Sub-editor
What is the work like?
Sub-editors, or 'subs', check written text before it is published in newspapers, magazines and on websites.
As a sub-editor, your work would typically include:
- making sure articles are accurate and do not break laws such as libel and copyright
- checking any queries with the reporter or journalist
- re-writing articles if necessary to make them clearer or shorter
- making sure articles follow the publication’s house style
- writing headlines, captions, short paragraphs (known as ‘standfirsts’) which lead in to articles, and ‘panels’ which break up the text
- making sure articles are in the right place on each page
- using page layout and image editing software like Quark Express, InDesign and Photoshop
- sending completed pages to the printers.
You would work closely with reporters, editors, designers, production staff and printers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
For newspaper sub-editing you would need a journalism qualification or experience. Industry-recognised qualifications are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
It is common to move into sub-editing after gaining experience as a reporter. However, you can train specifically in sub-editing by completing a 12-week Diploma in Production Journalism at The Journalist Works in Brighton – at present this is the only NCTJ-accredited sub-editing course available.
There are also several NCTJ-accredited newspaper courses which offer an additional preliminary certificate in sub-editing, which involves completing a subbing exam at the end of the course, as well as the reporters' exam. See the NCTJ website for details.
There are no set qualifications for becoming a magazine journalist, although most people applying for this sort of work have a degree.
A common starting point is to work as an editorial assistant for a magazine publishing house. This route allows you to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry, which is important as many vacancies are not advertised.
Alternatively, you could prepare for a magazine sub-editing job by:
- completing the Diploma in Production Journalism mentioned above
- completing an industry-recognised journalism qualification accredited by the NCTJ or the Periodical Publishers Association (PPA).
See the NCTJ and PPA websites for full details of journalism careers and qualifications.
The NCTJ distance learning course, Basics of Sub-Editing, will help you to develop sub-editing skills, but will not lead to a qualification.
For many sub-editing jobs you will need to be able to use QuarkXpress. InDesign and Photoshop skills could also be useful. Courses in these are available at many colleges and private training providers.
What further training and development can I do?
As well as learning on the job, you can develop your skills by attending relevant short courses. These are offered by professional bodies including the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), NCTJ, PPA and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).
You will also need to keep your IT skills and knowledge of industry developments up to date, perhaps by attending training courses.
Where can I go for more information?
Queens House28 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6JR
Tel: 020 7404 4166
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Station Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 3PL
Tel: 01799 544014
93–99 Upper Richmond Road
Putney
London SW15 2TG
Tel: 020 8785 5617
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can range from £15,000 to £23,000 a year, depending on the type of publication.
- Experienced and senior sub-editors can earn from £25,000 a year to over £40,000.
Figures are only intended as a guide.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would need to be flexible about your working hours, as you could have early starts and late finishes to meet deadlines. The period immediately before going to print (which could be daily, weekly or monthly) will be particularly busy.
You would usually be based in an open-plan office, which is likely to be hectic and noisy most of the time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good standard of English, particularly grammar and spelling
- the ability to sum up the main point of a story as an eye-catching headline
- excellent attention to detail
- the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- IT skills
- excellent communication skills
- an understanding of the law relating to publishing
- an interest in the sector if working on a specialist publication
- research skills.
What opportunities are there?
Competition for jobs is strong, especially on national newspapers and 'glossy' magazines. You would typically start on a local or regional newspaper, or as an editorial assistant for a magazine publishing company.
With experience you may be able to progress to production editor or chief sub-editor. You could also use your journalism experience to move into PR or work as a press officer.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Guardian
holdthefrontpage.co.uk
journalism.co.uk
Press Gazette
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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