.

Gaining Relevant Education and Experience

While a specific degree is not always required to become an assignment editor, a background in journalism or a related field can be advantageous. Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a similar discipline can provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.

Several universities and colleges offer journalism programs, including New York University (NYU), NYU Tisch, Parsons School of Design, Parsons, The New School, FIT, Fashion Institute of Technology, FIDM, and Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Alongside formal education, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in news organizations is highly beneficial. These opportunities allow you to develop hands-on skills, network with industry professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of the newsroom environment. Yellowbrick offers online courses specifically designed for aspiring journalists, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to kickstart your career.

Building a Strong Portfolio

As an assignment editor, having a strong portfolio is crucial to showcase your skills and experience. Include samples of your work, such as news stories you have assigned and coordinated, your ability to handle breaking news, and any other relevant projects you have worked on. A well-crafted portfolio can demonstrate your news judgment, organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Networking and Professional Development

Networking plays a significant role in the journalism industry. Building connections with other professionals in the field can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights. Attend industry events, join journalism associations, and connect with journalists and editors on professional networking platforms. Building relationships with industry leaders can help you stay updated on job openings and gain valuable mentorship.

In addition to networking, continuous professional development is essential in a rapidly evolving field like journalism. Stay updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Attend workshops, conferences, and webinars to enhance your skills and broaden your knowledge base.

A career as an assignment editor in modern journalism can be both challenging and rewarding. By developing the necessary skills, gaining relevant education and experience, building a strong portfolio, and networking with professionals, you can pave the way for a successful assignment editor career. Embrace the ever-changing landscape of journalism and seize the opportunities that come your way.

Key Takeaways:

• An assignment editor plays a crucial role in the newsroom by coordinating and assigning news stories to journalists and other team members.
• Skills required for success as an assignment editor include a strong news sense, excellent communication and organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure.
• While a specific degree is not always required, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or a related field can provide a solid foundation.
• Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions is highly beneficial in developing hands-on skills and understanding the newsroom environment.
• Building a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience is crucial for success in this field.
• Networking with industry professionals and continuously investing in professional development are essential for staying updated on industry trends and opening doors to new opportunities.

As you embark on your journey toward a successful assignment editor career, consider exploring the NYU | Modern Journalism online courses and certificate programs offered by Yellowbrick . Their courses provide valuable insights and practical knowledge tailored specifically for aspiring journalists. By taking advantage of these resources, you can further enhance your skills and gain a competitive edge in the field.

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• Career Paths

What Does an Assignment Editor Do?

Learn About the Salary, Required Skills, & More

The Balance / Ellen Lindner

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• Assignment Editor Duties & Responsibilities

Assignment Editor Salary

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Job Outlook

Work environment, work schedule, comparing similar jobs.

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An assignment editor works at the assignment desk, which is the nerve center of any newsroom. This is where newsroom staff members monitor multiple sources for breaking news, including police and fire scanners. When possible news arises, the assignment editor works with reporters, photographers, producers, and other staff members to assign and develop story ideas.

Small companies sometimes have one assignment editor who is responsible for organizing the assignment desk to operate around the clock. In larger newsrooms, there may be a team of assignment editors that take turns staffing the desk.

Assignment Editor Duties & Responsibilities

The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:

• Monitor multiple sources for possible news stories
• Develop and propose a daily news coverage plan
• Lead newsroom staff meetings to review possible stories and assignments
• Help choose which journalists, photographers, and other staff members are assigned to cover stories
• Stay on top of all stories to ensure they're developing as planned and determine which ones are not coming together
• Be the main point of communication between reporters, production teams, and executive staff on developing stories

It's up to the assignment editor to assign people to investigate and report on news stories. The assignment editor's day is sometimes spent shifting people and equipment around so that as many stories get covered as possible, with an eye out on how to handle breaking news coverage at any moment.

When working in television, an assignment editor may also work with the tv producer to decide which crews will take live trucks or a helicopter to broadcast live during a newscast. Also, a TV news anchor who is reviewing scripts just before airtime will often turn to the assignment editor to confirm facts.

An assignment editor's salary can vary depending on location, experience, and employer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers salary data for the broader editor category, but it doesn't offer separate data on the assignment editor subcategory:

• Median Annual Salary: $59,480 
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $114,460 
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,830  

Education, Training, & Certification

Most assignment editors have the same types of degrees as other editors and journalists in a newsroom.

• Education: Most employers prefer candidates that have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English. 
• Experience: This is often key to getting this type of job, because experience is key to building a list of contacts and learning how to operate smoothly. Employers usually prefer candidates with a background in the type of media in which they specialize, whether it's television, digital, or print news.
• Training: Most training happens on the job. Aspiring assignment editors may want to find an internship position at a newsroom assignment desk.

Assignment Editor Skills & Competencies

To be successful in this role, you’ll generally need the following skills and qualities: 

• Editorial judgment: Assignment editors need to be able to quickly decide whether a story is newsworthy. And although they aren't usually writing the stories themselves, they need to know all of the components of a good news story to guide reporters on coverage.
• Interpersonal skills: Successful assignment editors form relationships with many contacts that can help bring a story together. For example, someone in this role at a local TV news station may have all the county sheriffs' home telephone numbers on speed-dial and be on a first-name basis with the current and previous mayors.
• Organizational skills: An assignment editor must be able to organize the logistics and track the details of several stories at a time and keep everything on schedule.
• Communication skills: An assignment editor must skillfully communicate with all of the staff involved in making news stories come together, including reporters, photographers, production teams, and executive staff.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow 6 percent through 2026, which is slightly slower than the overall employment growth of 7 percent for all occupations in the country. The BLS it doesn't offer separate data on the assignment editor subcategory.

Most of this job is done in an office working under several tight deadlines at once. Those who thrive on pressure and get an adrenaline rush when something unexpected happens may be best suited for this occupation.

An assignment editor usually arrives in the newsroom earlier than the other managers to get a handle on what's happening that day to brief the newsroom. Most assignment editors work full time, and many work long hours, which include evenings and weekends.

People who are interested in becoming assignment editors may also consider other careers with these median salaries: 

• Writers and authors: $61,820
• Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts: $40,910
• Desktop publishers: $42,350

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , 2017

How to Get the Job

Build a Contact List

Making a list of contacts is the best place to start for a budding assignment editor. That involves making personal connections with people so that you can turn to them when you need information.

Join a Professional Association

The American Media Institute offers  a list of professional associations you can join. Which one you choose may depend on your specialty or medium (websites or television, for instance). This will help you build your contact list and stay up to date on the latest tools and techniques in the industry.

Search job sites that specialize in media careers, such as MediaBistro and iHire Broadcasting .

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Lend Me Your Peers: How to Make the Most of Peer Editing Sessions

September 1, 2017

By Andrew Koch, Writing Tutor

"And be sure to bring a draft of your paper for next week's class. We're having a peer review day."

(Internal groan)

Peer editing days are like Cincinnati weather: either great or miserable, with not much in between. The right suggestions from classmates about your writing can give you great insights on how to improve your paper, but if you're anything like me, you find bad peer editing can be a real drag.

Bad peer editing comes in many forms, from the hypercritical (red ink dripping from every line) to the unresponsive (a blank expression and a shrug when you ask "So what'd you think?"), and the worst peer editing can make you feel worse about your paper than when you began the session. Many professors have students critique others' works as a way of improving writing, but misguided peer review sessions can turn into time spent either politely nodding and discussing weekend plans and last night's game or (worse) passive-aggressively tearing each other's papers apart. Sometimes a student may not know what kind of advice to give to a classmate, especially if he or she is personally struggling to understand the assignment.

But you don't have to settle for anything less than the best from these sessions! As is the case in many areas in life, you'll get what you give from peer editing. By committing to being a better peer editor, you're helping to improve the peer editing culture and showing your classmate what kind of feedback you're looking for in return. By learning the right questions to ask, your partner and you can both walk away with a better paper and more confidence about the assignment. Here are some ways to help you get the most out of peer editing sessions:

Look at the big picture. A common mistake among editors is putting too much focus on "proofreading" and not enough on the content of a paper. Though it pains me (a grammar nerd) to admit it, good peer editing is about a lot more than policing spelling and punctuation. Rather, good peer editing ensures that a piece of writing, in addition to being grammatically correct, makes sense to the audience and is accomplishing what the assignment asks. Don't be afraid to ask more general questions about the paper and its structure and focus. Is the writer's focus too broad? Too specific? In an argumentative paper, is the writer's main opinion coming through? Are there ways that the writer could be clearer? Does your partner's paper fulfill the assignment's requirements in terms of focus?

Listen to the writer and let him/her guide. See if there's a specific aspect of the paper that your partner is concerned about. While some of your fellow students might not know what they want to improve about their writing/assignment, others will more precisely know how they want to better develop the paper. As a peer editor, your goal is to help the other student improve his or her assignment and writing ability, whatever shape that may take, and your classmate will do the same for you. As tempting as it might seem, this is not a chance for you to show off your intelligence or writing prowess. Remember to stay focused on what your review session partner needs and follow his or her lead.

Read the paper out loud. If you've been to the Writing Center, you're probably familiar with this technique, one of our favorites. It's easy to become bogged down in your own words while writing a piece, but verbally revisiting your words by doing a read through can help you catch content weaknesses and, yes, spelling and grammar mistakes, too, by revisiting your language in a new way. Time permitting, have your partner read his or her paper aloud to you.

Ask questions and be patient. If you're unsure about something in your partner's paper, just ask! Writers love to talk about their writing, and face-to-face communication allows you the opportunity to quickly and efficiently ask questions and get feedback. Don't assume that you understand what a writer is saying - feel free to pick your partner's brain about his or her subject or topic. I've often found that my best ideas come when I'm explaining my paper's subject or my writing assignment to someone else.

Being a better peer editor for someone else can help you focus on your own writing as well. By being a more thoughtful peer editor, you can break the cycle of unproductive and unhelpful peer editing sessions, and everybody will win.

You might also like:

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Top 12 Assignment Editor Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the fast-paced world of media and journalism, an assignment editor plays a crucial role in shaping the news narrative, making it essential to highlight a distinct set of skills on your resume. This article will delve into the top 12 skills that can make your application stand out, demonstrating your ability to efficiently manage content, coordinate with teams, and ensure the delivery of high-quality news stories.

