Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › Australian Careers › Careers Descriptions › Writing and Publishing Careers › Publishing Editor

Publishing Editor

Publishing editors manage the selection, design, editing and printing processes for publications such as books, magazines, journals and resource materials. Most publishing editors also assist in the marketing and distribution of publications, and may manage these areas.

Tasks & duties

Publishing editors may do some or all of the following:

select, assess and critique manuscripts for publication
liaise and negotiate contracts with clients, authors, designers, illustrators, photographers, translators, printers, distributors and other editors
work out budgets and time lines
ensure work is kept within budget and deadlines are met
read and assess the final copy of a publication
decide if and when to print or reprint a publication
produce updated editions of publications
commission authors to produce text
help to sell rights to overseas publishing houses
edit manuscripts
verify information contained in manuscripts
organise and/or attend workshops, photo shoots, book launches, fairs and conferences

Skills & knowledge

Publishing editors need to have:

knowledge of the subject area they are working in
an awareness of market trends in New Zealand and overseas
editing skills, including a thorough knowledge of English, spelling, grammar and vocabulary
an understanding of book design, printing and production
a good general knowledge, including knowledge of New Zealand culture, history, literature, society and language
excellent communication and people skills
research skills
business skills, including budgeting and marketing skills
problem-solving skills
time management skills, including the ability to multi-task
computer skills

Entry requirements

To become a publishing editor you need to have a Diploma in Publishing or a relevant tertiary qualification.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. A course in business management may be useful.

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. Publishing editors may continue training by attending conferences and seminars in special interest areas, or by increasing their business skills through project management.