How to become a book editor?

How do you become a book editor?

• I'm thinking about choosing book editor as my career because I love reading and grammar. Is a book editor the same thing as a publisher, or are they distinctions between the two?? Do I need a degree in something to become an editor? How do i get started in this career, like what sort of jobs should I apply for that'll "get my foot in the door"?

• Answer:

  You would major in something like journalism, creative writing, publishing (which can be a rare undergraduate major to find) or English in college and get a masters degree in publishing. You would ideally intern in a publishing house at least once or twice, and get a job working in-house at a publishing company for a few years. After that you could either stay on in the same publishing house and work your way up the hierarchy (i.e. making more decisions on clients, accepting higher-profile clients), move to a more prestigious publishing house or strike out on your own and freelance. Many people make very good money freelancing, but you need to have several years (like at least 5-7 for serious money) under your belt affiliated with an actual publishing company.