Assignment Editor Skills

• Final Cut Pro
• Adobe Premiere
• Newsroom Management
• Social Media Analytics
• SEO Optimization
• CMS Experience
• Fact-Checking
• Multimedia Storytelling
• Deadline Management
• Avid Media Composer

1. AP Style

AP Style, short for Associated Press Style, is a standardized writing guideline used primarily in journalism and news writing. It covers grammar, punctuation, usage, and journalistic principles, aiming to ensure consistency and clarity in communication. For an Assignment Editor, adhering to AP Style means ensuring all content meets these established standards before publication.

Why It's Important

AP Style is important for an Assignment Editor because it ensures consistency, clarity, and professionalism in news writing and reporting across various publications, facilitating accurate and uniform communication.

How to Improve AP Style Skills

Improving AP Style, especially for an Assignment Editor, involves a few focused steps:

Familiarize with the AP Stylebook : It's essential to regularly consult and familiarize yourself with the AP Stylebook , the journalist's bible. This ensures your writing adheres to the standardized guidelines for grammar, punctuation, usage, and journalistic style.

Practice Regularly : Apply AP Style rules in your writing consistently. The more you write and edit following these guidelines, the more natural they become.

Stay Updated : AP Style guidelines update annually. Keep abreast of changes through the AP Stylebook Online and their Twitter feed, which often answers style questions and announces updates.

Use Tools and Resources : Leverage online resources and tools like Grammarly or the Purdue OWL for additional grammar and style support.

Peer Review and Feedback : Engage with peers for reviewing your work. Constructive feedback can identify common mistakes and areas for improvement.

Implementing these steps will significantly enhance your proficiency in AP Style, thereby improving the quality and consistency of your editing work.

How to Display AP Style Skills on Your Resume

2. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear video editing software developed by Apple Inc., designed for filmmakers and video editors to edit, produce, and deliver high-quality video content.

Final Cut Pro is important for an Assignment Editor because it offers powerful, efficient video editing capabilities, enabling precise control over media for crafting compelling stories, enhancing workflows, and meeting tight production deadlines.

How to Improve Final Cut Pro Skills

To improve your skills and efficiency in Final Cut Pro as an Assignment Editor, focus on the following concise tips:

Master Keyboard Shortcuts : Learn the essential shortcuts to speed up your editing process. Apple provides a comprehensive list of Final Cut Pro shortcuts.

Use Templates and Presets : Utilize built-in templates and presets for quick editing and maintaining consistency across projects. MotionVFX offers high-quality templates for Final Cut Pro.

Organize Your Media : Efficient media organization using libraries, events, and keywords will streamline your workflow. FCP.co provides tips on organizing media effectively.

Color Grading : Enhance your videos by learning color grading techniques. Color Grading Central offers tutorials and tools for improving your color grading .

Expand Your Skills with Plugins : Incorporate plugins to add new features and effects to your edits. Check out FCP.co’s plugin directory for recommended plugins.

Practice Regularly : Like any skill, regular practice is key. Engage in projects that push your boundaries and incorporate new techniques.

Stay Updated : Final Cut Pro is regularly updated. Stay informed about new features and improvements through Apple’s What’s New in Final Cut Pro documentation.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your Final Cut Pro skills, making your workflow more efficient and your projects more professional.

How to Display Final Cut Pro Skills on Your Resume

3. Adobe Premiere

Adobe Premiere is a professional video editing software used for creating and editing visual content, widely utilized by filmmakers, broadcasters, and assignment editors for producing high-quality video projects.

Adobe Premiere is important for Assignment Editors because it provides powerful and versatile video editing tools that enable precise control over video content, facilitating the creation of high-quality, compelling visual stories tailored to their audience's needs.

How to Improve Adobe Premiere Skills

To enhance your Adobe Premiere experience as an Assignment Editor, focus on the following concise strategies:

Optimize Performance : Adjust your Preferences for better performance. Under Edit > Preferences > Memory, allocate more RAM to Premiere Pro.

Keyboard Shortcuts : Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster editing. Customize them in Premiere Pro under Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.

Proxy Workflow : Implement a proxy workflow for smoother editing of high-resolution video. This method allows you to edit with lower-resolution clips, then switch back to full resolution for final export.

Lumetri Color Panel : Use the Lumetri Color panel for advanced color correction and grading. This toolset can greatly improve the visual appeal of your footage.

Essential Sound Panel : Enhance your audio with the Essential Sound panel, which provides simplified controls for editing audio tracks and clips.

Graphics Templates : Access Adobe Stock for professional motion graphics templates or create your own in After Effects. This can elevate the visual quality of your projects with minimal effort.

Regular Updates : Always keep Adobe Premiere Pro updated to the latest version. New features, bug fixes, and performance improvements are regularly added.

By focusing on these strategies, you can significantly improve your efficiency and the overall quality of your projects in Adobe Premiere Pro.

How to Display Adobe Premiere Skills on Your Resume

4. Newsroom Management

Newsroom Management involves overseeing the daily operations of a newsroom, including story selection, assignment delegation, and coordination of news coverage. For an Assignment Editor, it specifically entails assigning journalists to cover stories, managing deadlines, and ensuring the news content is timely, accurate, and aligns with the outlet's editorial standards.

Newsroom management is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and efficient environment where stories are accurately prioritized, assigned, and executed. For an Assignment Editor, it ensures the right resources are allocated to stories, deadlines are met, and the news coverage is balanced and comprehensive, ultimately upholding the outlet's credibility and audience trust.

How to Improve Newsroom Management Skills

Improving Newsroom Management, particularly from the perspective of an Assignment Editor, involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on effective communication, strategic planning, and leveraging technology.

Enhance Communication : Implement regular briefings and debriefings to ensure all team members are on the same page. Tools like Slack can facilitate instant messaging and group discussions.

Strategic Planning : Use digital tools like Trello for assigning tasks and tracking progress. This helps in visualizing story development and managing deadlines efficiently.

Leverage Technology : Embrace newsroom software like NewsWhip for real-time analytics and trend tracking. This can help in making informed decisions about which stories to pursue.

Training and Development : Continuously invest in training programs for staff to improve their skills in digital journalism, investigative reporting, and data analysis. Websites like Poynter offer courses tailored for journalists.

Feedback Mechanism : Establish a robust feedback system using tools like SurveyMonkey to gather insights from staff and audience. This can inform adjustments in operational strategies and content focus.

By focusing on these areas, an Assignment Editor can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of a newsroom.

How to Display Newsroom Management Skills on Your Resume

5. Social Media Analytics

Social Media Analytics involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from social media platforms to understand audience behavior, engagement trends, and content performance, assisting Assignment Editors in making informed decisions on content strategy and distribution.

Social Media Analytics is important for an Assignment Editor as it provides data-driven insights to understand audience preferences, engagement levels, and content performance, enabling the creation of targeted, impactful, and relevant content strategies.

How to Improve Social Media Analytics Skills

Improving social media analytics involves a multifaceted approach that focuses on enhancing data quality, utilizing advanced analytical tools, and refining analysis techniques. Here's a concise guide for an Assignment Editor looking to improve social media analytics:

Define Clear Objectives : Establish specific, measurable goals for your social media campaigns. This enables targeted analytics that are more meaningful and actionable. Hootsuite provides insights on key social media metrics to track.

Use Advanced Tools : Incorporate sophisticated analytics tools that offer deeper insights, such as sentiment analysis, trend forecasting, and competitor analysis. Platforms like Sprout Social and BuzzSumo provide comprehensive analytics solutions.

Leverage AI and Machine Learning : These technologies can significantly enhance analytics by predicting trends, personalizing content recommendations, and automating data analysis. IBM Watson is known for its AI capabilities in analytics.

Engage in A/B Testing : Systematically test your content to understand what resonates best with your audience. This empirical approach can refine your content strategy and improve engagement. Optimizely offers solutions for A/B testing.

Enhance Data Visualization : Utilize tools that offer advanced data visualization features. Clear, intuitive visualizations can reveal patterns and insights more effectively. Tableau is a leading platform for data visualization.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation : Social media trends evolve rapidly. Stay informed about the latest analytical techniques, tools, and best practices. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on social media analytics.

Monitor and Measure ROI : Use analytics to track the return on investment of your social media activities. This helps in justifying the budget and resources allocated to social media efforts. Google Analytics can be integrated with social media to track conversions and assess ROI.

Listen to Your Audience : Implement social listening tools to understand the sentiment and conversations about your brand. This feedback is invaluable for adjusting your strategy and improving engagement. Brandwatch is a powerful tool for social listening.

By implementing these strategies, an Assignment Editor can significantly enhance the effectiveness of social media analytics, leading to better-informed decisions and more successful social media campaigns.

How to Display Social Media Analytics Skills on Your Resume

6. SEO Optimization

SEO Optimization, short for Search Engine Optimization, involves enhancing a website's visibility in search engine results to increase its organic traffic by making it more relevant and accessible to users based on specific keywords or phrases. For an Assignment Editor, this would mean ensuring content is keyword-rich, well-structured, and informative to rank higher in search results, thus attracting a larger audience.

SEO optimization is crucial for increasing a website's visibility in search engine results, driving more organic traffic, and enhancing the user experience, ultimately helping an Assignment Editor reach a wider audience and ensure relevant content is easily discoverable.

How to Improve SEO Optimization Skills

Improving SEO optimization involves several key strategies:

Keyword Research : Identify relevant, high-volume keywords for your content. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help.

Quality Content : Create valuable, engaging content that addresses your audience's needs. Ensure it's well-structured with headings, subheadings, and includes your target keywords.

On-Page SEO : Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs to include target keywords. Use Yoast SEO for guidance.

Mobile Optimization : Ensure your site is mobile-friendly with responsive design. Test your site with Google's Mobile-Friendly Test .

Page Speed : Improve loading times by compressing images and leveraging browser caching. Tools like PageSpeed Insights offer recommendations.

Backlinks : Build quality backlinks by guest posting on reputable sites and engaging in relevant forums. Use Ahrefs to analyze your backlink profile.

Social Media : Share your content on social media platforms to drive traffic and improve site engagement.

Analytics : Regularly monitor your site's performance with Google Analytics and adjust strategies as needed.

Focusing on these areas will significantly improve your SEO optimization efforts.

