What does a production editor do?
A production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.
Production editor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real production editor resumes:
- Manage integration and implementation of site search and train staff on strategic SEO and web best practices.
- Manage research and identification of all clips and pictures used in the documentary for the purpose of credit and compensation.
- Typeset editorial content and manage paste-up board production.
- Boost usability by managing content migration to iApps, leading maintenance & data/functionality QA.
- Assume full editorial responsibility when editor are unavailable, including managing social media accounts and assigning content to freelancers and photographers.
- Update online versions of books using UNIX, HTML, and XML technologies.
- Deliver on-time PDF files to printers.
- Guide RedEye team on SEO best practices.
- Double online traffic by sparking interest through connections via Facebook.
- Transcribe audio/video recordings of courses present at RSNA annual meetings.
- Research and pull hundreds of movie, shows, and YouTube clips.
- Utilize production automation and XML in an effort to save both time and money.
- Initiate the creation of PDF files for electronic transfer of research reports to main print shop.
- Redesign and launch Intranet site for Pratt & Whitney AeroPower to align company with headquarters' initiatives.
- Post articles, photos, and videos to the website and promote through social media outlets, especially Facebook.
Production editor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Production Editors are proficient in Proofreading, Editorial Production, and Production Process. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Good judgment.
We break down the percentage of Production Editors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Proofreading, 15%
Assisted in editing and proofreading manuscripts using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
- Editorial Production, 9%
Managed the editorial production of college-level textbooks and supplement packages from receipt of original manuscript to bound book.
- Production Process, 9%
Managed communications between all departments and printer during production process.
- Production Schedules, 5%
Coordinated production schedules with journal editors and authors and supervised the typesetter and printer.
- Fiction, 4%
Managed production of 45 middle-reader books ranging from history to illustrated fiction.
- Adobe Indesign, 4%
Manage production of each issue of the Journal, design layout in Adobe InDesign, formatting and style for each issue.
Most production editors use their skills in "proofreading," "editorial production," and "production process" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential production editor responsibilities here:
Creativity. The most essential soft skill for a production editor to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "editors must be imaginative, curious, and knowledgeable in a broad range of topics." Additionally, a production editor resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "upgraded production software from quark to adobe creative cloud. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling production editor duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "editors must be meticulous to ensure that material is error free and matches the style of a publication." According to a production editor resume, here's how production editors can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "expanded editorial base to include detailed and systematic analysis of multi-million dollar decoy auctions. "
Good judgment. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of production editors is good judgment. This skill is critical to many everyday production editor duties, as "editors decide whether certain stories are ethical and whether there is enough evidence to publish them." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "utilized content planning, news judgment and seo for maximum audience reach. "
Interpersonal skills. A big part of what production editors do relies on "interpersonal skills." You can see how essential it is to production editor responsibilities because "in working with writers, editors must have tact and the ability to guide and encourage them in their work." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical production editor tasks: "coordinated interpersonal relations between editorial staff, artists, writers and judges. "
Writing skills. Another common skill required for production editor responsibilities is "writing skills." This skill comes up in the duties of production editors all the time, as "editors ensure that all written content has correct grammar, punctuation, and syntax." An excerpt from a real production editor resume shows how this skill is central to what a production editor does: "managed production process from manuscript to final copy involved in writing, editing, production"
The three companies that hire the most production editors are:
- Wolters Kluwer56 production editors jobs
- The Walt Disney Company53 production editors jobs
- Oxford University Press
5 production editors jobs
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Compare different production editors
Production editor vs. Journalist
A journalist is responsible for creating written correspondence, covering various subjects as the management requires. This task involves a lot of research investigations, conducting interviews, and gathering reliable sources to verify the authenticity of data before releasing the articles on news portals and other social platforms. Journalists should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, conveying information to the target audience with high accuracy and efficiency. They analyze opinions and testimonies, create eye-catching headlines, and ensure adherence to deadlines.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, production editor responsibilities require skills like "proofreading," "editorial production," "production process," and "production schedules." Meanwhile a typical journalist has skills in areas such as "excellent interpersonal," "multimedia," "story development," and "local community." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Journalists really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $64,488. Comparatively, production editors tend to make the most money in the media industry with an average salary of $61,163.The education levels that journalists earn slightly differ from production editors. In particular, journalists are 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a production editor. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production editor vs. Reporter
In journalism, a reporter is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information to the public audience through various mediums such as print and media. A reporter must ensure to gather necessary and factual data that are supported by interviews and comments of those involved, remain unbiased in all aspects, produce a concise and comprehensive informational material within an allotted time, and efficiently coordinate with every staff. Furthermore, a reporter must remain professional at all times and adhere to the policies and regulations set by the company or network.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, production editor responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "proofreading," "editorial production," "production process," and "production schedules." Meanwhile, a reporter has duties that require skills in areas such as "digital marketing," "facebook," "twitter," and "photography." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, reporters earn a lower salary than production editors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, reporters earn the most pay in the media industry with an average salary of $48,200. Whereas production editors have higher pay in the media industry, with an average salary of $61,163.reporters earn similar levels of education than production editors in general. They're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for production editors in the next 3-5 years?
Aaron Moore Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Journalism; Director of Internship Program, Rider University
Production editor vs. News reporter
News Reporters collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events through interview, investigation, or observation. They carry cameras and take photos and video footage of objects or places of potential significance.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, production editors are more likely to have skills like "proofreading," "editorial production," "production process," and "production schedules." But a news reporter is more likely to have skills like "digital marketing," "local community," "facebook," and "twitter."
News reporters earn the highest salary when working in the media industry, where they receive an average salary of $41,958. Comparatively, production editors have the highest earning potential in the media industry, with an average salary of $61,163.news reporters typically earn similar educational levels compared to production editors. Specifically, they're 3.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production editor vs. Technical writer
Technical Writers specialize in producing easy-to-understand instructional or informational written materials, such as media and journal articles, assessments and guidelines, and legal forms of documentation. For Technical Writers to develop well-versed content, one must conduct thorough research on the topic or idea to ensure factual legitimacy and communicate with those whose expertise aligns with the subject. Aside from producing, Technical Writers can also improve or convert complex written materials such as operating manuals or documents into one that can be easily understood by the general public.
Types of production editor
Updated January 8, 2025
