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Who is a Editor?
People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news ~ A. J. Liebling
If you are passionate about storytelling, sharp with details, and love shaping content, a career as an editor could be the perfect fit. Editors decide which stories matter most to readers. They review content for clarity, tone, structure, and accuracy. Beyond fixing grammar, editors guide writers, suggest improvements, assign stories, and ensure each piece meets editorial standards.
Editors work across newspapers, magazines, digital media, and publishing houses. They fact-check, verify sources, and refine language before a story goes live. In this article, explore whether editing is a good career choice, how to become an editor, the qualifications needed, top exams, job options, and more.
Editor in a Nutshell
An editor reviews and refines written content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency across various platforms. They collaborate with writers, ensure quality, and often begin their careers as content writers or assistants. Key skills include language proficiency, attention to detail, and time management. Editors work in publishing, media, and digital spaces, typically holding degrees in English, journalism, or communications.
Quick Facts for Editor
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Industry
Media
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Average Salary in India
₹37500
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as an Editor in print media is suitable for everyone regardless of gender identity. It is a desk-based role that demands proficiency in news writing making it a worthy piece of information for readers. An editor is responsible for the content published in a magazine, tabloid or newspaper.
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Any special needs
Yes
A career as an editor in print media is suitable for candidates with special needs or difficulties in moving or travelling solo. The career demands an understanding of language with a sense of sarcasm and humour to make headlines crispy and develop a worthy piece of information keeping it short and simple from the rough draft.
Table of Contents for Editor
What is the role of Editor?
An editor is a senior management role in the content-based industry. He or she oversees the content and style of the content to be published. An editor is accountable for everything that is published in the newspaper, magazines or tabloids including the positions of the elements beside stories. Individuals in the editor's career path are responsible for assigning ideas for new stories to be covered. Individuals in the editor's career path read the content submissions, proofread them and verify facts. In the editor's career, they finalise the stories for submission for publication.
Assigning Stories
An editor is responsible for assigning stories to writers, content writers, journalists or reporters to research, take interviews and bring a story with correct facts for submission.
Review Submission
The role of the editor is to review the stories or copies provided by writers, content writers, copywriters, journalists or reporters. He or she ensures the quality of the story meets the publication standards.
Editing Content
An editor is responsible for providing direction to writers to revise the content of the article or manuscript. At this level, only the storyline is concerned without giving a second thought to grammar and style.
Proof Reading
The role of an editor is to proofread the copy before sending it for final submission. He or she removes grammatical errors and checks the tone of the language including facts and figures. An editor ensures the final copy matches the style of the publication.
Types of a Editor
There are various types of an editor depending on the beat in which they are proficient. We have provided below some of the major types of editor or editor career options.
Sports Editor: A sports editor possesses a good knowledge of various sports, rules and regulations and the common terms used in it. A sports editor is responsible for editing the copies for the sports section of the newspaper, tabloid or related publication of similar interest.
Business Editor: A business editor stays up to date with the latest developments in the field of economics such as the stock market, and fluctuations in prices of crude oil, gold and other materials that affect the economy.
Entertainment Editor: An entertainment editor edits the copy that is based on the latest developments or events in the entertainment industry which includes upcoming films, events, celebrities’ marriages and their personal life gossip.
Political Editor: A political editor is one of the reputable jobs offered in the news industry. He or she keeps an eye on politicians to stay up to date on political matters. A political editor edits the copy that has information on major political events such as new bills, elections, rallies and other things.
Copy Editor: In order to become an editor, one must possess the characteristics of a good copywriter. A copy editor is someone who refines the copy and polishes its language. He or she cross-checks all the necessary facts, information and all other elements.
Sub Editor: A sub-editor is also known as a copy editor. Individuals in the editor career path are responsible for improving the quality of copy by fact-checking it and removing redundancies and grammatical errors.
Deputy Editor: A deputy editor is someone who is responsible for the entire publication in the absence of the editor-in-chief. He or she reports to the editor-in-chief and functions as his or her other hand.
