Even though the name “editor” implies that all they do is edit, there is so much more to this fascinating profession than many may know. What does this career entail exactly? What is the most important thing to keep in mind when aiming to be an editor? According to Heather Hall, a Managing Editor for Sourcebooks, LLC, a publisher located just outside of Chicago that specializes in books, eBooks, and various digital media, it is to “Develop an interest in being an informational sponge. You need to be interested in learning a lot and reading.”

Her job often involves a variety of tasks, some of which involve suggesting various changes on files as well as offering copyediting/proofreading advice and guidance to the rest of her Editorial Production team. She explained that an editor who works within a production editor career will often do things like copyedit and proofread.

In most cases, the editor will receive an already developed manuscript that is in need of review by the production editor. The manuscript passes through many eyes, and it’s a process that involves the work of other editors who look for content or consistency errors in need of edits. The manuscript stays within the Editorial Production team, which involves people with a breadth of knowledge on the various editing styles.

As for Heather, her passion for her career was born out of her love for storytelling. She noted that she enjoyed her English courses and often read for fun when she had the time. She initially began her career as a journalism major at the suggestion of her parents but later changed schools and majors to pursue English. After working as a copy editor and page designer for newspaper and then working in trade journals, she eventually got into book publishing and knew from there that that was her calling. She enjoys being able to help authors publish their books as well as the impact these books can have on readers. She also likes being able to solve problems in her position as a Managing Editor.

Not only do passion and intrigue play a role, this also includes staying up to date on trends. Heather explains that most of the publication houses, though in competition with one another, usually share lots of information and are very collaborative within the industry.

One of the common misconceptions about being an editor is that all one does is edit nonstop, but Heather reveals that’s not always the case. In fact, there are many things she does besides editing. Some of these involve taking the time to learn things that are often “completely outside of your wheelhouse,” as she phrases it. Someone who might be interested in an editing career would need to have basic knowledge and understanding of the other departments that make up a publishing house, as there are many parts that make the process of publication whole.

When it comes to interacting with authors, Heather explains that where she works authors are considered their partners. “One thing we say here is ‘we publish authors, not books,’” Heather says. The editors work closely with authors and listen to concerns, thoughts, and preferences when it comes to the process, but if something is deemed offensive or inaccurate then both will work together to find a way to fix this. Sometimes editors will push back against what an author might want, but at the end of the day it’s still the author’s book and their thoughts are just as valid.

With any job, there are certain skills one must have when pursuing a job as any sort of editor. Heather remarks that aspiring editors should be good at storytelling, grammar, spelling, and big-picture thinking. There are a few technical skills as well, which include project management, organization, time management, and problem-solving. Additionally “softer skills” are important to have and they include collaboration, a respectful attitude, and the ability to grow and improve.

Heather also advises that aspiring editors should also read often and keep up with what’s going on in the world and how people respond to it. She says, “It’s all about sharing the human experience. If you want to be an editor, you have to be open to learning about the human experience and sharing the voices of the humans experiencing it.”

Jenna Tobias is a senior studying creative and professional writing. It is her dream to be an author.