ROLES IN THE MAGAZINE INDUSTRY

By Clara Rodrigues

EDITOR IN CHIEF The chief editor oversees the whole

content and makes sure the flow of the magazine is seamless. As a top editor, this person is responsible for making all the final decisions and is constantly getting reports from the managing editor, creative director and the executive editor.

MANAGING EDITOR The managing editor is second highest

to the editor in chief and is usually in charge of enforcing deadlines, following the editorial calendar and making sure daily tasks are being accomplished by each person, though responsibilities differ from publication to publication. Some managing editors also plan the budget for the magazine.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The creative director is in charge of the visual aspect of the magazine and is constantly communicating back and forth with the chief editor. His or her main task is in creating cover concepts and directing photo shoots. This vision is then translated into the layout by the art director, who works in conjunction with the photo editor.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

The executive editor selects the writers, assigns them stories and edits their articles. He or she usually writes the larger stories and the cover headlines that must be short, sweet and catchy. However, in larger magazines, the executive editor may have a staff of editors to oversee such as the features editor and a specializing editor (e.g., fashion or technology).

COPY EDITOR

A copy editor is one of the few who reads the magazine thoroughly from cover to cover. He or she makes sure the publication has no errors in spelling or grammar and that there is no libel.

FACT CHECKER

The role of a fact checker is self explanatory. He or she checks for the accuracy of facts by researching and calling places to make sure names are spelled correctly, prices match, addresses exist, etc.

CONTRIBUTORS

Most magazines outsource their writers and photographers and hire them as freelancers. They are usually found through referrals, word of mouth and Web sites like MediaBistro.com.

ASSISTANTS

An editorial assistant writes small sections, answers calls, makes the coffee and does whatever the editor assigns on a day-to-day basis. An assistant editor has more experience, is given more responsibilities and gets paid higher but is still in the assisting role.