Editor-in-Chief: An editor-in-chief is accountable for the overall publication and its supplements. He or she manages other editors and inspects the quality of their work. Individuals in the editor career path are in charge of a range of titles produced by a particular publisher. Are you thinking about how to become an editor without a degree? Read the complete article to know how to become an editor in India.
What is the workplace/work environment of Editor like?
An Editor usually works in an office environment. In bigger organisations, he or she has been provided with separate cabins to work with the least disturbance. Individuals in the editor career path may conduct a meeting on a daily basis with copywriters, content writers and reporters to provide guidelines on the quality of copy and what stories should be picked and given priority.
Individuals who opt for a career as an editor working in the print industry usually requires to work under strict deadlines therefore they are required to work overtime. Those who work on a freelance basis may have a more flexible schedule.
Does Editor require travelling?
Not Likely
A print editor does not require travelling on a daily basis. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor may often require to travel to attend important conferences organised by the editors guild or related associations.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Work From Home
Yes, a career as an editor (print) involves working on a fixed schedule. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor may work from early morning to late evening or from mid-noon to midnight. It depends on the functioning of the organisations. Editors working for magazines or tabloids usually work in day shift. While an editor working for newspaper publications requires to work till late at night to ensure every important story has been nicely edited without any error and sent for publication.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
Individuals who opt for a career as an editor usually work on a full-time basis for print publications such as newspapers, tabloids and magazines. Several editors may find work on a freelance or contractual basis to edit and proofread content.
Work Place
Office, Work From Home
A career as an editor (print) is a desk-based job role. He or she least requires to move to other places or travel.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
The headquarters of print media publications are usually located in urban and semi-urban areas. Rural areas are least likely to provide good opportunities for editors. Delhi and Bengaluru provide exciting salary perks with numerous opportunities. The pay is slightly lesser in Pune, Chennai and Mumbai than the national average.
Time Pressure
Likely
Individuals in the editor career path require to perform duties under frequent time pressure. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor have to conduct meetings, assign stories, prioritise stories to be published on the front page and also finalise articles for an editorial section for providing a value-based opinion to reflect the editor’s understanding and ideologies.
Overtime Details
An editor usually requires to work till late at night to ensure successful submissions of important stories and providing sufficient space for all the essential reports, dropping stories of least importance for the next day’s edition. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor have to approve the layout and positioning of the stories, images and cartoons to be published. Scroll down to read how to become an editor in India.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 35 Hours
Usually, the work hours of an editor in a newspaper publication are stretched. Individuals in the editor career path work till late at night to ensure the successful submission of all the important news stories for the next day's edition.
How to become a Editor?
Steps to become a Editor
In this section, we will provide you with the steps for how to become an editor in India. If you are someone who has proficiency in the English language with a well-developed vocabulary and knowledge of proper sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation and has knowledge of modifying and organising written content then you must opt for a career as an editor. Below, we have listed the steps for how to become an editor in India.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Editor?
In order to make a career as an editor, one must possess some editor skills and qualities. Here, in the below section, we will be discussing how to become an editor in India.
Creativity: An editor must possess proficiency in creative writing. He or she must to able to write crisp headlines and storylines giving them a sense of humour and sarcasm. You may get great examples of creativity in headlines in the copy of ‘The Hindu.’
Language Skills: An editor must be proficient in the language. He or she must have a strong vocabulary to improve the quality of the copy by replacing ordinary words with more effective or strong words that suit the situation or the description of the story.
Attention to detail: An editor must be detail-oriented. He or she must possess knowledge of a piece of information that he or she is reviewing. An editor is responsible for fact-checking to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness.
Interpersonal Skills: An editor has to go through numerous copies a day. He or she must possess interpersonal management skills to avoid any blunder. It becomes crucial to reach out to each copywriter in case of any doubts about the copy.
Popular Online Arts And Crafts Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Editor?
We have provided the below certification courses for aspiring editors to upgrade their skills and knowledge to edit the copies for publications.