How to Display SEO Optimization Skills on Your Resume

7. CMS Experience

CMS Experience refers to proficiency in using Content Management Systems, which are software applications designed for creating, editing, managing, and publishing digital content. For an Assignment Editor, it entails the ability to efficiently organize, schedule, and oversee content workflows, ensuring accurate and timely publication of assignments.

CMS (Content Management System) experience is crucial for an Assignment Editor because it enables them to efficiently manage, edit, and publish digital content. This proficiency ensures smooth workflow, enhances collaboration among team members, and allows for timely updates and adjustments to content, which are essential for maintaining the accuracy and relevance of information.

How to Improve CMS Experience Skills

Improving the CMS experience for an Assignment Editor involves enhancing usability, streamlining workflows, and enabling efficient content management. Here are concise strategies:

Simplify Navigation: Structure the CMS dashboard intuitively, allowing easy access to frequent tasks. Nielsen Norman Group discusses the balance between flat and deep navigation structures for optimal usability.

Customizable Workflows: Implement flexible workflows that can be customized to fit the assignment editor's specific needs, ensuring a smoother editorial process. Adobe's guide on workflow management provides insights on automating and customizing workflows.

Real-Time Collaboration Tools: Integrate real-time editing and communication tools to foster collaboration among team members. Contentful's collaboration features illustrate how CMS can support multi-user editing and comments.

Comprehensive Search Functionality: Enhance the CMS with powerful search capabilities, making it easier to find and organize content. Algolia's blog on building search experiences offers tips on creating effective search functionalities.

Responsive Design and Mobile Support: Ensure the CMS is accessible and fully functional on mobile devices, allowing assignment editors to work flexibly. Smashing Magazine highlights the importance of responsive design for web applications.

Training and Support: Provide ongoing training and accessible support materials to help assignment editors maximize the CMS's potential. HubSpot's CMS training resources serve as an example of comprehensive learning aids.

By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly enhance the CMS experience for assignment editors, leading to increased productivity and content quality.

How to Display CMS Experience Skills on Your Resume

8. Fact-Checking

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information and claims in a text to ensure its reliability before publication.

Fact-checking is crucial for maintaining accuracy, credibility, and trust in published content, ensuring that information is true, reliable, and free from errors or misinformation. This process helps prevent the spread of false information, uphold journalistic integrity, and inform the public accurately, which is especially vital for an Assignment Editor overseeing content creation.

How to Improve Fact-Checking Skills

Improving fact-checking, particularly for an Assignment Editor, involves a multifaceted approach focused on enhancing accuracy, verifying sources, and utilizing technology effectively. Here are key strategies:

Develop a Robust Verification Process : Establish clear guidelines for fact-checking that include verifying information with multiple reputable sources. Reuters and The Associated Press are examples of reliable sources.

Utilize Fact-Checking Tools : Employ digital tools and platforms designed for fact-checking, such as Snopes for debunking internet hoaxes and FactCheck.org for political claims.

Train Staff on Critical Evaluation : Ensure your team is skilled in assessing the credibility of sources and identifying potential biases. Poynter offers courses and resources on media literacy and fact-checking.

Incorporate Cross-Verification : Encourage collaboration within your team to cross-verify facts before publication, fostering a culture of accuracy and diligence.

Engage with Fact-Checking Networks : Join networks or coalitions that focus on fact-checking and accuracy, like the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) , to stay updated on best practices and tools.

By applying these strategies, Assignment Editors can enhance the reliability and credibility of their content, contributing to informed and accurate public discourse.

How to Display Fact-Checking Skills on Your Resume

INews is a newsroom computer system used by journalists and newsrooms to manage news content, scripts, and rundowns, facilitating collaboration and planning for broadcast and digital publication. It allows Assignment Editors to organize, track, and update the status of stories, assignments, and resources efficiently.

INews is important for an Assignment Editor because it streamlines newsroom operations by facilitating efficient assignment tracking, story organization, and real-time communication, ensuring timely and accurate news dissemination.

How to Improve INews Skills

Improving INews for an Assignment Editor can be achieved through several strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and overall workflow. Here are short and concise recommendations:

Streamline Communication: Implement Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time communication between reporters, editors, and technical staff to quickly address news developments or changes in scheduling.

Enhance Research Capabilities: Integrate Evernote or Notion for organizing and sharing research material, background information, and sources, ensuring easy access and collation of information for stories.

Automate Routine Tasks: Utilize Zapier to automate repetitive tasks such as social media updates, email alerts, or data entry, freeing up more time for critical editorial duties.

Digital Asset Management: Adopt Trello or Airtable for managing digital assets such as video clips, audio files, and photographs. These tools can help in planning, organizing, and tracking multimedia elements for stories.

Real-Time Analytics: Use Google Analytics to monitor real-time viewership and engagement data. This information can guide decisions on story prioritization, placement, and promotion.

Feedback and Quality Control: Implement SurveyMonkey for internal feedback on workflows, story selection, and editorial processes, ensuring continuous improvement through staff insights.

Training and Development: Offer regular training sessions on Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) or Coursera to keep the editorial team updated on the latest journalism tools, techniques, and industry standards.

Mobile Journalism Tools: Encourage the use of mobile journalism tools such as Mojo for reporters in the field to produce high-quality content directly from their smartphones, ensuring faster and more efficient news gathering.

By implementing these strategies, an Assignment Editor can significantly improve the efficiency, quality, and responsiveness of INews operations.

How to Display INews Skills on Your Resume

10. Multimedia Storytelling

Multimedia storytelling is the practice of using multiple forms of media, such as text, images, video, and audio, to create a more engaging and comprehensive narrative. For an Assignment Editor, this involves planning, coordinating, and managing content across these various formats to effectively tell a story.

Multimedia storytelling is crucial because it enhances engagement and comprehension by combining text, images, video, and audio to convey stories in a dynamic and interactive way. For an Assignment Editor, it means leveraging diverse content forms to better captivate audiences, ensuring stories are more accessible, memorable, and impactful.

How to Improve Multimedia Storytelling Skills

Improving multimedia storytelling, especially for an Assignment Editor, involves a strategic approach to content creation and distribution. Here are concise steps with external resources for enhancing your multimedia storytelling skills:

Understand Your Audience : Tailor your content to meet the interests and needs of your audience. Pew Research Center offers insights into audience demographics and behaviors.

Diversify Your Content : Utilize various multimedia elements (videos, podcasts, infographics) to tell your story compellingly. Adobe Spark provides tools for creating diverse content types.

Engage Through Social Media : Use social media platforms to share your stories and engage with your audience. Hootsuite offers strategies for effective social media management.

Incorporate User-Generated Content : Encourage your audience to contribute their content, adding authenticity to your storytelling. TINT has great ideas on leveraging user-generated content.

Focus on Mobile Optimization : Ensure your content is accessible and engaging on mobile devices. Google's Mobile-Friendly Test can help evaluate your content’s mobile optimization.

Leverage Analytics : Use analytics to understand what works and refine your strategy. Google Analytics provides comprehensive insights into content performance.

Continuous Learning : Stay updated with the latest trends and tools in multimedia storytelling. Poynter offers courses and resources for journalists and media professionals.

By integrating these strategies, an Assignment Editor can significantly enhance the effectiveness and engagement of multimedia storytelling.

How to Display Multimedia Storytelling Skills on Your Resume

11. Deadline Management

Deadline Management is the process an Assignment Editor uses to plan, prioritize, and track assignments and projects to ensure they are completed by their designated due dates.

Deadline management is critical for an Assignment Editor to ensure timely publication, maintain content relevance, and uphold the outlet's reputation for reliability and efficiency. It enables optimal resource allocation and team coordination, ensuring high-quality output meets audience expectations.

How to Improve Deadline Management Skills

Improving deadline management as an Assignment Editor involves strategic planning, clear communication, and efficient task prioritization. Follow these concise steps:

• Plan Ahead : Use a digital calendar or project management tool (like Trello or Asana ) to visualize deadlines and milestones.
• Set Clear Goals : Break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks, and assign specific deadlines to each ( SMART Goals ).
• Prioritize : Determine the urgency and importance of each task ( Eisenhower Box ).
• Communicate : Clearly communicate expectations, deadlines, and any changes with your team ( Slack for instant messaging).
• Monitor Progress : Regularly check-in on progress and adjust deadlines as necessary.
• Review and Reflect : After each project, review what went well and what could be improved for next time.

By following these steps, you can enhance your ability to meet deadlines and manage your workload more effectively.

How to Display Deadline Management Skills on Your Resume

12. Avid Media Composer

Avid Media Composer is a professional video editing software used widely in the film and television industry, offering extensive editing tools and workflows for high-resolution, complex media projects, ideal for Assignment Editors managing and editing multimedia content.

Avid Media Composer is crucial for Assignment Editors because it offers advanced, efficient editing capabilities and media management tools. This allows for precise control over video content, enabling the creation of high-quality, compelling stories under tight deadlines, essential in newsrooms and media production environments.

How to Improve Avid Media Composer Skills

Improving your experience with Avid Media Composer, especially from an Assignment Editor perspective, involves honing your skills with the software, customizing your workflow, and staying updated with the latest features and updates. Here are concise strategies to enhance your proficiency:

Master Keyboard Shortcuts : Learn and customize Avid Media Composer keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing process. Avid's Keyboard Shortcuts Guide provides a comprehensive list.

Customize Workspaces : Tailor your workspace for different tasks (editing, color correction, audio mixing) to streamline your workflow. Avid's tutorial on Customizing Workspaces offers a step-by-step guide.

Use Advanced Tools and Features : Dive into advanced features like the Smart Tool for efficient segment editing or the Audio Ducking feature to automatically lower background sound. Exploring Advanced Features on Avid’s official page can give you insight.

Stay Updated : Regularly update your software to the latest version for new features and bug fixes. Avid’s Update and Support Plan keeps you informed on the latest.

Engage with the Avid Community : Join Avid forums and communities to exchange tips and tricks with other professionals. The Avid Community Forums are a great place to start.

Training and Certification : Consider Avid’s official training courses and certifications to deepen your knowledge and proficiency. Check out Avid Learning Partners for courses near you.

Leverage Third-Party Plugins : Enhance your editing with third-party plugins for effects, transitions, and color grading. Research reliable plugins compatible with Avid Media Composer.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your efficiency and creativity as an Assignment Editor using Avid Media Composer.

