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.
Your Friendly Malaysian Writer 
Pingback: Maybe I Am Cut Out To Be A Magazine Editor After All | Your Friendly Malaysian Writer
Hahah, thanks for clearing that up for me: no longer a dream, because I’m bad at dealing with people, too. 😆
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Finally caught up.
You’ve definitely sold me on not wanting to do this. Marketing for books is bad enough, but at least the hubbub dies down (too) quickly.
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Whoa, I respect you for catching up with all my posts. Now it’s my turn to do the same. Soon! Really need to get back into the blogging groove, comments and all.
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No pressure. I can give you a one-sentence summation: I’m back in Jiu-Jitsu and loving it!!!
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Yay! I just got back into it myself, but knocked a couple crystals loose in my ear and now I get vertigo in certain positions -_-
So no being on my back for now. That’s thrown a wrench into the works.
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Oh, gosh, Stu. That sounds awful. Why do we do this to ourselves again? Writing is so much safer! :P
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Hi Stuart.
I am interested to work in publishing industry. Not necessarily as an editor.. But perhaps as a content writer? Do you have any advice for me?
Thank you in advance. Wish you luck in your endeavors!
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There are actually quite a lot of openings in Malaysia from what I see. And most of them don’t require any strict qualifications as long as you can show that you have a way with words.
But to better help you, let me ask, is there anything stopping you from applying for a content writer job now?
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A lot of things actually.. I’m not sure if I’m skillful enough compared to other people. Furthermore, I have to compete with the growing usage of AI. Also, I have been in my comfort zone for too long that I’m scared to get out of it. My thought is always like, “What if it doesn’t work?”
But I do have a plan. I intend to become serious in creating contents on my Bookstagram account and blog (I have lesser audience here). If I’m able to upgrade my writing skill gradually, I might be confident enough eventually.
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Don’t limit yourself, because if you were to send in an application and I read your comment, I would think you’d be skilled enough to be a writer. Getting your foot in the door is surprisingly easy. Not only that. You have competency in two languages, which widens your options even more. My company, for instance, has Lifestyle Asia in both English and Malay.
So don’t wait for your writing skills to reach a certain level (what yardstick will you use for that, anyway?). Look up writing jobs on LinkedIn or Jobstreet and just apply. You were once so apprehensive about your driving license and here you are. I believe you can do the same for this if it’s your dream!
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I am dead, too good!!! :’)
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Or perhaps, even better, you’re just a nice guy…
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Pingback: Mindful Monday Roundup - 2024-03-18 — The Phoenix Desertsong
Yes, I understand…it comes from a lack of self – confidence in standing one’s ground or from not wanting to confront…the longer I live in CA the more passive I become and it makes me crazy (cuz everyone here is way too passive)
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Great post! And funny, as usual…
I, too, am not good with people because I can’t tolerate all the BS and butt- kissing. Writing and editing my own work is good enough for me – except for the occasional post where others can learn from my brilliance 😏😋
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I’m stuck in this weird place where I can’t tolerate any of that, but can’t voice out what I feel either, lol. Like some sort of purgatory.
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Fortunately, Editor is number 1001 on my list of 100 things I ever wanted to do, so I am good. Thank you for confirming my expectations. Over the years I have been “manager,” “in charge,” “supervisor,” “lead….” Not anymore. In the last couple of jobs I have accepted I was clear when I spoke to the hiring manager, “I do not want your job. I would be less than optimum, inefficient, and the wrong person.”
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Sorry I hit Send too fast. How is the baby?
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Yeah. I think our tribe would be better off doing other, non-front-facing roles. Just not sure what those roles are for me yet. Anyhoo, the baby is great. We’re still adjusting as parents, but being able to blog is a good trend for me. Thanks for asking!
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Sounds like an editor has to juggle many plates but writing (and many personalities)! Haha… I had no idea. You make a pretty darn good writer though, I must say! Welcome back to the blog. Have missed reading your posts!
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Aww, always happy to read supportive comments like yours. Feels great to be back and reading this too. Almost as if I’ve never left. Thank you for stopping by!
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Well, if I wasn’t turned off already, I am now! I never wanted to be anything grander than a copyeditor anyway, and I’ve even lost interest in that. Hey, at least you know your strengths and weaknesses and are using them to avoid a career disaster before it happens. To me, everything you described sounds like an introvert’s hell.
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I will mirror a quote my friend said ten years ago: “I just want to write.”
Didn’t know how true that’d become till now, lol. And ikr? It’s almost as if being an introvert is seen as a weakness in most jobs. Wonder if I’ll ever reach a place where it’s celebrated.
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STU!! Where Have You Been Man??!! And what is this all about?? Talk to me brudder. Talk to me….In short, missed you and your posts Sir. Come back to us ok? We all know corporate can be so _______ but here, you’re with your tribe bro! Never forget us ok??!!
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Lol, still trying to juggle fatherhood and a time-consuming job. But being able to write for myself again is a plus, so the outlook looks good! Thanks as always for being so supportive!
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You’re always welcome. As said, please keep writing cos I miss your voice bro!! If there’s anything you need, I’m just a post/email away!! Take care and looking forward to your next Tuesday post!!!
