Editor vs. Associate Editor: What Are the Differences?

Editors and associate editors are two important positions in the publishing industry. Both roles are responsible for reviewing and editing content, but there are several key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the job duties, education requirements and salary expectations for editors and associate editors. We also provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in publishing.

What is an Editor?

Editors are responsible for reviewing and editing content for publication. This can include print or digital content, such as books, magazines, websites or articles. Editors work with writers and authors to help them improve their work and make sure it meets the required standards for publication. Editors also work with designers and layout artists to ensure that the content is presented in an effective and visually appealing way. In some cases, Editors may also be responsible for coming up with ideas for new content, assigning articles to writers or managing a team of writers and editors.

What is an Associate Editor?

Associate Editors work with Editors to help select content for publication, provide feedback on drafts and revise final copy. They may also be responsible for managing the work of Contributors, setting deadlines and ensuring that all content meets the publication’s standards. Associate Editors typically work in-house for magazines, newspapers, websites or other media outlets. They may also work freelance, contracting their services to multiple clients. In either case, Associate Editors must be able to juggle multiple deadlines and projects at once while maintaining a high level of quality control.

Editor vs. Associate Editor

Here are the main differences between an editor and an associate editor.

Job Duties

Associate editors typically have more responsibility than editing assistants, as they supervise the work of other editors. They may assign projects to these editors, review completed work and provide feedback on it and communicate with clients about project details.

Editorial assistants usually have less responsibility because they perform lower-level tasks that associate editors or editors do for them. These job duties can include organizing files, maintaining databases and keeping records of previous projects an editor or company has worked on.

Job Requirements

Editors and associate editors typically need a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many editors and associate editors pursue certifications through the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) or the National Association of Science Writers (NASW). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use editing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Editors and associate editors often work in different environments. Editors typically work in an office setting, where they can focus on editing documents for publication. Associate editors may also work in an office environment but may travel to meet with clients or attend events related to their magazine’s content. For example, an associate editor for a fashion magazine might visit designers’ studios to observe the creation of new clothing lines.

Skills

Both editors and associate editors need to have excellent writing skills, as well as strong attention to detail. They also both need to be able to work independently and meet deadlines. However, there are some key differences in the skills that editors and associate editors use on the job.

Editors typically need to have a deep understanding of grammar rules and style guides, as well as experience with editing software. They also need to be able to provide constructive feedback to writers and help them improve their work. Associate editors usually do not need as much depth of knowledge in these areas, but they still need to be able to identify errors and suggest improvements.

Associate editors typically spend more time working with writers, helping them develop their ideas and providing guidance on the structure and content of their articles. They may also do more fact-checking than editors. Editors usually have more responsibility for making final decisions about what goes into the publication, such as which articles to include and where to place them.

Salary

Editors can earn an average salary of $67,545 per year, while associate editors can earn an average salary of $58,890 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.