How to Display Avid Media Composer Skills on Your Resume

Related Career Skills

• Editor In Chief
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Assignment Editor Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the fast-paced world of news and media, the role of assignment editors has become more crucial than ever.

As the media landscape evolves, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage, delegate, and oversee news stories continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an assignment editor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of newsroom operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile assignment editor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Assignment Editor Duties and Responsibilities

Assignment Editors play a critical role in newsrooms by coordinating the work of reporters and other staff to ensure comprehensive news coverage.

They serve as a link between the news director, reporters, and photographers.

Assignment Editors are primarily responsible for managing the news assignment desk, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Tracking and following news developments throughout the day
• Assigning reporters and photographers to cover specific stories
• Coordinating live shots and satellite feeds
• Maintaining contact with law enforcement and emergency services agencies to stay abreast of breaking news
• Planning coverage for special events and breaking news
• Developing a network of contacts and sources to use for obtaining exclusive local news content
• Researching and verifying information for news stories
• Communicating effectively with newsroom staff to ensure smooth coordination of news coverage
• Ensuring news content adheres to journalistic ethics and standards of accuracy

Assignment Editor Job Description Template

We are looking for a diligent Assignment Editor to manage our news coverage effectively.

The Assignment Editor is responsible for assessing tips, developing story ideas, coordinating reporters, and deploying news crews.

Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for compelling stories, is well-organized and capable of multitasking under pressure.

Ultimately, the role of the Assignment Editor is to ensure our news content is timely, relevant, and accurate.

Responsibilities

• Monitor news feeds and social media for breaking news and updates
• Evaluate news leads and tips to develop story ideas
• Assign and dispatch news crews to cover stories
• Coordinate with reporters to ensure timely delivery of content
• Plan and schedule news coverage, considering staff availability and news urgency
• Ensure all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
• Maintain constant communication with news team during breaking news
• Collaborate with news director to determine daily content
• Assist in the development of news stories from inception to completion
• Participate in editorial meetings and provide input

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Assignment Editor, Reporter, or similar role in a newsroom
• Strong knowledge of news production and journalism standards
• Ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in social media and digital tools for news gathering
• BA degree in Journalism, Communications, or relevant field
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

• Job Title: Assignment Editor
• Work Environment: Fast-paced newsroom. May require irregular hours and availability on-call for breaking news.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the News Director or Managing Editor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Assignment Editor Do?

Assignment Editors typically work in newsrooms for television or radio stations, newspapers, and online media outlets.

They play a crucial role in the newsroom, coordinating and planning news coverage by assigning reporters, photographers, and other news team members to cover specific stories.

Their job is to determine which stories are the most newsworthy each day, prioritizing and assigning them accordingly.

They also monitor incoming news feeds, police and fire scanners, and social media for breaking news.

Assignment Editors communicate with the public, fielding tips and complaints, and maintain contacts within the community to help generate story ideas.

They may also arrange interviews for reporters or schedule live broadcasts from the field.

They work closely with the news director, producers, reporters, and other staff to ensure timely and accurate news coverage.

In some cases, they may also be responsible for editing content before it is published or aired.

Assignment Editor Qualifications and Skills

An efficient Assignment Editor should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly convey assignments to staff members, and to liaise with other departments or outside agencies as necessary.
• Ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine the newsworthiness of various events or stories and assign them to appropriate reporters.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships with staff, journalists, and other stakeholders.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all assignments, schedules, and reports.
• Knowledge of news production processes, newsroom operations, and journalism ethics.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, often in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of current events, public affairs, and local geographies to make informed decisions about news assignments.

Assignment Editor Experience Requirements

Assignment Editors typically start with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

This educational background provides an essential foundation in newsgathering techniques, ethical guidelines, and storytelling.

Beyond education, gaining practical experience is crucial.

Aspiring Assignment Editors often begin their careers in entry-level roles within newsrooms, such as Production Assistants or Reporters, where they get hands-on experience in the news gathering process.

They may spend 1 to 2 years in these roles, learning the ropes of news production, developing their skills in story ideation, and understanding how to work within the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment of a newsroom.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are typically ready to move into an Assignment Editor role.

By this point, they have developed their news judgment, coordination skills, and understanding of broadcast operations.

They may have also gained experience in managing news schedules and coordinating staff assignments.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for senior or supervisory roles within the assignment desk.

They might have demonstrated skills in leadership, strategic planning, and personnel management.

In this capacity, they might oversee a team of Assignment Editors, guide the overall news coverage strategy, and be responsible for making key decisions about resource allocation and story prioritization.

Assignment Editor Education and Training Requirements

Assignment Editors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

Their education often emphasizes writing, research, and ethical issues in media.

They should be familiar with journalism principles and have a strong understanding of media law.

Experience or coursework in a newsroom setting is often beneficial.

This can include understanding news production processes, story development, and news writing.

Advanced roles may require a master’s degree in journalism or a related field, particularly for more specialized or senior positions.

Some Assignment Editors may also choose to pursue certification programs, such as those offered by the American Society of News Editors, to enhance their credibility and skill set.

Working knowledge of digital media, social media platforms and proficiency in media editing software are also necessary for this role.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest trends and developments in the media industry is vital for an Assignment Editor’s role.

Assignment Editor Salary Expectations

An Assignment Editor can expect to earn an average salary of $44,834 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of assignments, geographical location, and the size of the employing news agency or publication.

Assignment Editor Job Description FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of an assignment editor.

The primary responsibilities of an Assignment Editor include managing and assigning news coverage, directing field journalists to news events, assessing the newsworthiness of different stories, and collaborating with news directors to plan coverage.

They may also be responsible for monitoring emergency scanners, incoming emails, and social media feeds to keep track of developing news events.

What skills does an Assignment Editor need?

Assignment Editors should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, to interact with field reporters, producers, and other team members.

They should have strong decision-making skills to determine which stories are the most newsworthy and needs immediate attention.

A good understanding of news writing and journalism principles is also crucial.

Lastly, they should possess good organizational skills and ability to multitask as they often handle multiple stories simultaneously.

Do Assignment Editors need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is usually required for an Assignment Editor role.

Some employers may also look for candidates who have substantial experience in journalism, particularly in news reporting or editing.

What should you look for in an Assignment Editor resume?

An Assignment Editor’s resume should highlight their experience in news editing and reporting.

It should also detail their familiarity with news production processes, ability to work under tight deadlines, and experience with newsroom management systems.

Evidence of strong leadership and communication skills is also important.

What qualities make a good Assignment Editor?

A good Assignment Editor is proactive, organized, and able to make quick decisions under pressure.

They should have excellent news judgment and a keen sense of story development.

It’s also crucial that they maintain strong professional relationships with their team to ensure smooth coordination and communication.

Further, they should be adaptable, able to adjust to fast-paced and changing news environments.

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be an assignment editor .

And guess what?

It’s not just about handling assignments.

It’s about orchestrating the flow of news, one assignment at a time.

With our go-to assignment editor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to pave your path.

But why end your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator . It’s your next step to crafting detailed listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Every assignment is part of the bigger story.

Let’s write that story. Together.

How to Become an Assignment Editor (Complete Guide)

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The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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5 tips on writing better university assignments

Lecturer in Student Learning and Communication Development, University of Sydney

Disclosure statement

Alexandra Garcia does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Sydney provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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University life comes with its share of challenges. One of these is writing longer assignments that require higher information, communication and critical thinking skills than what you might have been used to in high school. Here are five tips to help you get ahead.

1. Use all available sources of information

Beyond instructions and deadlines, lecturers make available an increasing number of resources. But students often overlook these.

For example, to understand how your assignment will be graded, you can examine the rubric . This is a chart indicating what you need to do to obtain a high distinction, a credit or a pass, as well as the course objectives – also known as “learning outcomes”.

Other resources include lecture recordings, reading lists, sample assignments and discussion boards. All this information is usually put together in an online platform called a learning management system (LMS). Examples include Blackboard , Moodle , Canvas and iLearn . Research shows students who use their LMS more frequently tend to obtain higher final grades.

If after scrolling through your LMS you still have questions about your assignment, you can check your lecturer’s consultation hours.

2. Take referencing seriously

Plagiarism – using somebody else’s words or ideas without attribution – is a serious offence at university. It is a form of cheating.

In many cases, though, students are unaware they have cheated. They are simply not familiar with referencing styles – such as APA , Harvard , Vancouver , Chicago , etc – or lack the skills to put the information from their sources into their own words.

To avoid making this mistake, you may approach your university’s library, which is likely to offer face-to-face workshops or online resources on referencing. Academic support units may also help with paraphrasing.

You can also use referencing management software, such as EndNote or Mendeley . You can then store your sources, retrieve citations and create reference lists with only a few clicks. For undergraduate students, Zotero has been recommended as it seems to be more user-friendly.

Using this kind of software will certainly save you time searching for and formatting references. However, you still need to become familiar with the citation style in your discipline and revise the formatting accordingly.

3. Plan before you write

If you were to build a house, you wouldn’t start by laying bricks at random. You’d start with a blueprint. Likewise, writing an academic paper requires careful planning: you need to decide the number of sections, their organisation, and the information and sources you will include in each.

Research shows students who prepare detailed outlines produce higher-quality texts. Planning will not only help you get better grades, but will also reduce the time you spend staring blankly at the screen thinking about what to write next.

During the planning stage, using programs like OneNote from Microsoft Office or Outline for Mac can make the task easier as they allow you to organise information in tabs. These bits of information can be easily rearranged for later drafting. Navigating through the tabs is also easier than scrolling through a long Word file.

4. Choose the right words

Which of these sentences is more appropriate for an assignment?

a. “This paper talks about why the planet is getting hotter”, or b. “This paper examines the causes of climate change”.

The written language used at university is more formal and technical than the language you normally use in social media or while chatting with your friends. Academic words tend to be longer and their meaning is also more precise. “Climate change” implies more than just the planet “getting hotter”.

To find the right words, you can use SkELL , which shows you the words that appear more frequently, with your search entry categorised grammatically. For example, if you enter “paper”, it will tell you it is often the subject of verbs such as “present”, “describe”, “examine” and “discuss”.

Another option is the Writefull app, which does a similar job without having to use an online browser.

5. Edit and proofread

If you’re typing the last paragraph of the assignment ten minutes before the deadline, you will be missing a very important step in the writing process: editing and proofreading your text. A 2018 study found a group of university students did significantly better in a test after incorporating the process of planning, drafting and editing in their writing.

