How to land a job as an editor at a magazine?

Hi,

There are some steps that can help you in your achievements:

Step 1
Assess your personal skills to see whether you have the attributes for an editing role. You must have an eye for detail to ensure that content is free from errors and complies with the editorial style of the magazine or publishing house. Editors must have good language skills to ensure content has correct grammar and punctuation. The growing prominence of digital media makes it essential for editors to acquire skills in electronic and digital tools. If you choose a freelance career, you'll need business skills to market your work and manage a small business.

Step 2
Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as English, journalism or mass communication. If you want to edit publications in a specific field, such as science or medicine, you may also need educational qualifications in your chosen field. Courses leading to certification in copy editing or publishing are available from colleges or training organizations providing correspondence and online courses for aspiring editors.

Step 3
Gain experience at your college publication while you're studying. Offer editing services to sports teams, businesses or voluntary organizations that issue publications and use the experience to build a portfolio. Approach publishers directly or via your college to find opportunities for internships. Working as an intern gives you valuable experience in day-to-day publishing operations which are valuable when you apply for full-time positions.

Step 4
Create a portfolio of your past editing work. Include reprints of articles and titles of any published books that you have edited. Provide a list of publishers or other organizations for which you have worked. Where possible, show before and after examples of edited content. Your portfolio demonstrates that you have experience of editing in a publishing environment and provides credibility in addition to your qualifications.

Step 5
Apply for permanent positions at newspapers, magazines or publishing houses. Check the classified sections in newspapers, Internet job sites or trade magazines, such as "Publishers Weekly." Contact publishers directly for details on their graduate recruitment programs. If you intend to build a freelance career, contact publishers to discuss opportunities and show your portfolio.

Step 6
Identify your editing preferences. You may wish to work on books, magazines or newspapers. If you are interested in scientific or academic publishing, you may find opportunities in the publishing operations of universities or professional institutes. Editors working in newspapers or magazines can look to progressing from positions on local or regional publications to national titles.

Source: http://work.chron.com/become-editor-magazine-publishing-company-9956.html

Best!