In general, popular magazines fall into two different categories: Business and professional magazines, and those that are intended for public consumption. The success of a magazine depends largely upon its editors, writers, and publishers. There are a number of different people working for a magazine, and the specific duties of each will significantly vary. In large magazines, there needs to be an editor and an editor in chief, individuals that make sure that the editorial policies of the magazine are carried out.
Most large publications hire in managing editors, and other publishing experts, in order to make sure that each issue is published on time, every time. These editors are responsible for looking after the day to day work, including selecting the articles for print, arranging copy and even supervising other publishers and editors. Sometimes these editors are responsible for a bureau or a branch office in another location, some of which are hundreds or thousands of miles away from the main office.
Most publishing job search results will bring you to editing jobs with popular magazines. These jobs do not require you to write articles, but rather they have you forming and shaping the content of the articles that find their ways into the popular magazines. You may be required to revise articles, write headlines, write captions and review and revise the proofs for different pages in each magazine. If stories are too long, you may be required to shorten or otherwise edit them. You may also be asked to plan artwork, photos, and illustrations depending on the demand for each article.
The education and training requirements for getting magazine jobs with popular magazines are not difficult. Most magazine publishers jobs and magazine editors jobs require a degree either in English or in journalism. Some magazine publishing jobs are filled by individuals with master's degrees, though other college majors are acceptable, especially when it comes to technical magazines or special interest magazines. English and journalism courses are also necessary, however, for greater success.
The best editors and publishers in popular magazine jobs have advanced computer skills as well as a good working sense of grammar and language. High school and college education is definitely helpful, as well as any specialized knowledge when it comes to getting started with magazines that follow a specific field. There is also often informal on the job training for magazine editors and other publishers and employees of popular magazines in this industry.
Magazine editors and other individuals seeking a job in publishing generally enter into the field as either an editorial assistant or a copy editor. Some people get jobs as editors with a magazine after spending a decent amount of time working for small newspapers as an editorial worker. Others still become magazine editors after working in whatever field the magazine specializes. Engineers may move on to work for professional engineering magazines, for example.
Experience and talent are two of the most vital qualities in determining the advancement in publishers jobs. The employment outlook for magazine publishers and editors is certainly good. There is always going to be a stiff amount of competition when it comes to jobs with popular magazines and national magazines alike, however with the rise of online publications, there growing opportunities that are springing up online in a wide variety of different industries.
In terms of working conditions when it comes to getting a job in publishing with a popular magazine, you should know that the editorial offices for most magazines can be extremely busy places filled with plenty of job pressures and a great deal of tension as each deadline approaches. This job is certainly one that requires responsibility, and editors generally work forty hour work weeks or longer depending on the deadline. Overtime work and weekend work are often required. Still, despite the tough working conditions, this is an industry, that is very rewarding, which is why so much competition exists for the popular magazines in the industry.
Salaries can vary significantly depending on what field the magazine falls into. The editor's job level and their experience will affect wages, as will the location of the magazine and the industry that it falls into. Several surveys that were conducted in 2004 indicated that the median yearly income for a magazine editor was $43,620 per year. Managing and executive editors on the other hand earned significantly more based on their experience.
The magazine industry is a competitive one for editors, authors, and publishers alike. Still, it is a rewarding industry that has a lot to offer to those with the experience and education to get into it. With the right experience and education, you can enter into this lucrative and exciting field, because there are plenty of online and print magazines that are looking for editors and other employees.