You probably already know to check the spelling of a word if it appears underlined in red. You may even use a grammar checker such as Grammarly . However, no software to date can detect every error and it is not uncommon to be given inaccurate suggestions.

So, in addition to your choice of proofreader, you need to improve and expand your grammar knowledge. Check with the academic support services at your university if they offer any relevant courses.

Written communication is a skill that requires effort and dedication. That’s why universities are investing in support services – face-to-face workshops, individual consultations, and online courses – to help students in this process. You can also take advantage of a wide range of web-based resources such as spell checkers, vocabulary tools and referencing software – many of them free.

Improving your written communication will help you succeed at university and beyond.

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15 Tips for Writing, Proofreading, and Editing Your College Essay

What’s covered:, our checklist for writing, proofreading, and editing your essay, where to get your college essays edited.

Your college essay is more than just a writing assignment—it’s your biggest opportunity to showcase the person behind your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities. In many ways, it’s the best chance you have to present yourself as a living, breathing, and thoughtful individual to the admissions committee.

Unlike test scores, which can feel impersonal, a well-crafted essay brings color to your application, offering a glimpse into your passions, personality, and potential. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or an artist, your college essay can set you apart, making it essential that you give it your best.

1. Does the essay address the selected topic or prompt?

Focus on responding directly and thoughtfully to the prompt. If the question asks about your reasons for choosing a specific program or your future aspirations, ensure that your essay revolves around these themes. Tailor your narrative to the prompt, using personal experiences and reflections that reinforce your points.

• Respond directly to the prompt: It’s imperative that you thoughtfully craft your responses so that the exact themes in the prompt are directly addressed. Each essay has a specific prompt that serves a specific purpose, and your response should be tailored in a way that meets that objective.
• Focus: Regardless of what the prompt is about—be it personal experiences, academic achievements, or an opinion on an issue—you must keep the focus of the response on the topic of the prompt .

2. Is the college essay well organized?

An essay with a clear structure is easier to follow and is more impactful. Consider organizing your story chronologically, or use a thematic approach to convey your message. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a natural flow of ideas. A well-organized essay is not only easier for the reader to follow, but it can also aid your narrative flow. Logically structured essays can guide the reader through complex and hectic sequences of events in your essay. There are some key factors involved in good structuring:

• A strong hook: Start with a sentence or a paragraph that can grab the attention of the reader. For example, consider using a vivid description of an event to do this.
• Maintain a thematic structure: Maintaining a thematic structure involves organizing your response around a central theme, allowing you to connect diverse points of your essay into a cohesive centralized response.
• Transitioning: Each paragraph should clearly flow into the next, maintaining continuity and coherence in narrative.

3. Include supporting details, examples, and anecdotes.

Enhance your narrative with specific details, vivid examples, and engaging anecdotes. This approach brings your story to life, making it more compelling and relatable. It helps the reader visualize your experiences and understand your perspectives.

4. Show your voice and personality.

Does your personality come through? Does your essay sound like you? Since this is a reflection of you, your essay needs to show who you are.

For example, avoid using vocabulary you wouldn’t normally use—such as “utilize” in place of “use”—because you may come off as phony or disingenuous, and that won’t impress colleges.

5. Does your essay show that you’re a good candidate for admission?

Your essay should demonstrate not only your academic strengths. but also the ways in which your personal qualities align with the specific character and values of the school you’re applying to . While attributes like intelligence and collaboration are universally valued, tailor your essay to reflect aspects that are uniquely esteemed at each particular institution.

For instance, if you’re applying to Dartmouth, you might emphasize your appreciation for, and alignment with, the school’s strong sense of tradition and community. This approach shows a deeper understanding of and a genuine connection to the school, beyond its surface-level attributes.

6. Do you stick to the topic?

Your essay should focus on the topic at hand, weaving your insights, experiences, and perspectives into a cohesive narrative, rather than a disjointed list of thoughts or accomplishments. It’s important to avoid straying into irrelevant details that don’t support your main theme. Instead of simply listing achievements or experiences, integrate them into a narrative that highlights your development, insights, or learning journey.

Example with tangent:

“My interest in performing arts began when I was five. That was also the year I lost my first tooth, which set off a whole year of ‘firsts.’ My first play was The Sound of Music.”

Revised example:

“My interest in performing arts began when I was five, marked by my debut performance in ‘The Sound of Music.’ This experience was the first step in my journey of exploring and loving the stage.”

7. Align your response with the prompt.

Before finalizing your essay, revisit the prompt. Have you addressed all aspects of the question? Make sure your essay aligns with the prompt’s requirements, both in content and spirit. Familiarize yourself with common college essay archetypes, such as the Extracurricular Essay, Diversity Essay, Community Essay, “Why This Major” Essay (and a variant for those who are undecided), and “Why This College” Essay. We have specific guides for each, offering tailored advice and examples:

• Extracurricular Essay Guide
• Diversity Essay Guide
• Community Essay Guide
• “Why This Major” Essay Guide
• “Why This College” Essay Guide
• Overcoming Challenges Essay Guide
• Political/Global Issues Essay Guide

While these guides provide a framework for each archetype, respectively, remember to infuse your voice and unique experiences into your essay to stand out!

8. Do you vary your sentence structure?

Varying sentence structure, including the length of sentences, is crucial to keep your writing dynamic and engaging. A mix of short, punchy sentences and longer, more descriptive ones can create a rhythm that makes your essay more enjoyable to read. This variation helps maintain the reader’s interest and allows for more nuanced expression.

Original example with monotonous structure:

“I had been waiting for the right time to broach the topic of her health problem, which had been weighing on my mind heavily ever since I first heard about it. I had gone through something similar, and I thought sharing my experience might help.”

Revised example illustrating varied structure:

“I waited for the right moment to discuss her health. The issue had occupied my thoughts for weeks. Having faced similar challenges, I felt that sharing my experience might offer her some comfort.”

In this revised example, the sentences vary in length and structure, moving from shorter, more impactful statements to longer, more descriptive ones. This variation helps to keep the reader’s attention and allows for a more engaging narrative flow.

9. Revisit your essay after a break.

• Give yourself time: After completing a draft of your essay, step away from it for a day or two. This break can clear your mind and reduce your attachment to specific phrases or ideas.
• Fresh perspective: When you come back to your essay, you’ll likely find that you can view your work with fresh eyes. This distance can help you spot inconsistencies, unclear passages, or stylistic issues that you might have missed earlier.
• Enhanced objectivity: Distance not only aids in identifying grammatical errors or typos, but it also allows you to assess the effectiveness of your argument or narrative more objectively. Does the essay really convey what you intended? Are there better examples or stronger pieces of evidence you could use?
• Refine and polish: Use this opportunity to fine-tune your language, adjust the flow, and ensure that your essay truly reflects your voice and message.

Incorporating this tip into your writing process can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of your college essay.

10. Choose an ideal writing environment.

By identifying and consistently utilizing an ideal writing environment, you can enhance both the enjoyment and effectiveness of your essay-writing process.

• Discover your productive spaces: Different environments can dramatically affect your ability to think and write effectively. Some people find inspiration in the quiet of a library or their room, while others thrive in the lively atmosphere of a coffee shop or park.
• Experiment with settings: If you’re unsure what works best for you, try writing in various places. Notice how each setting affects your concentration, creativity, and mood.
• Consider comfort and distractions: Make sure your chosen spot is comfortable enough for long writing sessions, but also free from distracting elements that could hinder your focus.
• Time of day matters: Pay attention to the time of day when you’re most productive. Some write best in the early morning’s tranquility, while others find their creative peak during nighttime hours.

11. Are all words spelled correctly?

While spell checkers are a helpful tool, they aren’t infallible. It’s crucial to read over your essay meticulously, possibly even aloud, to catch any spelling errors. Reading aloud can help you notice mistakes that your eyes might skip over when reading silently. Be particularly attentive to words that spellcheck might not catch, such as proper nouns, technical jargon, or homophones (e.g., “there” vs. “their”). Attention to detail in spelling reflects your care and precision, both of which are qualities that admissions committees value.

12. Do you use proper punctuation and capitalization?

Correct punctuation and capitalization are key to conveying your message clearly and professionally . A common mistake in writing is the misuse of commas, particularly in complex sentences.

Example of a misused comma:

Incorrect: “I had an epiphany, I was using commas incorrectly.”

In this example, the comma is used incorrectly to join two independent clauses. This is known as a comma splice. It creates a run-on sentence, which can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Corrected versions:

Correct: “I had an epiphany: I was using commas incorrectly.”

Correct: “I had an epiphany; I was using commas incorrectly.”

Correct: “I had an epiphany—I was using commas incorrectly.”

Correct: “I had an epiphany. I was using commas incorrectly.”

The corrections separate the two clauses with more appropriate punctuation. Colons, semicolons, em dashes, and periods can all be used in this context, though periods may create awkwardly short sentences.

These punctuation choices are appropriate because the second clause explains or provides an example of the first, creating a clear and effective sentence structure. The correct use of punctuation helps maintain the clarity and coherence of your writing, ensuring that your ideas are communicated effectively.

13. Do you abide by the word count?

Staying within the word count is crucial in demonstrating your ability to communicate ideas concisely and effectively. Here are some strategies to help reduce your word count if you find yourself going over the prescribed limits:

• Eliminate repetitive statements: Avoid saying the same thing in different ways. Focus on presenting each idea clearly and concisely.
• Use adjectives judiciously: While descriptive words can add detail, using too many can make your writing feel cluttered and overwrought. Choose adjectives that add real value.
• Remove unnecessary details: If a detail doesn’t support or enhance your main point, consider cutting it. Focus on what’s essential to your narrative or argument.
• Shorten long sentences: Long, run-on sentences can be hard to follow and often contain unnecessary words. Reading your essay aloud can help you identify sentences that are too lengthy or cumbersome. If you’re out of breath before finishing a sentence, it’s likely too long.
• Ensure each sentence adds something new: Every sentence should provide new information or insight. Avoid filler or redundant sentences that don’t contribute to your overall message.

14. Proofread meticulously.

Implementing a thorough and methodical proofreading process can significantly elevate the quality of your essay, ensuring that it’s free of errors and flows smoothly.

