Education · 1 of 5
The path
No licence exists. Employers and clients hire on a test edit, not on a diploma.
- 1
High school
Grades 10 to 12
English above all. Write, and get used to having your own work marked up.
- 2
Degree or diploma
2 to 4 years
English, journalism, communications or publishing. Editors also come from science, law and engineering and edit in those fields.
- 3
Learn the actual craft
6 months to 2 years, often part time
An editing certificate or Editors Canada workshops. You learn the levels of editing, mark-up, and Canadian style rules.
- 4
First paid edits
During and after school
Student publications, a small press, a non-profit newsletter, an internship at a publisher. Build a list of jobs you can name.
- 5
Staff job or freelance list
1 to 4 years in
Either an in-house role, or four or five regular clients who send work without being chased.