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What does an Associate Editor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An Associate Editor is responsible for reviewing and editing submitted manuscripts to ensure they meet the publication standards of the journal. This includes checking for clarity, grammar, and style. The Associate Editor may also make recommendations for revisions to the manuscript.

Associate Editor job duties include:

  • Research and develop story ideas.
  • Write and edit stories.
  • Work with authors to improve their stories.
  • Manage the editorial calendar.
  • Choose what stories to publish.
  • Work with the design team on layouts.
  • Edit and proofread stories before publication.
  • Come up with ideas for special features.
  • Manage social media accounts.

Associate Editor Job Requirements

An Associate Editor is responsible for assisting the Editor-in-Chief in all aspects of publication. This includes but is not limited to: manuscript submission and tracking, manuscript editing, journal production, and customer service. A successful candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or a related field, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. Prior experience in publishing is preferred but not required.

Associate Editor Skills

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Research
  • Fact-checking
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Flexibility
  • Initiative

Related: Top Associate Editor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Associate Editor

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming an Associate Editor, but there are some key steps that will help you on your way. Firstly, it is important to get a degree in English, Journalism, or a related field. Secondly, you should gain some experience working as a journalist or editor. This will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the role of Associate Editor. Finally, it is also beneficial to be active in professional organizations related to your field, as this can help you network and find job opportunities.

Related: Associate Editor Resume Example

Related: Associate Editor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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