Editor job description template

4 steps to creating an editor job description that fits your needs 

Before you cast your editor job description, it’s essential to be precise in determining what type of editor duties you require. Be thorough, clear, and concise when constructing your editing job description. Include keywords associated with the primary task in your post title. Include a list of tasks they’ll be performing, skills and traits they should have, and physical and digital tools required. Give an estimate of the time needed, along with the hourly rate or fixed price of a contract. Below are some factors to consider when crafting a professional editor job description. 

1. Determine what type of editor you need

An editor can work in a range of ways; the specifics of your job will determine what kind of editor you need. One type of editor is a professional who reviews all written material to ensure spelling, punctuation, and grammar meet required standards. That editor may also ensure that the copy makes sense, is error-free, and is easily readable. Another type of editor oversees content development and refines others’ work to ensure it meets the requirements before publication. 

Editors may specialize in developing informational articles or long-form stories for magazines. Others may specialize in business-related copy and reports, whether internal or external or marketing materials. Some have a penchant for breezy, conversational blogs or social media. Book authors and publishing houses hire editors to polish manuscripts.

2. Independent contractor vs. agency vs. employee

An editor can be contracted as an independent professional or through an agency or hired in-house. Depending on their background, an independent contractor could have a wide range of skills, from content organization experience to proofreading skills. They might specialize in one area and could be hired to fill a single talent gap on your content team or be hired to edit a specific assignment or recurring documents. An agency will have a variety of editors that can help with various aspects of business writing. Worker classification can be tricky, so check out our compliance services resources page for more information. 

3. Experience

The more experienced an editor, the more complex tasks they’ll be able to perform for your business. An entry-level editor might be fine for basic copyediting — typos, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style. Alternatively, you might consult with a more seasoned editor to help refine written content for a niche industry. Book publishing companies look for editors with skills attuned to long-form manuscripts, and book editors typically have experience in the genre or knowledge of the subject matter.

4. Industry 

Editors with significant knowledge in a subject matter or field can be extremely valuable. If your editing needs require an in-depth understanding of your industry, make sure you find the right type of editor with the experience and knowledge necessary. If your writers for a niche magazine or business copy are independent contractor generalists, an editor with knowledge of your field could be critical.  

Next steps

Take our editor job description sample and tailor it to your specific needs to create an effective job post. Then check out Upwork’s top independent professionals, including specialists in different areas of the craft. Each profile outlines an independent professional’s qualifications and experience, project success rates, and feedback from previous clients, so you can get a feel for whether the editor matches your job description.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.