Magazine features editor : Job description

A magazine features editor ensures that their publication is full of entertaining, informative and newsworthy articles.

Most opportunities are in large publishing companies that produce a wide range of titles. However, features editors are also employed by trade magazines, specialist publishers, online media and in-house magazines.

The responsibilities of the role can include: generating ideas for features; commissioning work by freelance writers; editing and proofreading; managing writing staff; and liaising with artists and photographers.

Magazine features editors do not always need specialist knowledge of the subject they cover, unless the content is highly technical, although an interest in the subject is usually expected.

Typical work activities

The role will vary according to the size of the publication and the nature of its content, but responsibilities will typically include:

• overseeing the layout, appearance and content of feature articles;
• generating ideas for features with writing staff;
• commissioning articles from freelance and in-house writers;
• managing writing staff and freelance feature writers;
• editing and re-writing articles, some of which may be rejected or returned to the writer for revision;
• overseeing artwork, design and photography for the features section of the magazine;
• attending photo-shoots;
• organising meetings with writers and artists to discuss ideas for artwork, layout and features;
• negotiating payments with freelance writers;
• dealing with legal matters;
• selecting feature articles for each issue;
• sending out briefs to writers which can include word count, deadline, fee and writing style;
• proofreading all pages before going to press;
• raising the profile of the magazine;
• networking with others at industry events;
• assisting other staff to meet their deadlines.