Sub-editor job description

Job description of a Sub-editor

Sub-editors job description involves checking written content before it's published in newspapers, magazines and on websites. They are responsible for ensuring the correct grammar, spelling, house style and tone of the published work. Sub-editors make sure that the copy is factually correct and that it suits the target market. They also lay out the story on the page, write headings and may be involved with overall page design.

This Sub-editor job description example includes the list of most important Sub-editor duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Sub-editor profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Sub-editor Duties and Responsibilities

Sub-editor job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

Checking facts and stories to ensure they are accurate, adhere to copyright laws, are not libellous or go against the publication’s policy;
Ensuring that a story fits a particular word count by cutting or expanding material as necessary;
Manipulating on-screen copy using appropriate desktop publishing software.
Writing headlines that capture the essence of the story or are clever or amusing;
Writing standfirsts or ‘sells’ (brief introductions which sum up the story, underneath the headline);
Liaising with reporters or journalists, and editors;
Proofreading complete pages produced by other sub-editors using the main basic proofing symbols;
Working to a page plan to ensure that the right stories appear in the correct place on each page;
Rewriting material so that it flows or reads better and adheres to the house style of a particular publication;
Keeping up to date with sector issues, e.g. by reading related publications;
Laying out pages and, depending on the nature of the role, playing a part in page design;
Cropping photos and deciding where to use them for best effect, and writing picture captions;
Editing copy, written by reporters or features writers, to remove spelling mistakes and grammatical errors;
Adapting all these skills for a publication’s website.

Sub-editor Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Sub-editor job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

A degree (BA or MA) in journalism, English or another humanities subject
A working knowledge of software applications, such as Photoshop, InDesign and QuarkXPress
Time management skills
Attention to detail
Excellent written communication skills
Team spirit
Excellent Research skills
Innovative
Creative

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Sub-editor starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Sub-editor job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Sub-editor may also reference it in preparation for the interview.

Sub-editor Job Description

Job description of a Sub-editor

Sub-editor Duties and Responsibilities

Sub-editor Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

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