How to break into the editing business

[Pendragon II]

Disclaimer: I wasn't sure where to post a question like this, and this heading seems to encompass pretty much everything, so if it's in the wrong place I apologize.

Getting to my question requires a little background. I'm seventeen years old, and will turn eighteen in three months, so the time has come for me to begin seriously thinking about my life moving forward. I love writing, enjoy editing and proofreading, and have been told I'm good at both. Ideally, this is where I would like my career to be (world-famous writer would be great, but decently-paid editor works too) but I don't know where to begin. I've heard that the best way to enter the market is to have connections. I've also heard that a large portion of it is luck. If anyone has stories about how they broke in or advice on how I can, I would greatly appreciate if you shared it.

 

[Devor]

I'm speculating a little, here. But to get into editing, I would think good college majors include Writing, Journalism and Marketing, and you'd want to start with an internship at a publishing company. You'd also want to attend a college that has publishing companies in the area.

 

[skip.knox]

Your best bet would be to ask editors. There are many sites for editors on the web, and a number of those actually have articles on your exact question. Take a look around, you'll find what you need.

 

[Devouring Wolf]

I'm in almost the exact situation you are. I'm seventeen years old (turning eighteen in a little over a month) and want to be an editor, and then eventually a literary agent. The advice I've picked up by reading the blogs of editors and literary agents, which I'm passing on to you (so take it with a grain of salt because I'm not exactly an expert source), is there's really no clear cut path. Also because I'm American, I can only speak for the process in my country.

However there are some good starting places. First of all, get a college degree. From what I've heard, it doesn't need to be English (in fact some people say not to get an English Major, because it can turn you into a literary snob, and if I'm to be candid with you, having had several friends who were/planned to be English Majors, I can see where stereotype comes from). The importance of the college degree, isn't so much about the what you learn, so much as helping you get the skills you need to do well in the world (critical thinking, good study/work habits, dealing with pressure, ect.) So if you've the luxury, get a degree in something you really enjoy, and if not get a practical degree that you can use as a fallback plan.

Second, try to land an internship at a publishing house. These are usually offered to students or graduates (another reason the college degree is useful). If you live in New York, you're in luck, since most major publishing houses are there. If not, look around for smaller, local companies make sure they're reputable though), or try to get an online internship. Or look for academic programs like Workshops | Publishing Institute | University of Denver.

Fourth, keep on top of the current market, and news in the publishing Industry. Read Publisher's Lunch or something similar. Even if you're not interested in the marketing aspect of the publishing industry, its good to keep on top of it. This is a business after all.

Fifth, work your butt off and hope someone offers you a job. Unfortunately (or fortunately) there's no clear cut path to becoming an editor or agent. You have to just go out there, grab an opportunity and hang on by the teeth.

Hope this at least helps you figure where to start your journey.