Those who want to work as a contributing editor should first learn the skills required to succeed in the position. A contributing editor must have strong proofreading skills as well as excellent writing ability, so applicants must first hone their skills through classes and experience. Knowledge of multiple editing styles, such as MLA and CMS formatting, will increase the number of positions available to an applicant, thereincreasing his chances of landing a job. Applicants should also work on their organizational and management skills, as the job will almost certainly require them to supervise a team of writers while also editing their work. It is also easier to become a contributing editor if an individual has significant work experience in the field; many contributing editors work for existing publications before applying.
To become a contributing editor, an applicant must first ensure that his or her qualifications are sufficient for the position. Experts advise aspiring editors to enroll in proofreading and writing classes offered reputable universities or reputable online services. Applicants should take journalism or equivalent courses in college if at all possible. Other classes to consider are those on different editing styles, as some publications will require extensive knowledge of a specific style; for example, some publications may prefer MLA formatting, while others use CMS. To further broaden their job options, applicants should study some of the more academic formats, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
Taking advantage of every opportunity to gain work experience is one of the best ways to become a contributing editor. If the applicants are still in school, they should apply for editor positions on one of the student publications at their school. This allows them to hone their skills at a young age while also gaining valuable experience for their resumes.
Working for a reputable publication is another excellent way to gain experience. Most people will have to start as writers before being promoted to editor, but this will give them valuable insight into how a publication works. Many offices provide on-the-job training for writers, both in terms of writing ability and proofreading abilities. Working for a reputable publication also expands an individual’s network, allowing him to meet and interact with other industry professionals, increasing his chances of becoming a contributing editor. His resume will be more impressive as a result of his work experience, which will increase his chances of landing freelance editing jobs.