Editor-in-Chief: Everything You Need To Know About the Role

Updated July 21, 2023

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An editor stands over a writer, working on a document. There's also a list entitled, "" that includes these items: - An editor-in-chief leads writers and editors at a newspaper, magazine, or publishing house.
- They manage the editorial team of the publication.
- Sometimes they are in charge of the online portion or printed but cover both.
- Editors-in-chief determine the look and feel of the publication.
- They decide what to publish and oversee the operations of the publication.

Understanding the role of editor-in-chief is important for anyone who has or is beginning a career in media and communications. If you're considering a career in this field, or if you're looking to take your career to the next level, knowing what an editor-in-chief is and how to become one can help you pursue your career goals.In this article, we discuss career insights for the role of an editor-in-chief, including salary information, chief responsibilities and the skills and education necessary to earn this position.

What is an editor-in-chief?

An editor-in-chief is the highest-ranking member of the editorial team at a publication. They manage the team of writers and editors, determine the look and feel of the publication, decide what to publish and oversee the publication's operations and policies. An editor-in-chief may work for a newspaper, magazine, book publisher or academic journal, and they might manage both digital and physical print publications for their company. Other common names for an editor-in-chief are managing editor, editorial chief, publishing house director, publications manager and executive editor.Related: How to Become an Editor

Editor-in-chief responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of an editor-in-chief may vary based on the company they work for and the level of education or experience they have, but they typically include:

Hiring and developing writers, junior editors and senior editors
Approving the publication's layout, design, style and tone
Reviewing written content for spelling and grammar errors
Fact-checking information in articles and stories
Providing suggestions for edits when needed
Writing editorial pieces to contribute to the publication
Developing and managing budgets for the editorial team
Representing the publication's editorial team at social functions
Making final decisions about which stories, articles and photographs to publish
Attending meetings with the publisher or publication board to discuss issues and plans for the publication

Related: Editor Resume Samples

Average salary for an editor-in-chief

Most editors-in-chief are full-time, salaried employees, though some may work as part-time or temporary employees. The average salary for an editor-in-chief in the U.S. is $76,501 per year, with a range between $16,000 and $183,000 per year. Salaries for an editor-in-chief vary based on their level of education and amount of relevant work experience as well as the employer's industry, size and geographic location.Editors-in-chief usually work normal business hours, Monday through Friday. However, because of their workload and responsibilities, an editor-in-chief may need to work overtime when approaching a publication deadline or to attend social events.

How to become an editor-in-chief

Follow these steps to become an editor-in-chief:

Earn a bachelor's degree.
Gain relevant work experience.
Pursue professional certifications.
Earn promotions to become editor-in-chief.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree

To become an editor-in-chief, you need a minimum of a four-year Bachelor's Degree in English, Communications, Journalism or another related field. Certain employers may also accept candidates who have a degree in a specialized field relevant to the publication's primary content focus. For example, a Bachelor's Degree in Education may be acceptable to a magazine that publishes content for teachers.While working toward your degree, consider taking part in an internship program at a local newspaper, magazine or publishing company, if your school offers it. You might also consider working on your school's newspaper staff to gain experience. Many schools offer a copyediting certificate program as well, which can give you helpful knowledge and experience that might separate you from other candidates when applying for editing jobs after graduation.Related: 16 Top Communications Degree Jobs

2. Gain relevant work experience

You need to gain as much relevant work experience as possible to become editor-in-chief. Most employers prefer candidates who have at least five years of experience working in publishing as an editor. Certain publications also prefer candidates who have experience within the specific industry of their publication. For example, fashion magazines may require their editor-in-chief to have extensive knowledge and expertise in the fashion industry.You should begin gaining relevant work experience as early as possible. If your schedule allows it, get a part-time job as a copywriter or editorial assistant at a local newspaper, magazine or publishing company while you are in college. Upon graduation, you can begin looking for full-time work as a junior editor.

3. Pursue professional certifications

Professional certifications enable you to prove your qualifications to present and future employers. Editors can earn professional certifications in copyediting to gain advanced knowledge of their role, develop new skills, prove and enhance existing skills and further advance their career. Three of the most common certifications for copyediting include:

Writer's Digest Copyediting Certification

This 10-week course covers the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation as well as the guidelines for form and composition, and it teaches you how to write using style guides and advanced copyediting skills. Throughout the course, you complete critiqued writing assignments and quizzes to test your knowledge. At the end of the course, you have two additional weeks to prepare for and successfully pass the final examination. Students who complete all assignments and pass the final exam receive documentation from Writer's Digest that shows completion of the course.

Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing

The American Copy Editors Society (ACES) and Poynter Institute's News University teamed up to create the Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing program. This certification is a six-course, self-paced program that covers the standards, essential skills and best practices of editing.

Advanced Editing Certificate Program

ACES and Poynter Institute also offer the Advanced Editing Certificate Program. This advanced certification is a two-part program that includes the ACES In-Depth Online Group Seminar and the Accurate, Audience-Focused Editing Course Pack. The first part of the program is a four-week, faculty-led program that focuses on substantive editing and critical-thinking skills, while the second part of the program comprises seven self-paced courses that help experienced editors refine their skills.

4. Earn promotions to become editor-in-chief

The role of editor-in-chief is a managerial-level role that requires a combination of formal education, industry expertise and real-world experience. Many editors-in-chief begin their careers as copywriters, journalists, junior editors or editorial assistants. They then work their way up to the position of editor-in-chief by first earning promotions to associate editor, senior editor and deputy editor. Once you have attained the role of editor-in-chief, you become the highest-ranking professional within the editorial team.

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Important skills and qualifications for an editor-in-chief

Editors-in-chief require several hard and soft skills to be successful in their role, including the following:

Proofreading

Proofreading skills involve the ability to identify errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, style and tone while reading written text.

Copyediting

Copyediting skills involve revising written text to improve readability while also ensuring the information is accurate, consistent and free of omissions or repetitiveness.

Communication skills

These skills involve the ability to clearly and professionally communicate information orally and in writing. Editors-in-chief need strong communication skills to provide feedback to copywriters, journalists and editors in a positive manner that encourages growth and change when necessary.

Strong attention to detail

Attention to detail involves the ability to recognize both small and large details with a high level of consistent accuracy. An editor-in-chief needs to have strong attention to detail to ensure consistency in the style and tone of their publications.

Excellent editorial judgment

An editor-in-chief must know how to fact-check articles and references for accuracy. They also need to identify whether the content is appropriate for publishing and determine the right time to publish the content.

Leadership skills

Leadership skills involve the ability to guide others in a manner that results in success for the entire group. As the highest-ranking position on the editorial staff, the editor-in-chief must motivate, encourage and provide instruction to the other members of the editorial team to lead the publication to success.

Interpersonal skills

These skills involve the ability to communicate professionally and build strong relationships with the people you meet in person. An editor-in-chief has supervisory authority over their team and represents their team at social events and gatherings, so they need to have strong listening skills, empathy and the ability to build positive professional relationships.

Organization and time-management

An editor-in-chief needs excellent organization and time-management skills to ensure they can prioritize tasks, plan and complete projects by their deadlines, remember important details and maximize their efficiency and productivity.

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