• Detailed review: After addressing bigger structural and content issues, focus on proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. This step is crucial for polishing your essay and making sure it’s presented professionally.
• Different techniques: Employ various techniques to catch mistakes. For example, read your essay backward, starting from the last sentence and working your way to the beginning. This method can help you focus on individual sentences and words, rather than getting caught up in the content.
• Read aloud: As mentioned before, reading your essay aloud is another effective technique. Hearing the words can help identify awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other issues that might not be as obvious when reading silently.

15. Utilize external feedback.

While self-editing is crucial, external feedback can provide new perspectives and ideas that enhance your writing in unexpected ways. This collaborative process can help you keep your essay error-free and can also help make it resonate with a broader audience.

• Fresh perspectives: Have a trusted teacher, mentor, peer, or family member review your drafts. Each person can offer unique insights and perspectives on your essay’s content, structure, and style.
• Identify blind spots: We often become too close to our writing to see its flaws or areas that might be unclear to others. External reviewers can help identify these blind spots.
• Constructive criticism: Encourage your reviewers to provide honest, constructive feedback. While it’s important to stay true to your voice and story, be open to suggestions that could strengthen your essay.
• Diverse viewpoints: Different people will focus on different aspects of your writing. For example, a teacher might concentrate on your essay’s structure and academic tone, while a peer might provide insights into how engaging and relatable your narrative is.
• Incorporate feedback judiciously: Use the feedback to refine your essay, but remember that the final decision on any changes rests with you. It’s your story and your voice that ultimately need to come through clearly.

When it comes to refining your college essays, getting external feedback is crucial. Our free Peer Essay Review tool allows you to receive constructive criticism from other students, providing fresh perspectives that can help you see your work in a new light. This peer review process is invaluable and can help you both identify areas for improvement and gain different viewpoints on your writing.

For more tailored expert advice, consider the guidance of a CollegeVine advisor . Our advisors, experienced in the college admissions process, offer specialized reviews to enhance your essays. Their insights into what top schools are looking for can elevate your narrative, ensuring that your application stands out. Whether it’s through fine-tuning your grammar or enriching your story’s appeal, our experts’ experience and expertise can significantly increase your likelihood of admission to your dream school!

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How to be a great journal editor: advice from eight top academic editors

Editing an academic journal is a vital and rewarding task, but also time-consuming and often frustrating. current and former editors advise would-be gatekeepers on why you'll need the skills of a ringmaster – and more.

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The generosity of peer reviewers with their time and expertise is one of the most gratifying things about journal editorship

Whenever I meet a fellow journal editor, I take the opportunity to compare notes. There’s always something to learn about the role, from day-to-day management to long-term strategy. But every so often my blood runs cold when colleagues tell me that they’re still organising everything through their own email accounts.

The Review of English Studies , published since 1925, is a big operation. We carry roughly 40 full-length essays and 100 reviews every year, handled by a four-editor structure established in the 1980s to provide specialist expertise from Beowulf to Virginia Woolf, with one editor also handling book reviews and another the general editorship. It’s an efficient, companionable structure that works very well. About a decade ago, we started using an online submission and peer-review system, and I took over as general editor a year or two later.

Everybody loves to hate information management systems, and we all have our special bête noire. One author cheerfully compares our submission system to those “intelligent nature” videos where a crow pulls matchsticks in sequence from Perspex tubes until a peanut drops out. I spend too much time mopping the tears of frustrated peer reviewers when they’ve lost their work to a crash. But we could no longer manage without the online system. We can stay on top of the workflow wherever we are in the world (my predecessor once processed several submissions from a bunker in a war zone), and we never have to file a thing. The complete history of every submission is all there. When our part of the editorial process is complete, the finalised text moves seamlessly into production.

It’s important, of course, not to be seduced by the time-saving features. The pre-loaded letter templates are gloriously maladroit, and all of them have to be replaced (top tip: in the rejection templates, avoid the word “reject”). They must then be personalised on every outing. After all, who’s going to agree to spend hours, pro bono, on peer review when the invitation email was obviously auto-generated?

In fact, the generosity of peer reviewers with their time and expertise is one of the most gratifying things about journal editorship. Most colleagues recognise that you should referee several pieces for each one you write. And although you often hear objections to peer reviewers’ abuses of power, I’ve rarely come across a referee playing the role of callous or self-interested gatekeeper. When it does occur, it’s an easy thing for editors to spot and fix.

Most peer reviewers are strenuously committed to making scholarship as strong as possible, and to helping juniors advance their careers. More often than not, authors ask me to thank the reviewers for the difference they’ve made, even when we’ve had to recommend resubmission elsewhere.

Of course, editing is tremendously time-consuming, but it is always fulfilling. (Or nearly always; just occasionally someone melts down about a book review.) It’s important work, and there’s no better way to keep abreast of the best new research.

Thomas Keymer is Chancellor Jackman university professor of English at the University of Toronto and general editor of The Review of English Studies .

Speeding the process can happen only if more of our fellow scientists are willing to perform peer reviews, and in a timely manner

I did not hesitate when Elsevier offered me the chief editorship of the Journal of Biotechnology , which I took up earlier this year. I had been the associate editor of the journal’s genomics and bioinformatics section for seven years, so I felt like I knew how things worked.

Still, editing is a big job – the journal receives about 1,500 submissions a year. We therefore have a full-time technical editor working on all aspects of the submission process (my wife, Maria), and a roster of close to a dozen associate editors to oversee reviewing. We also work closely with publishing staff at Elsevier. But the journal also requires my own daily attention for a couple of hours: I split it between the early morning and the evening so that it doesn’t interfere with my own research or social life too much (my kids have already left home).

Our rejection rate is quite high: between 75 and 80 per cent. We have to reject many manuscripts without even sending them out for review. Sometimes that is because the topic lacks novelty or is not suitable for our journal. Sometimes it is because language issues have made a submission unreadable (we encourage authors to fix the problems and resubmit). But often it is because the manuscript contains large stretches of work that has already been published. Astonishingly, materials and methods sections are often copied verbatim from other papers. Sometimes people even include complete sections from Wikipedia! Dealing with such plagiarised manuscripts wastes a lot of our time.

The complete review cycle for a submission takes an average of three to four months, with most of that time waiting for external reviewers to send their verdicts. We would like to speed up the process, but this can happen only if more of our fellow scientists are willing to perform peer reviews, and are able to do so in a timely manner. Still, some authors wait only a week before getting in touch to ask us why their review is not finished. This is annoying, and we now respond only to serious issues – otherwise Maria’s and my days would be gone entirely.

Despite the downsides, I would recommend journal editorship to anyone. It is a great honour to be responsible for a publication that has been around for more than three decades and is widely read in my field. Editorship also gives you a privileged vantage point from which to observe how your discipline is evolving. You can even direct that evolution by commissioning special issues, reviews and editorials, highlighting new trends. This is probably the most rewarding part of our work: seeing new fields emerge and capturing them in the scientific record.

Christoph W. Sensen is head of the Institute of Computational Biotechnology at the Graz University of Technology , Austria, and is chief editor of the Journal of Biotechnology .

Editing a small journal in a small field means that you know many of the authors who are submitting, making the difficult task of rejection even harder

Editing a journal is one of the most significant contributions scholars can make to their fields, but, unfortunately, this is not always recognised when it comes to appointments, promotions or other academic honours. It is also laborious and relentless. There is always an issue about to come out, as well as one in proof and one being assembled from accepted papers. There are manuscripts to assign, authors to soothe, contradictory reviews to resolve and editors at the publisher to placate when your delivery of proofs lags behind their print schedule (proofing on Christmas Day is one thing I don’t miss). Moreover, you do it for no pay, on top of all your other duties – which usually means at the weekend. It is easily possible to spend more than a day a week on it, and this can seriously impede your own scholarship.

Still, I edited Literary and Linguistic Computing for 14 whole years, from 1996 to 2010, and lived to tell the tale. The journal (now known as Digital Scholarship in the Humanities ) was one of the first and most important in digital humanities, and my editorship corresponded with an enormous period of growth in what had previously been a niche subject.

In the early days, the field was so small that finding enough submissions to fill four issues a year could be difficult. Moreover, the field was quite diverse, so there were often only one or two scholars working in a particular sub-area, which made finding reviewers challenging.

The paucity of unsolicited submissions was also an opportunity, however. It allowed me and various assistant and reviews editors to seek out submissions by attending conferences, writing to scholars working on interesting topics and suggesting special sections and special issues on emerging topics. This meant that we could extend our remit into the wider realms of the subject as it grew with the rise of interest in text and image manipulation, hypertext and, most significantly, the internet – and also contribute to that growth by our efforts.

But editing a small journal in a small field means that you inevitably know many of the authors who are submitting, making the difficult task of rejection even harder. I tried (usually) to deliver the bad news in the most encouraging way possible, silently correcting any failures by the reviewers to be polite and constructive. But that did not exempt me from the even more hateful task of dealing with authors who still insisted that the reviewers didn’t know what they were talking about and that their paper was, in fact, the finest scholarship of the decade.

On the whole, I enjoyed the level of engagement and commitment. It was an onerous administrative job, but it still managed to be an exciting and stimulating intellectual challenge, and I am proud of the influence the journal has had.

Marilyn Deegan is professor of digital humanities and honorary research fellow at King’s College London . She was editor of Literary and Linguistic Computing (now known as Digital Scholarship in the Humanities ).

The best reason for taking the role is the opportunity to exercise your idealism: to practise the untaught art of staying above the fray to promote good science

William Bateson had been founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Genetics for four years when he received Thomas Hunt Morgan’s manuscript describing a first physical mapping of the positions of genes on all the chromosomes of the fruit fly. Bateson had just won a fierce academic battle over whether inheritance was a “digital” or an “analogue” phenomenon: his advocacy of the former paved the path to the acceptance of Mendelian inheritance.

However, used to thinking in abstract schemes of traits and pedigrees, Bateson was not yet ready to embrace the cytologists’ proposal that chromosomes, which they could see under the microscope, could be the carriers of the long postulated “genes”. So he rejected Morgan’s manuscript.

Such power attracts some people into journal editing. Exerting the opportunity to silence your rivals or promote your friends is one potential reward for the many hours the role takes up (far more than could possibly be merited by the prestige of one extra line on your CV). But, apart from the futility of such behaviour – Morgan went on to win the 1933 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the chromosomal theory of inheritance – it is simply unethical.

