Sub-editor

Sub-editors make sure print and online articles are accurate before they are published. They work on publications such as newspapers, magazines and websites. Sub-editors check that copy reads well, doesn’t have any spelling or grammar mistakes and fits correctly on a page. They might also write headlines, standfirsts (brief introductions) and photo captions.

Also known as:

Copyeditor
Desk editor

Work activities

Sub-editors make sure that the copy reads well and makes sense and doesn’t have any spelling or grammatical errors. They ensure that it follows house style, is the right length for the publication, has no missing or irrelevant content, and doesn’t contain unnecessary repetition. Sub-editors might also write headlines, thinking of something original and catchy to attract the reader’s attention. They might also write standfirsts (brief introductions which sum up the article or feature) and photo captions. They do most of their editing on-screen, although some sub-editors use a hard copy of the document.

Sub-editors might be expected to design and lay out the pages, either by using desktop publishing software or a content management system. Sub-editors also edit and arrange images. In some cases, sub-editors write small items for the publication. They might put together regular features, such as tables of sports results or reader competitions. Subeditors usually work as part of a team, discussing issues with journalists, editors, designers, marketing and production departments. Sub-editors work to deadlines and must work very quickly if there are any last-minute stories or items to add to the publication.

In book publishing, copy or desk-editors do a similar job by checking manuscripts. They normally deal with larger pieces of work and might have longer deadlines than those who work in newspapers. However, they can’t make big changes to the work without getting approval from their editor or the author.

Personal qualities and skills

As a sub-editor, you’ll need:

Sound knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling.
An excellent eye for detail.
To work quickly yet accurately to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Tact and diplomacy when explaining to writers why you’ve made certain changes.
Knowledge of layout and design issues, media law and copyright.
ICT literacy, including desktop publishing skills. Sub-editors who work on websites might need knowledge of web design software and content management systems.

Sub-editors need writing skills and creativity for rewriting copy and producing things like headlines, photo captions and standfirsts (brief introductions to articles).

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for sub-editors vary, with generally higher salaries for those working for national newspapers. The pay rates given below are approximate. Sub-editors start on around £22,000, rising to £45,000 with experience.

Hours are typically 37-39 per week, sometimes including early starts, late finishes, shifts and work at weekends.

Employers include local, regional and national newspapers and magazines and online publishers. Other employers are local and national government departments and large commercial and industrial companies, where sub-editors work on materials such as newsletters, websites and company magazines.

What’s happening in this work area?

The number of vacancies for sub-editors in local and regional media have fallen, as a number of titles have closed in recent years. Some publications ask journalists to write and edit their own copy and headlines, removing the need for sub-editors. Increasingly, sub-editors are expected to be able to edit on more than one platform, for example, newspapers and websites. Competition for all jobs in journalism and publishing is strong. Sub-editors specialising in a particular area, such as science or finance, have an advantage.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers. Vacancies also appear on websites such as Hold the Front Page and the Press Gazette, and there are specialist job boards such as journalism.co.uk. General job boards might also carry journalism, publishing and editorial vacancies. There are specialist recruitment agencies that deal with journalism and publishing.

It’s a good idea to build up a network of relevant contacts, as not all journalism jobs are advertised. Speculative job applications can be useful in this industry.

Entry routes and training

Most entrants are graduates. Traditionally, entrants were often experienced journalists. These days, however, many people start their careers by specialising in sub-editing, especially as the need for web editing and layout skills has increased. The degree subject you choose isn’t usually important, although a subject such as English may help. However, if you work for a specialist publication, for example, a technical or scientific journal, you might need a related degree.

The following apprenticeship programmes might help you begin a career in sub-editing:

Content creator (level 3/advanced)
Journalist (level 5/higher)

To work as a sub-editor for a newspaper, you’ll usually need to complete an approved journalism course that includes sub-editing. Some other employers also ask for a journalism (sub-editing) qualification. The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) accredits training courses.

Training in relevant skills is also available from organisations such as:

The Publishing Training Centre (PTC)
The London School of Publishing (LSP)
Editorial Training
The Professional Publishers Association (PPA).

Sub-editors might begin by working on text only and then be given responsibility for design and layout issues. With experience of writing headlines, standfirsts and captions, some sub-editors can move into features writing. Career progression is into chief sub-editing or production editor positions. Some subeditors go freelance.

Qualifications

While the minimum qualifications for entry are five GCSEs (grades 9-4) or equivalent, including English, it is rare to enter at this level. It is possible to enter some National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)-accredited courses with two A-levels; however, most entrants are graduates.

For entry to a degree course in any subject, the usual minimum requirement is:

Two to three A-levels.
Five GCSEs at grades 9-4.

However, entry requirements vary considerably among courses. Equivalent qualifications, such as Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, might be acceptable for entry - please check prospectuses carefully.

For entry to an apprenticeship, you will need:

Advanced: GCSEs in English and maths.
Higher: Two A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some sub-editors are experienced reporters. Traditionally, this was a common entry route. However, many people now start their careers by specialising in sub-editing. For certain areas of work, you might need specialist knowledge and qualifications, for example, in law, health and science publishing.

If you don’t have the qualifications you usually need to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, such as Access to Journalism. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, but you should check individual course details.

Sponsorship is available from the Journalism Diversity Fund and the George Viner Memorial Fund Trust for people from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds.

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