Ever since I joined the publishing industry, I aspired to be an editor. I just needed the writing skills, and I had a decent serving of that.
I pictured myself catching typos and lecturing writers on how they could improve their style. I’d be perched at my desk, approving or rejecting pitches like I was swiping on Tinder. Every once in a while, I’d throw out words like ‘pagination’ or ‘masthead’.
Turns out, I had totally misjudged that role. As a deputy editor for a lifestyle magazine, I get a first-hand look at what my boss does, and I’m quickly learning the many reasons why I might not want to be an editor, ever.
The first reason? I’m bad at dealing with people. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Here are some of the other ‘interesting’ things an editor needs to do.
1. You need to socialise. A lot.
The first time my editorial dreams were dashed was when I realised I wouldn’t be able to hide in a room all day. In fact, I don’t think the editors in my company even have a regular desk. Because for three-quarters of the time, they’re either out for events or with clients.
Advertisers aren’t vying for a space in your magazine. It’s often the other way around—editors pitching to brands on why they should come in for the next cover story.
The final quarter of the time is spent attending meetings. That’s where you pitch to your company’s CEO why you think a certain brand fits the cover story. So much for writing, or even actually editing.
There are many reasons why the stereotypical introverted writer picks up the craft. And full days of meeting people isn’t one of them.
Why I’m not cut out to be an editor: I’m bad at dealing with people.
2. You gotta do some Reel shit
The way brands (your clients) generate hype is by inviting the media to their events. Another way is enlisting celebrities to become their ambassadors. It’s rare for events not to include a celebrity of sorts these days.
And because it’s the editors who are often invited to the bigger celebrations, guess whose job it is to chase down said celebrities for interviews and sound bites?
I had a chat with an editor at one such event and she was lamenting on how editors are now expected to become the paparazzi at these events. Then she jogged away to chase a passing celebrity.
Plus, you’re often expected to edit your Reel and post it before the event even ends. At least the editors’ writing skills work well for Instagram captions.
Why I’m not cut out to be an editor: I’m bad at dealing with people. Especially with celebrities who barely have time for me.
3. You need to be good with visuals, not just words
As an editor, you’re not exempt from needing to provide visual feedback, especially for high-stakes content like the cover page.
I used to think that design and photography belonged to the realm of the visual artists. But the editor is ultimately responsible for the final product. So their visual sense is key.
But you’re not working alone. There’s the photographer, art director, stylist, and writer of the story. What if you disagree with the majority? Do you pull rank and risk being seen as a know-it-all? Or do you let the professionals decide, sacrificing your vision in the process?
You’ll wish you could sit behind a desk right then.
Why I’m not cut out to be an editor: I’m bad at dealing with people. Especially when it involves confrontation.
4. You need to be well-connected
More often than not, the team looks to the editors for guidance, big-picture style. So if you need to secure a celebrity for the cover, then you best know who their managers are.
Ditto last-minute booking for make-up artists. Or a studio that has enough props for that Spring/Summer feel. Or a hotel bar that’ll make a perfect backdrop for your clients’ products.
This is in many ways similar to, yet unlike, point number one. You’re always required to put yourself out there. To always build new contacts.
That ex-photographer who’s completing their MBA in London could cover a fashion show there. That newbie model you spoke to last year could be the hottest thing this year, and you could land an exclusive interview because you were kind to them.
It’s almost as if The Devil Wears Prada is actually truth and not fiction.
Why I’m not cut out to be an editor: I’m bad at dealing with people, what more building actual relationships with them.
5. You need to know how much things cost (and ask for the money)
Everything costs something in publishing. From the number of photographers you hire, down to the number of pages you’re printing. And you’re expected to break down these costs for management. Because you’re also expected to explain your budget to management.
“Why so much?” they’d ask.
“Because we need freelance writers.”
“Can’t you do it yourself?” they’ll say.
“No, because we only have one writer.”
“But it costs too much. Let’s cut that interesting project and replace it with a generic article that reads like an ad.”
“YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND, O LADY SUPERIOR.”
(All this is paraphrased, but not too far off what really happens in budget meetings.)
Why I’m not cut out to be an editor: I’m bad at dealing with people. And numbers.
Have you ever dreamed of being an editor?
Despite my jests, the media industry is actually an interesting place to be in. You get to meet amazing people and sometimes go on fun assignments. So don’t let me talk you out of the publishing industry if that’s always been your dream.
Me, though? I’m not sure where I’m headed. Because I don’t know if I’ve told you this already, but I’m probably not cut out to be an editor.
Because I’m bad at dealing with people.
Stuart Danker 
I’d love to hear your thoughts!