Internship Availability
Internship plays a crucial role in the initial years of career development. Several journalism colleges make it mandatory for students to undergo an internship during the semester break. An internship in the print house provides you with the knowledge and understanding of the functioning of the print media such as news organisations, and publishing houses. It provides an opportunity to get familiar with the AP stylesheet, draft content and proofread it for final submission.
Career Path Progression for Editor
Junior Editor: A Junior Editor is a professional who works under the guidance of a Senior Editor. A Junior Editor is responsible for proofreading, editing and improving the stories and news and recruiting people.
Senior Editor: A Senior Editor is an experienced professional who trains and guides the Junior Editors and leads the team. A senior editor possesses a command over the language and writes and proofreads articles to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality.
Editor Jobs and Salaries
Senior Editor
- Average Salary 54000
- Starting Salary 35673
Job Description
The Senior Editor job description includes coordinating and managing the content areas, setting publication standards and meeting the deadlines and selecting the editorial board members for the journal. A Senior Editor makes final decisions about manuscripts and promotes the journal at relevant public events like conferences or seminars.
Salary Description
The Senior Editor salary in India ranges between Rs 2.8 Lakhs to Rs 17.9 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 7.0 Lakhs. The Editor salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Junior Editor
- Average Salary 21000
Job Description
The Junior Editor job description includes suggesting the stories and creating headline ideas and overseeing the layout. A Junior Editor removes irrelevant parts of the storyline and developmental editing and rewriting scenes.
Salary Description
The Junior Editor salary in India ranges between Rs 1.4 Lakhs to Rs 6.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.5 Lakhs. The Editor salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Editor?
There is an abundance of opportunities for editor jobs in India as it is one of the booming industries. There was a time when the print industry struggled and numerous employees were laid off due to affected circulation in COVID-19 times when a worldwide lockdown happened. But, the bad times are gone now. The print industry has started functioning and its circulation has again reached peak numbers as it used to be. There are people who still rely on information provided by the print medium as it is most trustable as compared to other media platforms.
Individuals can find numerous opportunities in publishing houses and news organisations based on the publication of newspapers, magazines and tabloids. Several organisations publish weekly, fortnightly newspapers, magazines and tabloids. There are more than 100,000 language newspapers registered with the registrar of language-specific lists. The pay offered to editors depends on the circulation of the publications.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Editor
Que. What is the minimum required degree to become an editor?
Ans.A bachelor’s degree in any discipline related to journalism, economics, social sciences, or literature is the minimum educationals requirements to become an editor.
Que. What is the average salary of an editor in India?
Ans.The average salary offered to the editor ranges Rs. 400,763 per annum in India, according to payscale.com.
Que. What are the top colleges of editor?
Ans.The top journalism colleges in India are Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi, University School of Mass Communication, New Delhi, and Jagannath International Management School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
Que. What are the other requirements to become an editor?
Ans.An experience of up to 15 years in the print industry is required to opt for a senior management position such as Editor or Deputy Editor.
Que. What are the top employing companies for an editor?
Ans.Hindustan Times, The Times of India. The Indian Express and The Hindu are the top employing print media publications for Editor.
Que. What is the qualification for editor?
Ans.A bachelor's degree in any discipline related to journalism, economics, social sciences, or literature is the minimum educational requirement to become an editor.
Que. What should I study to become an editor?
Ans.To become an editor, you must study courses like a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (BA Mass Comm.) or a Diploma in Mass Communication.
Que. Is it hard to become an editor?
Ans.As it is a creative field, you must also have relevant skills and be creative enough then only a career as an editor will become easy for you. You must also have experience in writing and editing.
Que. Do editors make good money?
Ans.Yes, editors make good money. The average Editor salary in India is Rs 443,285 in 2023.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Aldus Manutius, a 15th-century Venetian, was the first known print editor.
Fact 2
Hicky's Bengal Gazette (1780) marked India's first editorial venture.
Fact 3
Over 100,000 editors worked in the U.S. as of 2023.
Fact 4
India’s media industry may hit ₹4.3 trillion by 2026, boosting editorial roles.
Fact 5
Over 60% of editors now work with digital content globally.
