Newspaper Editors

Read publications such as Editor & Publisher (http://www.editorandpublisher.com) and Tracking Changes (https://aceseditors.org/resources/newsletters/tracking-changes) to learn more about the field.

One of the best ways to explore this job is by working on your school's newspaper or other publication. You will most likely start as a staff writer or proofreader, but the experience will help you understand editing and how it relates to the entire field of publishing.

Keeping a journal, whether in print or online (such as a blog), is another good way to polish your writing skills and explore your interest in writing and editing your own work. In fact, any writing project will be helpful, since editing and writing are inextricably linked. Make an effort to write every day, even if it is only a few paragraphs. Try different kinds of writing, such as letters to the editor, short stories, poetry, essays, comedic prose, and plays.

ACES: The Society for Editing offers a wide variety of resources for aspiring and professional copy editors on its Web site (https://aceseditors.org). These include a blog and forum, editing guidelines, grammar guide quizzes, articles about copyediting, and suggested Web sites and books. The society also offers an associate membership category for those who are interested in editing but who have no professional background in the field. It also provides membership to college students who are pursuing course work in communications.

Participate in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with newspaper editors to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor and journalism or writing teacher for help setting up these experiences.