Bateson was a person of such integrity that his verdict likely had no sinister motivation. But, for me, it points towards the best reason to spend up to an afternoon a week reading manuscripts that are often of only modest interest to you, and then finding and chasing reviewers for them. That is the opportunity to exercise your idealism: to practise the untaught art of staying above the fray to promote good science.

Such science is diverse and involves schemes of thought beyond your own epistemic habits. While there is only one truth, there are many paths towards new knowledge, with different levels of attractiveness to different scientists. Moreover, some scientists focus primarily on the elegance of those paths, while others are more impressed by the beauty of the destination.

Lack of imagination about other cultures of thought and alternative standards of evidence addled Bateson’s judgement. And a newly minted editor of the journal Cell Systems once rejected a manuscript from my lab on the ground that none of the algorithms used in the analysis was novel. Obviously, he equated innovation with use of novel approaches, not with new insights.

While the bar for accepting a manuscript must be set high, an equally high bar must be set for rejection in order to give innovation a chance. Not rejecting too quickly is difficult, but it is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a good editor.

Sui Huang is a professor at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. He is on the editorial boards of Plos Biology , BioEssays , the Journal of Theoretical Biology and others.

Many researchers never respond to requests to review. Others agree to provide reviews but then ‘forget’, or simply never get around to preparing their comments

About 15 years ago, a well-respected senior colleague approached me during a conference to extend an invitation to become an editor of the Journal of Membrane Science . This is the premier international publication in the membrane field and, at that time, there had been fewer than 10 editors in its 30-year history, so I was truly honoured. It was one of those offers you couldn’t refuse – as was the invitation, five years later, to step up to editor-in-chief.

Being a journal editor definitely has its rewards. I’ve had an opportunity to interact with all the leading researchers in my field, both as authors and as referees. I’ve been able to read about exciting new research results before the data were even published. And I’ve been able to help a large number of young researchers improve their publications, through both my own comments and those of the referees.

But the job also has its challenges. I currently handle the review process for more than 500 papers a year: more than 10 a week. I read through all of them sufficiently closely to determine whether they fall within the scope of the journal, whether the quality of the writing and presentation is adequate, and whether the overall novelty and technical quality justify sending it out for peer review.

In about half the cases, my verdict is negative. While this dramatically speeds the editorial process, it also obliges me to explain my decision to the authors. I always provide at least two or three specific points of concern so that they know what they need to improve in future submissions.

We have a large community, but the competence and commitment of its members is variable when it comes to reviewing. Many never respond to requests, despite multiple reminders. Others agree to provide reviews but then “forget”, or simply never get around to preparing their comments. Some provide reviews with so little detail that they are almost useless. This can be incredibly frustrating, yet it is still my responsibility to ensure that every submission receives fair consideration – trying to blame the referees never goes over well with authors. The key is to stay on top of the process, making sure that extra referees are drafted in quickly whenever needed.

Another big challenge is dealing with plagiarism. This is always messy, but managing each situation properly is a critical part of the job. My best advice is to be fair but firm – you need to listen to what the authors have to say, but you should never back down when the evidence is clear.

I end up doing editorial work at all times of the day and night, both when I am home and when I am travelling: I easily put in 10 or more hours a week. This includes responding to complaints from authors who feel that their papers were handled inappropriately. However, I also get quite a number of compliments.

Being an editor certainly isn’t for everyone. You need discipline, organisation, patience and a thick skin. You also need to command the respect and trust of your professional colleagues – particularly when rejecting papers from a senior researcher. But it is an incredible learning experience, and I am very proud to have contributed so much to the broader membrane community.

Andrew Zydney is distinguished professor of chemical engineering at Pennsylvania State University and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Membrane Science .

High points? Getting unsolicited praise from authors pleased with how we have handled their work. Low points? Submissions from authors who have never read the journal

I edit Economic Affairs , a subscription journal published by the University of Buckingham and the Institute of Economic Affairs. It began in the 1980s as a mixed bag of academic and shorter journalistic articles, but five years ago, we converted it into a double-blind refereed journal with a clearer focus on academia. It retains a tradition of accessible writing, however, and the IEA link also brings guaranteed financial support and an international network of authors and referees. Not every editor is so fortunate.

I spend at least a day a week on editing. I look through each submission before sending it out to referees, and usually read it in full when I receive their reports. I do elementary editing on most accepted papers, although the copy-editing grunt work is done by my colleague, Michael James, whose attention to detail is beyond praise. I deal with large numbers of emails from authors, many relating to our high-tech submission, permissions and proofing systems. This usually defeats academics, requiring me to mediate between them and our publisher, Wiley.

With my review editor, Juan Castaneda, I try to find people to write our long review essays. I occasionally solicit other articles, often after hearing something interesting from a conference or seminar speaker. But I tread carefully.

I advise strongly against special issues of invited papers, even if you fob them off on to a guest editor. Knowing that they are going to be published without going through a fully blind refereeing process encourages lazy writing by authors, and destroys any ability they might otherwise have to meet deadlines. It may work with the world’s best economists – although perhaps not, as many are notorious prima donnas – but, in general, the increased stress levels are not justified by the mediocre outcome.

We try to offer a verdict within four weeks, and we supply authors with detailed responses that give them something constructive to think about, whether positive or negative. Writing for journals myself, I know that there is nothing more depressing than waiting for four months and then getting a one-line rejection.

The high points of the job? Receiving original, well-written pieces that you know will go down well with readers, and getting unsolicited praise from authors pleased with how we have refereed or edited their work.

The downsides? Submissions from authors who have clearly never read the journal and send us 40 pages of econometrics, with 15 tables and 30 charts, all in the style of a bad PhD draft. Authors who are so up themselves that they won’t let us make the slightest changes to their wonderful copy. And people who don’t respond to requests for full details of their references.

Will peer-reviewed journals survive? I often doubt it. But while they do, editing is a stimulating task and has benefits for both authors and readers that other forms of academic communication may struggle to emulate.

Len Shackleton is professor of economics at the University of Buckingham and editor of Economic Affairs .

Try to get the time involved factored into your department’s workload formula. And position your work as mentoring and leadership when talking to appraisers and promotions committees

Australian Studies  was first published by the British Australian Studies Association in 1988, the year that marked the bicentenary of the white settlement/invasion of Australia. I, as general editor, terminated it in 2015 because the workload involved had become unsustainable.

It had been a real roller-coaster ride. I took up the position in 2011 in the aftermath of the discovery that the association’s former treasurer had run off with most of the money. Fortunately, the previous editor had overseen the journal’s transition from an expensive subscription journal that had to be posted (by surface mail) to Australia into a streamlined open access platform hosted by the National Library of Australia (NLA).

For a few years, I was intensely proud of Australian Studies . It was delivering top-quality research, commentary and discussion completely free, and achieving phenomenal hit rates, not just in Australia and the UK but internationally. But there were challenges. One was the journal’s interdisciplinarity. Although I had brilliantly supportive colleagues – Emma Cox and Tim Causer – working alongside me, the reality was that, as a theatre specialist, I often had no idea who were the leading lights, the prima donnas, the reasonable referees or the hatchet-wielders in areas such as cultural policy, education history and archaeology. Absolutely the worst part of my job was having to beg people to anonymously referee essays for no pay or recognition while having little idea if they were collegiate and constructive or territorial and bullying.

The journal also demanded an inordinate amount of time given the limitations on how the work could be bean-counted by university performance managers. With most issues, my name was attached only to the introduction, yet many essays required a lot of often thankless work (early career writers needed particular mentoring, as did guest editors).

If you are starting out as a journal editor, try to get the time involved factored into your department’s workload formula. Another good piece of advice is to position your role as mentoring and leadership when talking to appraisers, performance managers and promotions committees. As for the journal itself, make sure the finances are sustainable; don’t underestimate how hard it is to get good, prompt referees; and recognise the perils of open access – namely, that someone can easily pull the plug on you.

This is what happened to Australian Studies . Government-driven funding cuts at the NLA meant that it could no longer support any further editions; the existing ones would be archived in a system ominously named Pandora. I explored other options, but ultimately, the thought of being free after general-editing five issues was irresistible. I had a “weight-off-my-shoulders” experience that was extraordinarily, and physically, intense. And I felt free to do my own research again, after years of playing midwife to that of others.

Liz Schafer is professor of drama and theatre studies at Royal Holloway, University of London . She was editor of Australian Studies .

The most important thing is to ensure that the review system is as efficient and honest as possible. Reviewers are the weak link

Of course there are downsides to getting involved with journal editing. It will always take more time than you imagine. For every great paper that breathes new life into your academic world, there are 10 that make you sigh with despair. And you don’t receive any pay for your troubles – or even any time in lieu.

Still, there are many more reasons to do it. For a start, someone has to. Moreover, we all want to see a fair system in which the best research is published, unacceptable research refused and gaming called out. The best way to ensure that is to get involved.

Editors enjoy the excitement of seeing new research before it is published, and of shaping their disciplines via their decisions, both on which special issues to commission and on which manuscripts to accept (experimental design is the single most important factor you look at – all other things can be fixed).

Reading lots of projects also sharpens your sense of what constitutes both good experimental work and good scientific writing. This can improve your own practice. Try to copy-edit at least one manuscript a month and you will notice the difference in your own writing.

Being on an editorial board is also good for the CV. It is acknowledgement of your expertise and leadership within a subject, which has a knock-on effect for both promotion and grant applications. But the role comes with responsibility. Don’t be a titular editor with a low work rate.

The most important thing is to ensure that the review system is as efficient and honest as possible. Reviewers are the weak link: they can be slow, poor and even unethical. One-line reviews are worse than no review. So are rude, offensive or biased ones. A good referee’s report should, in two to six pages, summarise the manuscript’s contribution to knowledge, set out its strengths and weaknesses and end with a publication recommendation, detailing any required substantive corrections in full. Don’t be afraid to reject a review if it fails on any of these scores.

It can be tempting to take the path of least resistance and opt for the authors’ suggested reviewers, but there may be conscious or unconscious bias in their selections. Web of Science and Google Scholar can help you find impartial referees in the right area with good publication records and appropriate affiliations.

Other dishonest practices by authors include plagiarism, salami-slicing and gift author-ship. Give them the benefit of the doubt, but don’t ignore infractions – and always refer to the Committee on Publication Ethics’ code of conduct . Sticking to it will also help defuse any subsequent complaints.

