The responsibilities of an executive editor can vary depending on the specific needs of the media outlet where he or she works. Executive editors, for example, at a magazine or website, are likely to supervise and collaborate with writers and other editors to ensure that articles are complete and suitable for their intended format. They may also end up writing original content and collaborating with a variety of partners in order to maintain a competitive advantage over other outlets. This editor’s responsibilities at a book publisher, on the other hand, usually include supervising other editors and collaborating with authors to ensure a high-quality final product.
As part of a team at a publisher or news or media outlet, an executive editor is usually in charge of overseeing other editors. Because this title can be used in a wide range of settings, the duties and responsibilities of such editors can vary greatly. An executive editor is usually in charge of organizing and managing other editors and writers at a media outlet. This means that his or her primary responsibilities include time management and cross-departmental communication to ensure that stories are completed on time and that each piece maintains the overall tone of a publication.
In some cases, an executive editor may be asked to write original content for a publication. Editorials, for example, are frequently written a publication’s editor, who may write a piece about a topic about which he or she is particularly passionate. These editors may also be called upon to rewrite other people’s work and ensure that each article meets the publication’s tone requirements. These tasks are usually assigned to other editors, but managing editors may be called upon to perform them when necessary.
An executive editor at a book publisher may perform similar duties, but due to the nature of book publishing, they are often slightly different. Typically, the executive or managing editor supervises other editors to ensure that books are completed and ready for publication on time. They may also work directly with a publisher’s major clients, such as particularly well-known writers or agencies that have long-term contracts with the publisher. At some publishers, an executive editor may oversee an entire department, ensuring that books are accepted and completed on time and in a manner that meets the publisher’s overall approval.