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Though not in the writing space, I’ve been an “editor” in radio for about twenty years. The most important lesson I’ve learned is the need to be across the work and welfare of all of your staff. “Walk the floor every day” was advice I was given years so you can easily pick up on potential issues that may cause you problems down the track. And try to be across at least one item they may have done about which they may wish to talk, whether it be good or bad work. And if you haven’t heard/read the item, don’t pretend like you do. Just be honest and say, “I didn’t hear that, what was it like”.
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I did the ‘don’t pretend like you know’ bit once, when I had to cover a story on property (was at the tech and business desk then). The head of developers said “Then what are you doing here,” lol. But yeah, I’ve never been one to feign knowledge, so that’s a great reminder. Thank you!
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This is exactly why I run from marketing or sales related jobs. I am quite surly at the best of times, I don’t want to deal with people, and then the manglement getting angry at me for exploding on someone importing and shredding their ego.
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You’re much braver than I am, because I haven’t reached the point of exploding at others yet. Which is worse, tbh. To start having my own opinions but not being able to voice them out yet. Great to chat with you again!
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I read it as I am foolish than brave. I know that in the professional world, you have to control yourself, and do the things you don’t want to.
And yes, it is great to chat with you again.
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Wait wait wait… so you have some kind of people issue?
The good news is that all these skills and connections take time for everyone, so you needn’t feel like you have to have them from the get-go. That was a job aspect I didn’t recognize, in my impatience to be a career prodigy and head up my own magazine by age 30.
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Oh yeah. Been in the service industry for 6 years and even that didn’t ’cure’ my lack of people skills, so I’ve accepted this as my feature and not a flaw lol.
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Hey Stuart. It’s great to hear from you! Thanks for an enlightening post. I took an editing course as part of a communication program I’m working on. I decided I couldn’t do it because I’m not good at nitpicking and trying to remember all the style rules made me want to pull my hair out. The social side I might not mind, to be honest.
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lol looks like we’re the opposite! I actually enjoy knowing the style rules and enforcing them for each publication. Couldn’t care less to sell advertising though. Maybe you should be an editor after all!
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There’s editors and editors.
I think an Editor of a publication is a different kind of animal from an editor of documents.
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Oh for sure. No need to attend events or meet people beyond your clients. Maybe I should look into being a general editor and not work for a publication.
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This rings familiar. In general, many things we wish and daydream about aren’t that way in reality. That’s why showing up, shadowing, and observing is so important. It’s similar to not quitting your day job when you start a business. Great post.
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Heya Brad! Great to see you after this long while. Yeah. Too bad I’m a bit of an impulsive person and quitting my day job to do something sounds like exactly what I’d do, lol!
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Smiles, you’re always good Stuart.
And thanks, you point me in some direction I might need later.
One love (as always).
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I appreciate you as always too. Hopefully the pointing is towards a right direction :p
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Yes, I agree that writing is definitely your thing Stuart. And I would also add that being an Editor is over rated.
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If I could go down a career path that ONLY involved writing, that’d be super. Thanks for making me feel less guilty!
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Anytime!
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The comment from Anonymous above hits the nail on the head!
And in light of your blog post, combined with the comment above, I’m guessing I wouldn’t make a very good Editor either!
And you may feel like being an Editor is not your thing, but writing most definitely is! ;)
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Aww, it always warms my heart to receive lovely comments like yours. Here’s to hoping that writing continues to treat us well!
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Good to see a post from you again, Stuart. You’ve been MIA for a bit. I would never guess you consider yourself bad with people or introverted. I’ve always thought you write with so much personality, which is typically a quality you see in extroverted people.
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Have been MIA for sure. Trying to find my groove again. Hope things are well with you, Pete! And yeah, try as I might, I don’t think I can ever be anyone else other than someone who gets drained by social interactions, lol.
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Great post, Stuart. I don’t think that the actual issue is an inability to deal with people. It’s in the ways in which you’re expected to deal with them. I wanted so badly to be a big-time editor when I was younger; but once I realized that the job isn’t really about the writing or the quality thereof, I decided to just be a straight-up writer who was willing to do freelance work for people. But even then, I was not willing to compromise on my principles of quality and usefulness even in the face of advertiser demands. After a bit over a decade of having to deal with people who only cared about ROI on their balance sheets, and not about the quality of product that they wanted me to produce, I quit writing as a job and do it now purely for my own enjoyment. I’m fortunate enough that my words no longer need to put food on my table or a roof over my head. The best way to “make it” as a writer/editor/content creator these days is to find some niche somewhere where you at the top of that particular community. I’ve never been willing to do that myself because pigeonholing myself is something that I despise. I prefer to be a flexible generalist, something that’s frowned upon today in our hyper-specialized society. And I’m told that I’m bad at dealing with people, but the real issue is that I simply don’t stand for BS or corporate mandates that offer neutral or negative value to the consumer.
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I must say, I’ve been thinking long and hard about my writing career, and I resonate with your thoughts. I think I do best when my writing isn’t governed by people whose thoughts are different from mine. Thanks so much for your lovely input!
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