Major newspapers usually employ several types of editors. The executive editor oversees assistant editors who have responsibility for particular subjects, such as local news, international news, feature stories, or sports. Executive editors generally have the final say about what stories are published and how they are covered. The managing editor usually is responsible for the daily operation of the news department. Assignment editors determine which reporters will cover a given story. Copy editors mostly review and edit a reporter's copy for accuracy, content, grammar, and style.
In smaller organizations, like small daily or weekly newspapers or membership newsletter departments, a single editor may do everything or share responsibility with only a few other people. Executive and managing editors typically hire writers, reporters, or other employees. They also plan budgets and negotiate contracts with freelance writers, sometimes called "stringers" in the news industry.
See the U.S. Department of Labor's description of Writers and Editors.
Check the ASNE Careers page for great advice
on how to start a newspaper career. Especially look at their job fair schedule where you
can meet with newspaper editors and recruiters.
Book Editors
Magazine Editors
Return to Editor Page
Return to the Career Development Page
If you have any questions about careers in newspaper editing
don't hesitate to ask!
For those new to the Net or overwhelmed by the nature of the
online job market I suggest you look at the Cyber Search Tutorial.There
are more job boards and classifieds from metro newspapers.
Don't forget to visit Sunoasis Joblog for
daily updates on the writing and publishing industry.