How to become a book editor?

How to Become a Fiction Book Editor

• Answer:

  Some fiction book editors work as copy editors, catching typos and other mistakes before books go to print. Other editors are in the business of deciding which potential books to accept and turn into published pieces of writing. If you enjoy reading fiction, are detail oriented and have a head for business, working as a fiction editor may be for you. Editor positions are senior level positions; most editors must gain their position through experience. Difficulty: Moderately Challenging Instructions Obtain at least a bachelor's degree in English or writing. Most editing positions require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in English as well as appropriate experience. Getting a master's degree in creative writing gives you more credibility, although you are not required to have one for most entry-level jobs. Volunteer to work on a school newspaper while you are studying to get your degree. Obtain an internship at a magazine that publishes fiction to get additional experience with editing fiction. Apply for jobs as editorial assistants for magazines or book publishing companies. Editorial assistant positions are entry-level positions for most fiction editors. Search job listings for assistant editor jobs at fiction book companies once you have two to three years of experience as an editorial assistant. Assistant editors help editors make acquisition decisions and do some of the editing on accepted manuscripts. Apply for editor positions once you have gained several years of experience as an assistant editor.