According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax. | 91% |
| Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources. | 89% |
| Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication. | 89% |
| Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal. | 88% |
| Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work. | 86% |
| Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements. | 84% |
| Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors. | 82% |
| Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters. | 82% |
| Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters. | 81% |
| Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories. | 81% |
| Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements. | 81% |
| Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production. | 79% |
| Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value. | 78% |
| Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles. | 76% |
| Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher. | 75% |
| Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments. | 75% |
| Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage. | 73% |
| Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems. | 71% |
| Arrange for copyright permissions. | 63% |
| Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers. | 62% |
| Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location. | 50% |
