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Publisher vs managing editor

The differences between publishers and managing editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a publisher and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $71,539 average annual salary of a publisher.

The top three skills for a publisher include press releases, customer satisfaction and strategic thinking. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Publisher vs managing editor overview

PublisherManaging Editor
Yearly salary$71,539$89,060
Hourly rate$34.39$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs10,30316,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a publisher do?

A publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication. They distribute promotional catalogs to libraries and booksellers. They set the commercial and editorial direction for businesses publishing newspapers, digital content, magazines, and books. It is their duty to make decisions on the markets that their firms will serve as well as the type of content that they will give to their audience.

What does a managing editor do?

Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.

Publisher vs managing editor salary

Publishers and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

PublisherManaging Editor
Average salary$71,539$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $120,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CityStamford, CTWashington, DC
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyMicrosoftFederal Reserve Bank
Best paying industryTelecommunicationMedia

Differences between publisher and managing editor education

There are a few differences between a publisher and a managing editor in terms of educational background:

PublisherManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorBusinessJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Publisher vs managing editor demographics

Here are the differences between publishers' and managing editors' demographics:

PublisherManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 55.7% Female, 44.3%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between publisher and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Publisher example responsibilities.

  • Manage the migration and reformatting of over 8,000 web pages into a new CMS.
  • Pitch, produce and build all content (manage freelancers, art-direct shoots, write text, CMS).
  • Manage blogs and social networking sites (MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn) to support the brand of the magazine.
  • Manage editorial calendar and run weekly meetings with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Manage and perform administrative QC of electronic clinical submission modules within the Documentum document management system.
  • Supervise all editorial activities, including developing editorial story boards, managing freelance copywriters and directing contract photo assignments.
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Managing editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
  • Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
  • Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
  • Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
  • Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
  • Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.
  • Show more

Publisher vs managing editor skills

Common publisher skills
  • Press Releases, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Strategic Thinking, 11%
  • Publishing Industry, 5%
  • Facebook, 4%
  • Market Trends, 4%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

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