How To Become An Editor In South Africa

An editor is the person who is in charge of a newspaper or magazine and who decides what will be published in each edition of it. An editor is a journalist who is responsible for a particular section of a newspaper or magazine.

Below is How To Become An Editor In South Africa

Editors read and correct written material for publication, draft and implement editorial policy, decide on the content of publications or news items and manage the production of publications and the staff involved, depending on the position they hold.

Personal requirements for an Editor in South Africa

Highly literate, with a sound knowledge of English grammar

Eye for detail

Able to concentrate on written work for long periods

Good general knowledge

Good organisational skills

Able to produce detailed and accurate work, often to tight deadlines

Good management and leadership skills

Aptitude for using computers

Education & Training for been an Editor in South Africa

To become an editor you usually have to complete a VET qualification.

As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in communications, journalism, professional writing, English, media studies or a related field and provide evidence of a wide range of reading and general interests.

To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English.

Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information for been an Editor in South Africa

The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) runs a professional accreditation scheme, details of which can be found on its website.

People usually proceed to the position of newspaper editor through the various stages of journalism.

Newspaper editors therefore have a great deal of on-the-job experience.

If you have spent some time as an editorial assistant with a publishing company, it may be possible to progress to the position of book editor.

After working in other sections of a publishing firm (as a secretary or sales representative, for example), you may be able to move into a trainee editorial position

.Editors are expected to be familiar with computers, including word processing software for editing and publishing layout programs for typesetting.

How long does it take to become an editor South Africa?

There are no certification or licensure requirements to work as an editor. How long does it take to become an editor? It takes most people around four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Those who pursue graduate publishing or editing degrees or certificates will take another year or two to complete their education.

How do I become an editor with no experience in South Africa ?

Use Grammarly. I started learning how to become a freelance editor with no experience, without Grammarly.

Sign up to a Freelance Editing Course.

Get some work samples.

Use Microsoft tracker and comments.

Set up a website.

Niche down.

Join editing and writing Facebook groups.

Join freelance work platforms.

What qualifications do you need to be an editor in South Africa ?

You’ll need:

knowledge of English language.

knowledge of media production and communication.

the ability to read English.

excellent verbal communication skills.

to be thorough and pay attention to detail.

excellent written communication skills.

the ability to work well with others.

to be flexible and open to change.

Is it hard to become an editor in South Africa?

Editing a book is hard work. It may not take as long as it took to write it, but book editors work very hard to help novels reach their potential. To become a book editor, you need a bachelor’s degree, a firm grasp of the written word, and the willingness to seek relevant job opportunities.

How many years does it take to study editing?

Course Subjects

Undergraduate video editing courses are for three years. Some of the subjects in Video Editing course are given for reference, Principles of Editing.

Is editor a good job?

Editors often work with minimal supervision and may be expected to make decisions on their own. For the right person, this level of independence can be very rewarding. Many freelance editors enjoy the freedom to work from home, set their own hours and choose their own projects—which takes discipline.

How much does an editor make an hour?

Hourly Wage for Editor Salary

PercentileHourly Pay RateLocation
10th Percentile Editor SalaryR 368.87 South Africa
25th Percentile Editor SalaryR 442.64 South Africa
50th Percentile Editor SalaryR 501.66 South Africa
75th Percentile Editor SalaryR 575.44 South Africa

How much does it cost to get an editor?

Editor charges

Some freelance book editors will work for R147.55to R 295.10per hour, but you can expect experienced book editors to charge R 368.87or more per hour. Expect to pay more for editing technical writing or specialized subject matter, as well.