How to hire a publication editor

How to hire a publication editor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step publication editor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a publication editor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new publication editor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your publication editor job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a publication editor for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A publication editor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, publication editors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of publication editors.

   Type of Publication Editor	Description	Hourly rate
   Publication Editor	Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.	$21-37
   Editing Internship	An editorial intern is responsible for assisting the editorial department of an organization with publishing various media and digital content. Editorial interns shadow tenured editorial staff on researching stories, validating information, writing captivating articles, interviewing target audiences, and screening submitted manuscripts... Show more	$12-21
   Editorial Internship	An editorial intern is responsible for assisting the editorial team in publishing digital and media content, writing articles, and managing readers' reviews. Editorial interns must have excellent knowledge of the industry they work for, suggesting the latest trends and featured topics, taking notes of the tenured employees' advice and observations, and actively joining brainstorming sessions... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Web Content
   • Press Releases
   • Proofread
   • Technical Publications
   • Editorial Process
   • Graphic Design
   • Editor-In-Chief
   • Editorial Calendar
   • Photoshop
   • Edit Articles
   • Adobe Indesign
   • Edit Content
   • Fact Sheets
   • News Coverage

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage campaign performance through data analysis and reporting, with actionable takeaways per designate KPI.
   • Collaborate with internal editorials teams and division directors to develop news stories announcing new pharmaceutical advancements and laboratory developments.
   • Design, develop and publish multimedia web pages using Dreamweaver, HTML and CSS.
   • Proofread and edit the mission pastor's articles and blogs for his forthcoming second publication.
   • Launch first social media for community sections with creation of section-specific Facebook pages and blogs.
   • Proofread, edit, and publish all articles and all other written weekly content for the site.

   More publication editor duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your publication editor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A publication editor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, publication editors' average salary in nebraska is 53% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level publication editors 43% less than senior-level publication editors.
   • Certifications. A publication editor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a publication editor's salary.

   Average publication editor salary

   $58,830yearly

   $28.28 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level publication editor salary

   $44,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average publication editor salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$69,869	$34
   2	District of Columbia	$66,267	$32
   3	New York	$65,590	$32
   4	Virginia	$63,655	$31
   5	Massachusetts	$58,665	$28
   6	Washington	$54,830	$26
   7	Colorado	$51,845	$25
   8	Nebraska	$34,305	$16

   Average publication editor salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	SAIC	$65,661	$31.57	1
   2	Georgetown University	$58,647	$28.20
   3	Colorado Public Radio	$53,583	$25.76
   4	Middle East Broadcasting Network	$50,372	$24.22	2
   5	University of Nebraska Medical Center	$46,018	$22.12

4. Writing a publication editor job description

   A publication editor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a publication editor job description:

   Publication editor job description example

   Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks !
   
   The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.
   
   We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.
   
   With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.
   
   Foreign Policy at Brookings
   
   Foreign Policy at Brookings is a leading center of policy-relevant scholarship exploring the rapidly re-ordering geopolitics of the major powers, and the disordering relations among states and transnational actors. In line with Brookings's core values of quality, independence, and impact, our scholars provide concrete policy recommendations for how U.S. strategy, the international security architecture, and leading states should adapt to changing threats and opportunities
   
   Position Location : This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.
   
   Vaccine Policy : Brookings requires all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.
   
   Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.
   
   Responsibilities
   
   Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
   
   The Publications Editor is the primary editor and project manager for papers, policy briefs, FP Interviews, and other publications of Foreign Policy at Brookings (FP). He or she manages the editing and production processes for these publications, manages relationships with the authors, and liaises with freelance editors and designers where needed. The Publications Editor edits for structure, copy, clarity, and format in publications produced by FP scholars and contributors, with support from authors' research assistants; reviews final layouts and secures rights for photos and graphs as needed; and conducts overall project management-in coordination with the central Brookings Office of Communications, Brookings Press, and vendors-for timely delivery of papers and briefs. The Publications Editor also assists with writing the FP program's weekly newsletter and editing short-form commentary for the FP blog.
   
   Publication Editing and Project Management (80%)
   
   + Serves as primary editor/copyeditor of policy briefs, analysis papers, and other materials as assigned.
   
   + Edits publications for copy, format, clarity, and format; works directly with authors and/or their research assistants.
   
   + Ensures papers and other written products conform to Brookings and FP style, as well as standards for peer review and research independence.
   
   + Manages the overall execution of FP-wide paper series, including by coordinating the peer review process, editing, and tracking papers' status.
   
   + Assists with editing of other articles by scholars as requested.
   
   + In coordination with internal designers and external vendors, manages the production process for papers, manuscripts, and other publications including layout, proofing, distribution, and storage.
   
   + Liaises with external freelance editors and designers where necessary on publications.
   
   + Ensures papers and other written products are published on time, and in concert with the program's strategic communication priorities.
   
   + Publishes papers and other materials as needed on the Brookings website, using appropriate software and in coordination with the FP website manager.
   
   + In coordination with authors and FP and Communications leadership, manages distribution and outreach strategies for specific publications.
   
   + Manages the FP peer review process, ensuring that all publications are peer reviewed according to FP processes.
   
   + Working under the direction of the FP Director of Research and FP communications leadership, coordinates the external peer review process for book manuscripts and liaises with the FP Communications Coordinator on promotion and media outreach.
   
   Newsletter Writing (20%)
   
   + Working under the direction of the FP communications leadership, assists with the writing of the FP weekly newsletter.
   
   Qualifications
   
   Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
   
   Education/Experience Requirements:
   
   Bachelor's degree required, degree in political science, international relations, history, journalism, or related field is preferred. Minimum four years of full-time employment in a writing or editing position is required. Professional experience in online publishing required; experience in a non-profit organization and/or foreign policy-oriented field is preferred. Must have ability to work independently. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
   
   Knowledge/Skills Requirements:
   
   Writing and editing skills: Outstanding writing and editing skills are required. Candidates must demonstrate ability to write clearly, precisely, and concisely; and must demonstrate ability to edit draft publications in this way and so that narratives and themes are well-organized and cohesive. Close attention to detail is critical.
   
   Technical skills: Knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and international relations is preferred. Candidates must also have knowledge of and ability to manage editing and production processes. Knowledge of AP and Chicago Styles, online publishing processes, Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat are required. Graphic design sensibility is preferred.
   
   Organizational skills: Superior organizational and project management skills are required. Candidates must be able to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining attention to quality and production schedules.
   
   Interpersonal skills: Excellent communication skills are required. Candidates must be flexible, a good team player, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Must maintain productive relationships with colleagues and other contacts at all levels of seniority.
   
   Additional Information:
   
   What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.
   
   Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as aseparateattachment.
   
   Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
   
   Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers , and other factors protected by law . Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.
   
   Posted Date1 month ago(9/1/2022 11:19 AM)
   
   Program Foreign Policy
   
   Job Function Communications
   
   
   Salary Commensurate with experience

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find publication editors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your publication editor job on Zippia to find and attract quality publication editor candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit publication editors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new publication editor

   Once you have selected a candidate for the publication editor position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new publication editor. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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