Newspaper or periodical editor - overview

As a newspaper or periodical editor, you’ll be managing the content and style of printed or online publications. Learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role, and what you’ll need to do to land your first job.

Learn what the role involves below.

What does a newspaper or periodical editor do?

As a newspaper or periodical editor, you’ll be responsible for making sure the content of a newspaper or magazine is engaging, correct and relevant to your sector. You might be working for a big publishing house that produces a variety of publications, or a small company that focuses on a specialist area.

It’s a fast-paced job with tight deadlines, so you’ll need to use your excellent communication skills, creativity and flexibility as you manage multiple responsibilities. It can be a highly-paid career path, where you’ll work your way to senior positions and work independently with creative control.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary depending on the size of your publication, but could involve:

Commissioning articles
Reading and assessing work sent from journalists, illustrators or photographers
Deciding which articles should be published
Going to photo shoots
Proofreading articles, checking for style, grammar and accuracy
Designing the layout for a publication
Working with your team to check final proofs before going to print
Managing freelancers and in-house writing staff
Marketing the magazine

FAQs

How much can you earn as a newspaper or periodical editor?

The average salary for a newspaper or periodical editor in the UK is £31,720. Graduates start at around £22,000.

Does a newspaper or periodical editor role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

You might need to travel for this role, depending on where you work. This could be to attend conferences, industry events, research trips or press events. Overseas travel is rare.