What will you do with a Creative Writing degree? Many prospective graduates are searching for their dream job – an editor. Why? Because they know that an editor’s role is essential in shaping any creative piece of writing. Without an editor’s help, a manuscript (also known as a “story”) would simply be discarded as unreadable. So, if you’re passionate about creative writing, why not consider applying for an editor’s position? You’ll be helping to bring a vision to life, and being able to shape others’ work is an incredible opportunity.
Even though editing is considered a men’s sphere, it’s definitely not female-exclusive. You can be an editor for Creative Writing, and the list of your duties will include editing manuscripts, pitching stories to magazines, and promoting literary events. Essentially, you’ll be doing everything a publisher does, only with a more creative focus.
So, how does one become an editor for creative writing? Like most other fields, there is no specific route to becoming an editor. However, you can set yourself up for a successful career by developing specific skills and gaining practical experience. Here are a few tips on how to become an editor for creative writing.
Find a Mentor
An editor’s role can be considered a “career coach” for writers. As a mentor, you’ll be providing guidance and support through every stage of a writer’s career. You can also help them to develop new skills and expand their knowledge base. If you’re looking for a career that offers a lot of growth potential, consider looking into becoming a mentor. Start by suggesting to your writer friend that they get in touch with a literary agent, and consider putting yourself forward for a similar role. Remember, it’s all about networking. If you want to succeed in this field, you have to be willing to put in the work.
Study
If you’re determined to make a success of your career in editing, you’ll need to study. As an editor, you’ll be required to have a thorough knowledge of a variety of literary theories and approaches. In order to become competent in this field, you’ll need to study for a postgraduate degree. With a degree in Creative Writing, you’ll be able to set yourself up for a successful career. What’s more is many universities now offer specialised Masters in Editing. So, if you want to become an editor, now’s the perfect time to do so.
Practical Experience
As a mentor, you’ll be providing guidance and support throughout a writer’s career. So, in order to become competent in this field, you’ll need to gain some practical experience. Before you begin your career, get in touch with the relevant publishing house and ask if they have any editorial positions available. If not, consider seeking out some volunteer experience. You can also look to secure some part-time work, doing copy-editing for a literary magazine or website. Even though it may not sound like traditional editorial work, getting your hands dirty by doing some copy-editing will give you the opportunity to hone your skills and build up your portfolio. Just make sure that you’re aware of how vital good editing is to a story’s validity. If you want to become an editor, now’s the perfect time to begin. Just make sure that you put in the work and don’t expect to simply join a publishing house, and later on, become an editor. You’ll need to prove yourself before you’ll be given the opportunity to shine.
Secure A Literary Agent
After you’ve spent a few years establishing yourself in your chosen field, you’ll be able to approach publishers with confidence. When seeking representation, it’s vital to secure the services of an agent. A literary agent will be able to get your manuscript published, regardless of whether or not a particular publisher is willing to take on your work. An agent will also be able to negotiate on your behalf, gaining you better terms. You should also consider looking into securing a literary agent in the US. Many successful authors, including John Grisham and Tom Robbins, have used the services of a literary agent. If you want to become an editor, now’s the perfect time to begin seeking out representation. Just remember, you’ll be needing a contract for this service, so make sure that you’re aware of what you’re signing up for.
Get A Book Published
If you’ve established yourself as an editor and gained the interest of a publisher, they’ll be willing to take on your work. However, many established authors, especially those who’ve been writing for long, have seen their work go completely unread because nobody has felt the need to publish it. Even if your work is outstanding, without a proper platform, it’ll remain unknown to readers. If you want to become an editor and get your work read, consider seeking out a publisher. They’ll be able to give your work the platform it deserves, and get you the recognition you deserve as a writer.
Even though an editor’s role is a bit on the traditional side, it’s definitely not something that can be done solely by men. Many successful women have chosen this path, so if you’re passionate about creative writing, why not consider applying for an editorial position? You’ll be helping to bring a vision to life, and being able to shape others’ work is an incredible opportunity. Just remember to put in the work, learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.