Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Editor
What editors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an editor?
Plan today’s content. From there, the day usually includes plan content, assign stories, and edit copy. Full time, with deadline crunches.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an editor working full time.
- Plan today’s content.
- Edit a feature.
- Fact-check claims.
- Write headlines.
- Meet writers.
- Review page proofs.
- Publish online.
Where editors work
Editors work in offices and remotely.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with deadline crunches.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Plan content
- Assign stories
- Edit copy
- Fact-check
- Write headlines
- Manage schedules
- Work with writers
Tools you’ll use every day
- CMS platforms
- Track changes
- AP Stylebook
- Chicago Manual of Style
- SEO tools
- Project trackers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work with words
- Remote options
- Shape what people read
- Varied industries
What’s hard
- Slight decline
- Deadline pressure
- Media layoffs
- Screen time
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love words
- I catch mistakes
- I give tactful feedback
- I like deadlines
- I want remote options
- I like shaping stories
Not sure? Take the free Editor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Avoid defamation
- Check facts
- Respect copyright
- Protect sources