The deputy editor is a senior leader within a publication, blending creative direction with hands-on management. This role steers the content and team toward the publication’s objectives. It is a position defined by its blend of strategic oversight and daily operational command, making it a dynamic career.
The Role of a Deputy Editor
A deputy editor is the second-in-command to the editor-in-chief (EIC), providing support in guiding a publication’s daily functions. They are tasked with translating the EIC’s broader vision into actionable strategies and managing the day-to-day realities of the editorial workflow. This positions them as a link between the senior leadership and the wider editorial team, ensuring that the publication’s goals are met.
Key Responsibilities of a Deputy Editor
Content Strategy and Planning
The deputy editor helps develop the publication’s content strategy. This involves participating in brainstorming sessions to generate ideas and mapping out future content with an editorial calendar. They work to align all articles and features with the publication’s mission and audience expectations. This strategic planning also includes adapting to real-time news cycles and industry trends.
Commissioning and Managing Contributors
Deputy editors are often responsible for sourcing and managing a network of freelance writers. This includes identifying new talent, negotiating payment rates, and maintaining professional relationships. They act as the main point of contact for these external contributors, providing clear briefs, feedback, and ensuring submitted work meets the publication’s standards.
Editing and Quality Control
A large portion of a deputy editor’s time is spent on hands-on editing. They perform substantive edits on major features, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and stylistic consistency. Their role in quality control involves a final review of content before it goes to print or goes live, guaranteeing that every piece upholds the publication’s reputation.
Team Management and Mentorship
Deputy editors manage and mentor junior editorial staff, including staff writers and assistant editors. They provide constructive feedback on assignments, offer guidance on journalistic practices, and support the professional growth of their team. This involves fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared and team members feel empowered.
Overseeing Production and Workflow
Managing the editorial workflow from concept to publication is a core responsibility. Deputy editors set and enforce deadlines, coordinating with design and production teams to ensure a smooth process. They use content management systems (CMS) to track progress and manage the stages of content creation and publication.
Deputizing for the Editor-in-Chief
As the second-in-command, the deputy editor must be prepared to step in for the editor-in-chief. This can involve representing the publication at high-level meetings, making final editorial decisions in the EIC’s absence, and handling urgent issues. Their ability to assume these duties ensures continuity of leadership.
Essential Skills for Success
Success as a deputy editor requires a combination of creative talent and strong managerial capabilities. These skills are applied daily to refine content, manage teams, and uphold the publication’s standards.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language.
- Strong leadership and communication skills for managing teams, providing constructive feedback, and collaborating with various departments.
- Impeccable organization and time management to juggle multiple projects and deadlines, often using editorial calendars and content management systems.
- Sharp editorial judgment to identify compelling stories, understand audience interests, and make sound decisions under pressure while navigating journalistic ethics.
The Path to Becoming a Deputy Editor
Becoming a deputy editor requires extensive editorial experience, as it is not an entry-level position. The role is earned through a history of success in preceding editorial capacities. Aspiring deputy editors often begin their careers as staff writers or editorial assistants, advancing to positions like section editor or senior editor.
This progression allows them to take on more responsibility in managing projects or mentoring junior staff. A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications is a common educational background.
Career Progression Beyond the Deputy Editor Role
For many, the deputy editor position is the final step before becoming editor-in-chief. The experience gained in managing content, teams, and strategy is directly transferable to overseeing a publication’s entire operation. Other career avenues are also available for seasoned deputy editors.
Some move to a larger publication in the same role for new challenges. Others may leverage their content strategy skills to transition into corporate roles like head of content or content strategist.