Needed: Information about being an editor and a male job - Writers Forum

agracebella · 11-24-2005, 11:21 PM

Alright, I'll explain...

My MC in my story is an editor. Funny thing is, I know pretty much squat about being an editor. Does anyone have any information on being one? What I'm looking for is...

How much do they usually get paid? (she isn't an editor for a huge newspaper)
How long a day/how many days a week do they work?

I think that's all about being an editor I need to know.

Also, my other MC needs a job, too. My imagination can't think of a job for a 26-year-old that doesn't wear a suit and his job isn't too small and embarassing.

Thanks for your help! Hope I hear from you soon.

mammamaia · 11-25-2005, 09:34 AM

there's no one answer to any of your questions, sorry to say... there are as many kinds of editor as there are film producers... and the salaries/fees and working conditions will vary greatly from one venue to another... many editors work at home... many work part time...

you're going to need to do a lot of research for this on your own, since you haven't a clue what's involved in this type of work and what info you'll get here won't necessarily apply to your character's situation...

for instance, i was a magazine editor in my old life... worked at home, got paid very little... i also had private clients, as a writing consultant, many of whom wanted me to edit their own work... i now edit just about anything that takes words, for those who come to me for help... but i do it for free, instead of the up to $150/hr i used to get from those private clients...

googling is your best bet... just google for 'job description, editor'... i just did that and got almost 18 MILLION hits... the first page alone offers a variety that includes books, newspapers, newsletters, medical transcription, and a university press...

as for your male character, you're too vague there, as well... just think of the people you see in everyday life... who works in casual clothes or a uniform?... repairmen... meter readers... bus/cab/limo drivers... store clerks... mailmen... way too many to list...

you'll need to consider what kind of guy he is... what kind of personality he has... what role he plays in your plot... nobody can answer this but you, the writer...