Editors bear the big responsibility of ensuring accuracy and authenticity in a particular document. Often they are overloaded with work which leads to less attention and time to editing. This overload of work may result in mistakes and hamper the quality of content. Hence, editors appoint editorial assistants to support them in their work and retain the quality in editing work. Working as an editorial assistant is a good way of making a strong hold in the writing career. If you wish to pursue a full time career as an editorial assistant, then here are some career references for you.
Work Nature
Editorial assistants are known for their multitasking skills. Most assistants perform duties similar to those of writer, editors, coordinators and managers. They write, proofread, and edit written content. Besides, they perform several managerial functions that includes planning, implementation and supervision. Often they perform duties in absence of certain writers/editors. Hence, assistants require competence to adapt to given work and multi-task as per the organization's requirements.
Work Responsibilities
Editorial assistants perform a wide range of duties to lessen the workload of editors. Here are some of their key functions.
Job Scope
There are several type of editing jobs. Assistants can choose to assist any editor as per their interests and skills. The different editing profiles are: magazine editing, layout editing, content editing, news editing, crime report editing, sports report editing, features editing, political news editing, book editing, copy editing, etc. Assistants can specialize in any of these profiles. It is preferred to do an internship at these firms before finalizing the specialization area.
Work Place and Environment
Editorial assistants work in all organizations that are a part of the publications industry. They work for publication houses that issue magazines,newspaper, journals, adverts, etc. Assistants work in typical offices and work for 40 hours per week. Some may work from home and coordinate with writers and editors via Internet. On many occasions, editorial assistants have to work for extended hours to complete work commitments, especially when deadlines are near. Working in night shift is uncommon. Editing work can be stressful as the level of responsibility is high.
Job Opportunities
A publications house employs various editor specialists to do the editing job. Assistant editors may work for magazines, book or newspapers publications, web content firms, course work development, advertising firms, science research institutes, technical documentation teams, etc. All the industries that require writing specialists will offer job opportunities to editorial assistants.
Career Advancement
Editorial assistants have a bright prospect of being the editor. Assistants observe closely how editors work. They are proficient in editing style as their work is constantly reviewed by the editors. Hence, after gaining sufficient experience, assistants can be promoted as editors. If candidates possess managerial skills, then they stand a good chance of working as a content managers. Alternatively, if they strong communications skills, they can work as public relations manager. Promotions depend on the interests, skills and knowledge of the candidate.
Editorial assistants work is interesting and an successful way of making a career in writing industry. Hence, if you are serious about a career in writing industry, the grab the first opportunity you get of working as an editorial assistant.