Sub-Editing

Many reporters see sub-editing as lacking the excitement and unpredictability of reporting and there is certainly some truth to this.

But crossing the news room and joining the subs desk also means not having to field calls from members of the public with ideas for stories or attending late-night council meetings. After a few years of being a reporter, these sorts of things can make sub-editing an increasingly attractive prospect.

What is Sub-Editing?

Sub-editing can mean different things, but the most common definition in local newspapers is that a sub-editor goes through a journalist's copy, improves it, designs the page, puts the copy on the page and writes the headlines.

With bigger papers, you sometimes get people who have more specialised roles  to play to people's strengths. For example, someone with a good grasp of grammar might just edit the copy and another person with more artistic flair might design the pages.

When it comes to sub-editing copy, this should only really involve double checking the grammar and spelling and making sure the copy follows the newspaper's style. But in the real world, time-pressed news editors often let through sub-standard articles and it is left to the sub-editor to go back to the reporter and ask them to amend it.

Is Sub-Editing For You?

People who tend to do well as sub-editors are those who are slightly pedantic about grammar and house style and who have an in-built desire to get things right. This is probably the most important aspect of sub-editing, together with being prepared to put up with complaints from journalists who think your changes have ruined their story.

It also helps if you are creative in terms of designing pages and writing headlines that are witty or concisely sum up a story.

It is also a good option for people who love the atmosphere and buzz of the newsroom but as they get older find their enthusiasm for rushing out to cover breaking stories begins to wane.

Making the transition is also a chance to broaden your skills and your current employer is likely to be willing to invest in training you because you already know the style of the newspaper.

As well as the technical design skills you get from being a sub-editor, it also gives you a broader understanding of how a newspaper works. This is likely to be to an advantage if you want to eventually become an editor.

Sub-Editing For The National Press

Many people find that being a sub-editor makes it easier to get shifts on the national press, particularly with the quality papers.

So if you particularly want to work for a national quality paper and are finding it difficult to get shifts as a reporter, becoming a sub-editor could be a way in.