The hierarchy of editorial titles varies from house to house, yet it is important to understand the basics of who does what
so you know how to target your submissions. (Besides, it is good business sense to know more about operations.)
To that end, I have prepared a checklist.
- Acquisitions Editor.
A very important person, primarily responsible for soliciting, evaluating, purchasing and sometimes editing manuscripts.
- Editor-in-Chief.
They are in charge of the entire editing system or work on an entire line, imprint or division
at a publishing house. They also consider the million-dollar advance books and help to shape the list by presiding over
editorial meetings. It usually does not pay to submit to them, as they deal with agents.
- Editorial Directors.
Sometimes also referred to as Department Editor. These folks function as editors-in-chiefs
of the various imprints. These imprints allow a publisher to publish what are in effect, separate lists each season. Each
imprint has its own editorial staff, identity and reputation. Be aware of which imprints publish the kind of books your
write and submit to them. Do not use the editorial director address however, they will probably just pass your ms down the line.
- Executive Editor.
Is synonymous with either senior editor, editor-in-chief, or managing editor depending on the
publisher. They can also be editors who have received a title change in recognition of their achievement or longevity, or
have some administrative duties. They are too high up the ladder to submit to successfully, unless otherwise announced.
- Senior Editor.
A senior editor has the same job as editors generally but has been promoted; could be an
acquisitions editor with a good deal of decision-making (and sometimes policy-making) power.
- Editor.
These people do the bulk of acquisitions and you can submit to them. This is a rather generic term
and can refer to anyone involved in editing.
- Associate Editors.
Editors who are promoted from entry level. They may or may not be able to acquire, and are
working solely on assigned projects. It is a good idea to submit to them as associate editors are eager to find something
that will help them up the corporate ladder.
- Editorial Assistant.
Usually an editor's assistant; manages duties that range from secretarial, such as
answering their phones, typing letters, or doing first readings of manuscripts, including those activities of a full-fledged
editor. Be nice to them, they may call something to the attention of the higher-ups. They can also screen phone calls and are the editors of tomorrow.
- Managing Editors.
These persons oversee the day-to-day operations of a publication or editorial department;
usually coordinating production, art department and schedules, they may serve as the editor-in-chief's right-hand man/woman.
- Supervising Editor.
Ambiguous. Title could be synonymous with either managing editor or more often, a project editor.
- Project Editor.
Reads a particular publishing project.
- Production Editor.
Generally in charge of the physical production of a publication or project, including printing, design and more.
- Editor-at-large.
Could be a staff editor who handles a variety of tasks and wears different hats; also referred to as a freelance editor or consulting
editor.
- Consulting Editor.
Usually a freelancer or someone outside the office hired to offer expertise and advice. In some cases the title is honorary, given
to a well-known figure to add prestige to the particular book division.
- Freelance Editor.
A person who operates as an independent contractor who may serve as an editor on a project-by-project basis. He or she may have
very explicit experience or work on a specialized topic.
- Copy Editor.
A workhorse editor who reads with an eye for mistakes, often going through a ms. word by word, making changes and corrections.
Sometimes referred to as a manuscript editor.
- Publisher.
The big cheese, a person who is in charge of everything that goes on at a publishing firm. Oversees the editorial department and
all other functions.
- Proofreader.
Reads manuscripts of material already typeset, looking for errors in spelling, grammar, margins, etc. Does little or no actual editing.
- First Reader.
A screening person usually tackling those books that are part of the >slush< pile-works that are unsolicited. Rejects most,
but passes on the most promising titles to an editor for disposition.
- Editorial Board Member.
Part of a group of people that sit in and select manuscripts for publication. They may also help to determine editorial policy.
More commonly associated with literary magazines or professional or technical journals or books.
- Book Packager.
A person (who usually belongs to a larger group) that provides publishing services such as design or production. Can supply
finished manuscripts and, in some cases, bound books to large book publishers, mostly on an outside, contractual basis.
- Contributing Editor.
This title is generally associated with magazines or periodicals. They may have a regular column or simply write regularly for a
publication. They may or may not do editing and, occasionally, the title is honorary and awarded as a perk, where an association is valuable.
About The Author:
Andrea Campbell is the author of ten nonfiction books
on a variety of topics. Become the next John Grisham. Write murder mysteries using her insightful book,
Making Crime Pay.
Visit Andrea's website. To subscribe to her free,
bi-monthly newsletter Soup's On, send an email to: campbell@arkansas.net and put "Author's Newsletter" in the subject head.
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