An assistant editor, also known as an editorial assistant, can work in print or online media of any kind. This includes publishing of books, magazines, and newspapers. The assistant editor typically works directly with senior editors or the editor-in-chief, depending on the size of the publishing house; he or she may also work with authors, article writers, or reporters, depending on the size of the publishing house.
Job responsibilities differ depending on the nature of the work and the size of the company. In general, an assistant editor assists the editor in selecting stories for publication in a newspaper or magazine. He or she may also conduct research, double-check statistics and facts in articles, edit articles for content or adherence to a style guide, and assist with layout. This could include choosing photos, charts, graphs, or other illustrations to go with an article.
An assistant editor may also be responsible for coming up with new story ideas and assigning stories to reporters, writers, or freelancers. He or she will almost certainly need to collaborate with other members of the team, such as copy editors, fact checkers, graphic designers, or anyone else involved in the magazine or newspaper’s production. The editorial assistant’s responsibilities may occasionally overlap with those of other employees. These editors will also have to respond to questions from writers and other members of the team.
Assistant editors in book publishing have similar responsibilities, but they usually work with manuscripts. Many assistant editors work with the author and his or her book throughout the publishing process, from the first draft to the final product. He or she may make changes to the book’s content, grammar, style, and other aspects. An editorial assistant might work with literary agents to find new manuscripts to publish.
Assistant editor is a broad job title with a wide range of responsibilities that differ significantly between publishing houses, specialties, and types of media. Most editors, regardless of their position, have a bachelor’s degree, usually in English or journalism. In most cases, a graduate degree is not required, and many employers value experience over education.
To begin, most assistant editors must work their way up from entry-level publishing jobs, which may include copy editing or fact checking. Because a writer who is happy with his or her editor is more likely to stay with them even if the editor changes employers, it is critical for an assistant editor to be able to cultivate good relationships with writers and other editors. Furthermore, an editorial assistant who has established good working relationships with editors is more likely to advance in the field, eventually becoming a senior editor or the editor-in-chief of a publication.