How Much Does Editors Make?

In a broader view, everyone edits. A writer proofreads a manuscript. A speaker chooses words that are more effective and leaves out extraneous words. A student revises his lectures. So effectively, they are all editing. Thanks to the plethora of websites, online publications, blogs, and social networking sites, opportunities for anyone to be a published writer are more than ever. And therein lies the importance of professional editors. To ensure that written communications and the accompanying visuals are smooth, seamless, accurate, clear, and interesting, professional book editors are more important than ever. How much does editors make then?

A career in editing starts with the love of language but it goes way beyond. Successful editors transform that interest and skill into a way to earn a living and have an impact on the world around them. Professional editors edit for a living. Editors work across the industries and take on countless different assignments. Irrespective of the nature of the project the end goal always is to improve the quality of communication.

Whether a text is in the form of a book manuscript, website, article, report, whitepaper, blog, news release et al, the editor along with the writer ensures that the document is precise enough to serve the most informed readers. They ensure it is clear enough and interesting throughout.

Who ends up becoming a professional editor?

People who are intrigued by language, people passionate about making a difference in the published literature become professional editors. Alongside regular earnings, they serve a bigger picture. They enjoy putting just the right word to convey a point and simplifying the complicated piece for it to make sense; and keep working on the text until it flows smoothly. Editors have a tendency for detail and accuracy and find themselves attracted to editing because they are scrupulous. They can’t ignore the mistakes they see around in various publications. They modify illogical arguments, inaccurate statistics, and poorly constructed sentences.

Editors come from a variety of backgrounds, yet most of them are skilled at developing effective communications. They identify the most appropriate format, structure, and content for the respective audiences. Ultimately, editors think and act, and they do so keeping in mind both the writer and the reader.

While proficiency in grammar, spelling, and composition is the primary requisite to be an editor, its canvas is much larger.

Before you ask how much does editors make? An editor should be able to:

• Think holistically of the end product while keeping in mind the details
• Exercise a judicious approach while pursuing it logically
• Proofread a document to achieve clarity and momentum
• Tone up a passage in filling up what’s missing
• Research and refer to a large material.
• work keeping in mind the deadlines
• to be mindful of the budget
• Work in tandem with the rest of the publication team

With the ever-evolving Internet and computer software, editors need to be adaptable and flexible. Technology has changed the tradition of editing. Earlier it used to be done with a red pen. These days, it’s done with a keyboard and mouse. Editors exchange documents with other team members electronically and can be found working with advanced software and publishing platforms. Editors in the new era, need to be skilled at using multimedia software and interactive technologies that combine the written word with graphics, audio, video, and animation.

There are various starting points for people to pursue editing. Those clear about their goals from early on, study professional writing, communications, or journalism in university, and then move right into full-time editing careers. Others come from having worked in completely unrelated fields. They are the ones for whom it is a passion and an urge to make a difference.

Choosing between freelance (self-employed) and in-house (part- or full-time) editing work comes down to two key questions: How important is a regular paycheque? and How important is control over your schedule?

Suggested read: How To Start A Writing Career & Be Successful At It

How much does editor make then?

As per the research on indeed.com, the average base salary of an editor in US is $50,990 per year. However, rates do vary depending upon experience, flair, and industry to industry. Dallas TX is the highest paying city for editors with an average of $ 75, 841 per year. While the rates in Austin, TX are $ 51,542 per year lowest among key metros. So we can say that the rate varies between $ 50,000 to 75,000 per annum for editors in the United States. Editors often work on their own with minimal supervision. They are often expected to make decisions on their own. For the right person, this level of independence can be very rewarding.

“If you do not tolerate a certain level of anxiety over a considerable length of time (say, an entire career), then you are probably not constituted to be an editor.” ~ Gerald Gross, ed., Editors on Editing

Summing up, Editorship can be uncertain. It can create anxiety and nervousness but for the passionate about language people, it is the right avenue to express themselves.