Hi I’ve got a BA in English Lit. I currently work at a newspaper but in layouts (or prepress) and the possibilities of moving up into editorial are quite slim (I have enquired into this a few times). I would really like to work in editing/copywriting/proofing but am unsure of what to pursue in terms of another degree to increase my chances of getting a job. I am considering "Marketing Communication techniques" (copywriting, basic marketing and PR) or "Print Communication" (specialized writing, editing). Would I be better off studying the how to write and edit, or or how to effectively communicate in terms of marketing? Can you please offer any advice? Thanks!!
I think you first need to decide where exactly your interests lie. I’m an editor at a marketing firm, and my job is completely different to that of, say a copywriter. Writers work much more closely with the marketing and communications folks to craft the message and wording, whereas my role is to make sure that message is conveyed correctly–and check for errors of course. If your goal is to be a writer, I’d hone in on your marketing/communications know-how. But if you want to be a true editor, focus on that. Take a copyediting course online to start to get your basic skills.
For those with careers as editors/proofreaders?
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I’d say your better bet would be the "Print Communication" route, since marketing techniques will take you into a different arm of journalism than it sounds like you’re after.
For the most part, an eye for detail is what you really need to be able to prove. Many media companies will offer edit tests to ensure that an applicant can tell the difference between "their | there | they’re" and "its | it’s", as well as basic grammar. So make sure you already have a solid grasp of these concepts, or neither degree will do the trick for you.
You might want to seek out a small publication for which you could freelance copyedit, even if you don’t make much (if any) money right away. That would allow you to include a copy editing entry on your resume, and have a reference who could vouch for your skills.
Good luck!
References :
I think you first need to decide where exactly your interests lie. I’m an editor at a marketing firm, and my job is completely different to that of, say a copywriter. Writers work much more closely with the marketing and communications folks to craft the message and wording, whereas my role is to make sure that message is conveyed correctly–and check for errors of course. If your goal is to be a writer, I’d hone in on your marketing/communications know-how. But if you want to be a true editor, focus on that. Take a copyediting course online to start to get your basic skills.
References :