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tgt
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How is this career? Anyone doing it full time? What's it like?
NotoriousNick said:Invigorating
Choppy said:Do you mean copy editor? Or do you mean the editors responsible for compiling chapters in advanced texts from numerous authors?
Copy editing is a career, but doesn't (to my knowledge) require so much of a background in the texts you edit as it does the publicaiton process, and grammar and language skills. This person's job is to ensure that the book gets published properly, but generally has a minimum of responsibility with respect to content. Essentially the job is to ensure that the final product is what the author and publisher want.
Editors that put together compilations have a high degree of recognized specialization in their respective fields, but don't generally do this as a full-time career. Usually they are scientists/professors who take on this kind of activity secondary to their academic responsibilities.
I have several friends who do this for a living. They work from home, doing grade school textbooks, sometimes math , sometimes science, history or geography. The tasks required vary too. It may be no more than copy-proofing, all the way up to overseeing the content that does into a book. They sometimes even call on their artist friends to draw up illos and cover designs.tgt said:I was thinking of editors that check the correctness of the content in textbooks. The textbooks could be primary, secondary or 1st year University level.
DaveC426913 said:I have several friends who do this for a living. They work from home, doing grade school textbooks, sometimes math , sometimes science, history or geography. The tasks required vary too. It may be no more than copy-proofing, all the way up to overseeing the content that does into a book. They sometimes even call on their artist friends to draw up illos and cover designs.
Not job. They are freelance. That is the way the public textbook industry works around here (Canada. I can't speak for elsewhere, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were the same).tgt said:What qualifications does one need to get such a job?
Up to you to set a value on your skills. $25 - $50 per hour is the common range.tgt said:How much do they earn?
School textbook publishers. Find ones in your area, send them a blurb about what your specialty is, maybe some samples, then wait. Then send again.tgt said:Who hires your friends? Who to contact to ask more about such jobs?
mal4mac said:You might want to consider "physics abstracting". I applied for a job in this area several decades ago and was accepted for the post, but took an MSc course instead. Sometimes I wonder where this path would have taken me as, in retrospect, I think it might have been a better path than the one I took! I just found out Arthur C. Clarke actually got the job I was aiming for, with the company that accepted me (though he started one rung higher up the ladder than the job I actually got!) I applied for the job by writing to the company directly. Besides my physics qualification I had also worked for the student newspaper. I think it helped. Anyway, info on Arthur C.:
http://www.theiet.org/about/libarc/archives/institution-history/inspmem.cfm
A textbook editor is responsible for reviewing and revising educational materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, and study guides, to ensure accuracy, cohesiveness, and clarity. They may also work with authors and subject matter experts to develop new materials and concepts for textbooks.
To become a textbook editor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as English, journalism, or education. Strong writing and editing skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of the subject matter are also important. Some employers may also prefer candidates with previous editing experience.
Textbook editors typically work in an office setting, either in-house for a publishing company or as a freelancer. They may also work remotely from home. The work can be fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.
The salary for textbook editors can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for editors in 2020 was $63,400. Freelance editors may also have the potential to earn higher rates per project.
Some potential challenges of working as a textbook editor may include the pressure of meeting deadlines, the need to constantly adapt to changes in the industry, and the potential for repetitive work. Additionally, the job market for textbook editors may be competitive, and it may take time to establish yourself in the field.