Defining Job Roles - Editor vs Managing Editor vs Publisher etc.

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Permalink Reply by Jasmine Grimm on December 1, 2008 at 4:33pm

publisher--responsibilities include putting project from start to finish, deciding on what to publish and negotiating contracts, can be sued for libel

editor-in-chief or executive editor -- ultimate control over the content, manages the entire staff, this person also typically writes the editorial calendar or budget for the year.

managing editor -- managerial role over staff. responsible for making sure all functions work smoothly.

associate editor -- often multiple, associate editors are higher level editors, but fall below the editor-in-chief and the managing editor.

Then various section editors:
features, news, opinion, or sports

Then staff writers and photographers

This may help you understand the hierarchy: www.iop.org/aboutus/Employment_Opportunities/file_21710.doc

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Permalink Reply by David Willson on December 2, 2008 at 11:14am

In my experience, the Publisher is also responsible for the publication making a profit, and therefore would have a leadership role over advertising and any associated revenue generating ventures like special events and the online venture.

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Permalink Reply by Kerry Smith on December 7, 2008 at 11:53am

The person responsible for P&L (profit and loss) should be the one in charge -- whether it's publisher, editor, general manager, or whatever you call it.

Publisher is typically responsible for sales/marketing, brand management, relationship management, and working with internal corporate management on things like financial management, budgeting, etc. While every company is unique, some publishers may exert more or less involvement in editorial functions based on the specifics of that company -- e.g., if the publisher was the founder of the magazine, then chances are he/she will be the face of the book to readers and advertisers and thus will have some degree of editorial involvement.

Editor or Editor in Chief should report to the publisher, however they should have a symbiotic relationship based on mutual trust and an understanding that the editor is in charge of content strategy, publication voice, and content management.

Managing Editor reports to Editor and is responsible for story assignments, copy flow, and tying together all the pieces (art, production, copy, etc.) required to produce the publication.

At the end of the day, you need a single individual in charge and accountable. Committees, triumverates, or other iterations of "shared" responsibility at the top are recipes for confusion and rarely work.

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