Mike Smith is database manager at the Royal Geographical Society and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Maps .

POSTSCRIPT:

Print headline:  Ringmaster, juggler and tightrope walker

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Posted on Oct 02, 2020

How to Be a Good Editor: Expert Advice for Honing Your Craft

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Linnea Gradin

The editor-in-chief of the Reedsy Freelancer blog, Linnea is a writer and marketer with a degree from the University of Cambridge. Her focus is to provide aspiring editors and book designers with the resources to further their careers.

Like any craft, editing skills develop with years of practice. World-class editors don’t simply emerge, fully-formed, from liberal arts colleges; instead, aspiring editors refine their craft through a combination of experience, networking, and a willingness to adapt one’s process to each new project.

To help you get started, we reached out to top Reedsy editors and asked them to share some of their wisdom.

What makes a good editor?

The qualities that make up a good editor will vary depending on your area of editing specialization. For example, while a copy-editor should have an excellent eye for detail, a developmental editor must be able to think about how the plot unravels on a macro level. However, there are a few universal traits you need to lock down before you call yourself a good editor.

1. You know what you know (and what you don’t)

Giving clients clear, confident suggestions will help you to gain their trust and make for a more successful collaboration. And the best way to grow in confidence is to really know your stuff. “Knowledge is power,” Francis Bacon once said, no doubt referring to overtired editors huddled over a laptop at three in the morning.

Define your editing niche

Rather than being a Jack of all trades (and master of none), a good editor is always a specialist. According to Rebecca Heyman — who has edited hundreds of books over her 13-year career — editors should focus on genres they know the most about, ideally those they love to read:

“You’ll feel more confident giving feedback when you can reference popular titles on the market, discuss common tropes, and interrogate the success of the story as an exemplar of that genre.”

If your job is to assess a manuscript’s big picture, writers will rely on you to have a working knowledge of the genre’s elements. You should know what readers expect from structure, characterization, pacing, theme , and conflict — and you should be well-versed in the genre’s most common tropes. We encourage our Reedsy editors to indicate their specific genres of expertise on their profiles for precisely this reason.

Specializing in a few select genres also means listening to that little voice inside your head that tells you when a project isn’t the right fit for you and your editorial skillset — even when the money looks good. As Rebecca tells us, “a good editor knows and respects her limits.”

Keep a style guide handy

When it comes to line-editing and proofreading , the best of the best will know their given manual of style like the back of their hand. Editor Tracy Gold (who has worked on books published by major imprints) always keeps a physical copy of the style guide she’s using to hand. “A good editor can recognize when they are unsure and knows when they need to stop and look something up.”

The Chicago Manual of Style is one of many books on editing that you should have on hand.    Editors might also want to establish a customized style sheet for every piece that they're editing, where they can keep track of creative decisions, alternative spellings, and anything else they want to be able to reference quickly.

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2. You stay true to the author’s vision

Though a good editor is knowledgeable enough to advise changes with confidence, they also take care to interrogate their own bias. Tracy stresses the importance of making the book meet the author’s vision, rather than approaching projects with a personal agenda. “That could mean embracing a non-traditional structure, or realizing an author is using sentence fragments on purpose during a copy edit and not trying to ‘fix’ them all. The best editors find a way to help the author improve the work while staying true to the author's vision and style.”

Of course, a good editor never refrains from making suggestions when they think something doesn’t work — but they ensure that their reading is considered and thoughtful. Rebecca encourages editors to consider the role of grammar and mechanics in a manuscript’s overall style: “Though editors aim to provide their clients with the ‘correct answer’, the nature of ‘correctness’ means taking context into account. For example, lax grammar in dialogue is generally accepted as correct, since we are often trying to privilege voice over mechanics.”

Avoid prescriptive editing, or editing on autopilot. Stay attuned to the author’s vision and individual style, and be prepared to adapt as needed.

3. You foster good client relationships

Editor Julie Artz (whose clients have been published by Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan) believes that “an editor-client match is a lot like a marriage.” She doesn’t mean that 50% of them end in a shouting match on the street; instead, she stresses the importance of “timely, clear communication and the flexibility to design packages that meet the client’s needs.”

Every day at Reedsy, our support team gets at least three emails from authors, worried that they haven’t heard from their editors in over a day. Are they going to finish my edit in time? Do they hate my third chapter? Is that why they’ve gone silent? In almost all of these cases, the editor has been slammed with other projects or hasn’t checked their email over the weekend. Sometimes, a quick update makes all the difference between a happy client and a panicked one. That said, Rebecca reminds us that “it’s important for editors to set clear expectations and boundaries when a project begins. Whether you plan to provide daily updates or go silent until the work is done, let your authors know what to expect from you.”

Balance honesty with tact

Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to editing: you should never fail to tell a client about a manuscript’s problems because you’re worried about causing offense. As Tracy will attest from her experiences on both sides of the editing process, a good editor explains problems in a way that is both clear and encouraging, providing a combination of practical advice and support. “Being positive, and looking at problems as opportunities to realize a book’s potential, is the best kind of feedback you can give to an author.”

If you’re a developmental editor, you’ll be making suggestions that require a significant amount of work and might feel personal to the author — especially if you’re bold enough to suggest killing a few darlings . Even as a copy editor, you could advise changing sentences the author has pored over . So, to foster a good editor-client relationship, try to be positive and solution-oriented. For example:

🚫 Chapter 1 is all over the place. You’ll have to rewrite most, if not all, of it.   ✅ How can we bring more clarity to Chapter 1? Remember, we’re trying to activate character and conflict right away; everything else can wait. Current version of the chapter feels frenetic; consider a rewrite .

Don’t ignore logistics

A good editor starts every potential collaboration by discussing the nuts and bolts of a collaboration. What services are included? Excluded? What are your rates, how much time do you need, and what will you deliver at the end of the collaboration? It’s okay to be firm about the process you think is most effective, but make sure you’re paying close attention to the author’s needs. Considerations must be made for the author’s timeline, budget, and communication style before you commit to a collaboration.

How to be a better editor

So, now we’re starting to understand some common practices of successful editors. But knowing what a good editor looks like and knowing how to get there are two very different things. After all, watching the NBA finals won’t turn you into LeBron James. Let’s see what our freelancers say you should be doing in practice to become the best editor you can be.

1. Learn from other editors

Like many professions, the big benefit of 'learning on the job' is the ability to watch more experienced editors ply their trade. And there are lots of different ways to go about doing just that.

If you have the option, landing a job as an editorial assistant , agent assistant, or publishing-industry intern is one of the best ways to learn from old hands. Though at first, you may only get paid in MetroCards and free coffee, you’ll be given guidance and a steady stream of work, not to mention the experience you’ll need to eventually strike out on your own. In some cases, you may even be given the chance to read through manuscripts jotted with editorial notes, which will help you to develop an instinct for diagnosing problems and potential.

If you don't have the luxury of working your way up at an agency or publishing house (especially if it means moving to a city where your rent might be the same as your zip code), there are other options. At Reedsy, we host virtual events that feature our editors flexing their editorial skills. Check out our First Line Frenzy or copyediting events to see your peers in action.

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Elsewhere on the internet, editors like Louise Harnby and Carol Saller have blogs (and podcasts !) where they discuss the craft and business of editing. Other editors live on social media, where they talk shop and discuss the latest developments in their industry. The key is to read widely and critically — remember that charlatans are often some of the loudest voices in any field.

2. Read as much as you can

“The best way to be a better editor is to read, read, read,” says Julie Artz. Hopefully, you’ve chosen an editing career because you’re already an avid reader, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve on your reading habits. Read aggressively within the genres you edit most, and take the time to interrogate what you read. Sharpen your editorial skills by articulating the elements you think are particularly successful, considering what kind of reaction the writing evoked in you — and why.

Rebecca cautions against resting on your laurels when it comes to being well-read. “Fiction, and especially genre fiction, is evolving constantly. What makes for good sci-fi and fantasy today, for example, is much different than what we were seeing in those genres even 10 years ago.” To be an excellent resource for your authors, you have to stay current in your understanding of the market.

Read editorial literature

Occasionally, however, you might swap out your bedtime fiction fix for some industry-related non-fiction. Some editorial literature staples include  Elements of Style (4th Ed. by Strunk & White) and Brenda Ueland’s If You Want to Write . You might not want to read them cover to cover, but they're helpful to have on hand when you need to reference something on grammar, style, writing, or narration. You can also read the occasional chapter or two to brush up on your skills.

Keep up to date with editing news

Julie points out that “clients rely on editors not only for comma usage and other Chicago Manual of Style issues, but as industry experts who can guide them toward success with their work.” So, she recommends keeping up-to-date with editing news.

Many editors will bookmark sites like Publishers Marketplace and Publishers Weekly , where they’ll find updates on all the latest deals. While this won’t necessarily help your skillset, you will get a sense of what publishers are looking for right now .

It is perhaps even more important to stay on top of current trends. Literature is often at the forefront of societal change, with topics like the #OwnVoices movement, the American Dirt scandal , and the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s comments on trans rights frequently making headlines. Writers, editors, and publishing professionals alike recognize the importance of the industry’s role in advancing change, and so will often make an effort to stay informed. You can find intelligent discussions in mainstream news sources like The New Yorker , Slate , or The Guardian , so it isn’t hard to keep up to date, and doing so will make a big difference to your growth as an editor.

3. Be open to constructive feedback

You might be thinking, Constructive feedback? Isn’t that my job? It is — but that doesn’t mean you’re immune from professional growth. Alyssa Matesic , an editor who has worked with bestselling authors at Penguin Random House, suggests feedback should be a two-way street.

“Editors, by nature, are excellent at giving constructive feedback — but it's equally important to be open to constructive feedback about your editing. Listen to the writers you're working with. Was one of your recommendations confusing, or did they disagree with a point you raised? Don't write off those moments — log them, and use them as an opportunity to improve your editorial communication skills.”

If you dish it out, you have to be able to take it, as they say. So always try to value the feedback of the writers you’re working with as much as you’d expect them to value yours. At the end of the day, your clients will largely determine whether your career takes off or flounders.

If you can take a few of these steps to become a better editor and keep those important qualities in mind, you should find that the standard of the work you produce just keeps improving. One day, if you keep doing the best work you can do, a project of yours might just end up on the bestseller list!

Special thanks to Rebecca Heyman for her judicious edits on this article.

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