Sub-editor - Journalism

A sub-editor checks over the stories which journalists write, creates headlines for the stories and fits them into the available column space in the newspaper, magazine or website where they are being published.

The Work

You could be:

• checking over each story for spelling, grammatical or factual errors


• rewriting and shortening it, as necessary, to suit the newspaper’s house-style and language level and to keep within the word-count


• making sure that stories are accurate and do not break the law


• checking up with the author or journalist on any queries


• writing 'standfirsts' (introductions) to the stories and creating catchy headlines which fit within the space


• helping with the design and layout of the pages


• cropping (trimming) pictures and writing captions for them


• compiling tables of information, such as sports or election results


• adding last minute news stories.

Conditions

• On a weekly paper you will work mainly during the day and probably at weekends.


• On a daily paper you will work shifts, including nights.


• Working late to meet newspaper deadlines can be stressful.


• You will work on a computer in an open-plan, perhaps crowded, office along with the other sub-editors.

Getting In

• Entry is very competitive.


• There are no formal entry requirements, but most people have a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree together with a qualification in journalism. You can find a list of accredited journalism courses on the website of the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).


• Entry requirements for an HNC or HND course vary between 1 and 3 Highers plus Standard grades, depending on the subject. A pass in English is normally required.


• Entry to a degree course requires a minimum of 3 Highers and 2 Standard grades, normally including a pass in English. Many degree courses look for qualifications higher than the minimum.


• You need accurate spelling and knowledge of the rules of grammar and punctuation.


• You need knowledge of relevant computer programmes, especially Quark XPress.


• Familiarity with design or graphics programmes, such as Photoshop or InDesign, is helpful.


• To enter a journalism career, you normally need paid or unpaid practical experience; you can get this through student or local journalism or by contacting newspapers directly.


• You may have to do several work experience placements without pay before earning your first wage as a journalist.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• an accurate approach


• good observation


• excellent written English and research skills


• the ability to adapt your writing style to suit the newspaper's requirements


• a knack for creating eye-catching headlines


• the ability to meet deadlines


• good general knowledge


• self-confidence


• a knowledge of the law as it affects journalism.

Training

• Most entrants have done vocational training in journalism, either in their degree or at postgraduate level.


• Otherwise, training is on the job, combined with NCTJ qualifications, including the distance learning course 'Basics of sub-editing'.


• Many large newspaper groups offer in-house training.


• Advanced IT training can keep you up to date with technical changes.

Getting On

• In journalism, making contacts is very important for developing your career.


• Many sub-editors go the rounds on a casual basis, joining the sub-editors’ desk on different newspapers on different days.


• Moving to a smaller publication can give you broader experience.


• If you get a permanent job with a newspaper, you could apply for a senior post such as news editor, features editor, or chief editor.
• Online journalism is an expanding area.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.