Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Graduate Editor

💰 $40,000 - $55,000

PublishingMediaContent CreationEditing

🎯 Role Definition

A Graduate Editor is a foundational role within the editorial ecosystem, serving as the first line of defense for content quality, clarity, and consistency. This position is the perfect entry point for a detail-oriented individual with a passion for language and storytelling. You'll support the entire editorial lifecycle, from initial draft to final publication, ensuring every piece of content—whether print or digital—is polished, accurate, and aligned with the organization's voice and standards. This role involves a blend of meticulous proofreading, collaborative feedback, and project coordination, providing a comprehensive introduction to the publishing industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (English, Journalism, Communications, Publishing)
  • Editorial Intern or Apprentice
  • Freelance Proofreader or Copywriter

Advancement To:

  • Editor / Associate Editor
  • Commissioning Editor
  • Managing Editor or Content Strategist

Lateral Moves:

  • Copywriter or Content Creator
  • Content Marketing Manager
  • Communications or PR Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform meticulous proofreading and copy-editing of manuscripts, articles, and digital content to correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
  • Ensure all content strictly adheres to in-house style guides, brand voice, and specific formatting requirements for various publication formats (print and digital).
  • Conduct thorough fact-checking and verification of all claims, data points, names, and sources cited within the content to guarantee accuracy and credibility.
  • Collaborate closely with senior editors, writers, and designers to guide content from initial draft to final publication, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
  • Manage and update content on various Content Management Systems (CMS), ensuring all digital articles are correctly uploaded, formatted, and tagged for SEO.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of editorial calendars, tracking key deadlines and content progress for multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Provide clear, constructive feedback to writers on their drafts, focusing on improving clarity, coherence, tone, and overall narrative quality.
  • Liaise professionally with authors and external contributors, managing communications, answering queries, and ensuring the timely submission of materials.
  • Participate actively in editorial meetings, contributing fresh ideas for new content, article series, and special features that align with audience interests.
  • Prepare and format manuscripts for typesetting or digital production, which includes checking for consistency in headings, captions, and references.
  • Research and write compelling short-form content such as article headlines, blurbs, social media captions, and introductory marketing copy as required.
  • Support the commissioning process by conducting preliminary research on potential topics, authors, competitive titles, and emerging market trends.
  • Review and assess unsolicited submissions or proposals to determine their potential and suitability for publication, providing a summary for senior editors.
  • Maintain and organize digital asset libraries, including images, graphics, and other multimedia elements associated with various content pieces.
  • Assist in obtaining permissions and rights for copyrighted material, such as images and extended quotes, ensuring full legal compliance.
  • Monitor reader feedback, online comments, and engagement metrics to identify content performance trends and potential areas for improvement.
  • Meticulously check page proofs and final digital layouts for any errors introduced during the design, typesetting, or development phase.
  • Generate and analyze basic content performance reports using tools like Google Analytics to help inform future content strategy decisions.
  • Support the creation of email newsletters and other promotional materials by sourcing, curating, and editing relevant content snippets.
  • Stay current on industry trends, new editing software, and best practices in both traditional and digital publishing to continually refine skills.
  • Handle a variety of administrative tasks related to the editorial department, such as processing contributor invoices, managing correspondence, and maintaining accurate records.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and social media teams to ensure content is optimized for promotion, discoverability, and audience engagement across platforms.

Secondary Functions

  • Support senior editors with administrative duties, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and managing correspondence.
  • Contribute to team brainstorming sessions for new content ideas, editorial initiatives, and process improvements.
  • Assist in the preparation of presentations and reports for internal departmental and cross-functional meetings.
  • Participate actively in offered training and professional development opportunities to enhance editing and publishing knowledge.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Impeccable Command of Language: A deep and nuanced understanding of English grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Style Guide Proficiency: Familiarity with major style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), AP Style, or an equivalent in-house guide.
  • Editorial Software Fluency: High proficiency in Microsoft Word, particularly using Track Changes, and experience with Adobe Acrobat for PDF markups.
  • CMS Experience: Hands-on experience or a quick ability to learn Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or proprietary platforms).
  • Research & Fact-Checking: Strong ability to conduct diligent research and verify information using a variety of reliable online and offline sources.
  • SEO Fundamentals: A solid, foundational understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles and how to apply them to written content.
  • Digital Literacy: Comfortable working with various digital tools and platforms, including project management software (like Trello or Asana) and team collaboration tools (like Slack or Microsoft Teams).

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for spotting inconsistencies and errors that others might miss; a commitment to perfection.
  • Superior Organizational Skills: The ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize tasks effectively, and consistently meet tight deadlines.
  • Clear & Collaborative Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for providing feedback and working effectively within a team.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking: The capacity to analyze content for logic and clarity, identify weaknesses, and propose thoughtful solutions.
  • Receptiveness to Feedback: A professional and positive attitude toward receiving constructive criticism and a desire for continuous improvement.
  • Proactive & Curious Mindset: A self-starter attitude with a genuine eagerness to learn all facets of the editorial and publishing process.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a highly relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • English or English Literature
  • Journalism or Communications
  • Creative Writing
  • Publishing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred:

  • Prior internship experience within a publishing house, media company, literary agency, or a content-driven organization is highly advantageous. Experience with a university journal, student newspaper, or significant personal blogging/editing projects is also valued.
Explore More Careers