Writing Career Investigation
Editor
To edit another person’s writing might differ from other acts of writing at first glance, but to prune, enhance, and cultivate a work of art requires just as much skill and creativity as any other form of creation. A career in editing requires strong pattern recognition, outside the box thinking, an ability to visualize the big picture, research skills, a familiarity with different editing and design tools, and a firm grasp on language, grammar, and syntax rules(Editor's Association of Canada). Additionally, it is important to be able to work together with writers and publishers, mediate conflict, and provide constructive feedback in an amicable manner.
The journey towards becoming a professional editor usually starts – unsurprisingly – with an undergraduate degree. Many editors start out majoring in subjects related to the specific field they want to focus on, getting degrees in journalism, English literature, history, or specific scientific fields(Editor's Association of Canada).The admissions requirements vary based on the program, but they all at least require a highschool diploma. While generally speaking, no specific undergraduate program is necessary, demonstrating knowledge and expertise in your chosen field is key to becoming a successful editor. Additionally, to edit technical journals in fields such as medicine or other sciences, a specific degree is necessary(Editor's Association of Canada).
Alternatively to a Bachelors, many potential editors pursue a certificate in a specialized editing program, where they have the opportunity to edit manuscripts or documents and obtain work experience. One such program is Simon Fraser University’s Editing Certificate, a part time program that requires a highschool diploma(Simon Fraser University). Another is George Brown College’s Editorial Skills Program, part of their Continuing Education program which is accessible to anybody who meets basic language requirements, regardless of prerequisites.(George Brown College).
Another important part of becoming an editor is building a portfolio to demonstrate your skills, experience, versatility, and uniquity. In Canada, experienced editors can become professionally certified through Editors Canada’s certification program, opening the door to more career opportunities(Editor's Association of Canada).
While my grandest career aspiration is to become an author, being an editor would be a similarly fulfilling – and much more financially viable – option. I primarily want to play a part in the process of creating stories, and editing is an integral part of that. Not even the greatest authors could succeed without editors. To make a living through not merely reading and analyzing books, but through honing, developing, and augmenting them so their themes can be conveyed with greater clarity sounds spectacular. Editors are the linchpin of the writing world, and the idea of taking on that role to cultivate and uplift a wide breadth of stories is greatly appealing to me.
Editor's Association of Canada. “So You Want to Be an Editor: Information about a Career in Editing | Editors Canada.”
www.editors.ca, 2015, www.editors.ca/join/so-you-want-be-editor-information-about-career-editing.
George Brown College. “Editorial Skills Program | Program | George Brown College Continuing Education.”
coned.georgebrown.ca, coned.georgebrown.ca/courses-and-programs/editorial-skills-program.
Simon Fraser University. “Editing Certificate.” www.sfu.ca, www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/programs/editing-
certificate.html.