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Magazine features editor

Magazine features editors are responsible for overseeing the content and quality of magazine publications and for ensuring that features are topical, interesting and informative.

There are more than 3,200 consumer magazines on the UK market which generate almost £800 million in consumer spending annually

Magazine features editor job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

organising and chairing editorial meetings
generating ideas for articles and features
commissioning features and stories from in-house writers or freelancers
supervising staff, including freelance writers
reading, writing and researching features and articles
selecting articles for issues and planning publication contents
rewriting, editing, proofreading and subbing copy
attending relevant events, fairs and conferences.

Typical employers of features editors

major commercial publishers (such as IPC Magazines or EMAP)
smaller specialist publishers
online and digital media publishers
‘in-house’ magazines for corporate customers
customer ‘loyalty’ publications.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, within the recruiting publication, in national newspapers, Media Week, UK Press Gazette, Campaign, and Broadcast. Speculative applications are advisable. Directories such as Willings Press Guide and Benn's Media Directory may be useful for direct approaches to employers. A few employers operate graduate trainee schemes - early applications for such positions are advisable.

Qualifications and training required

An English or Media Studies degree or a qualification accredited by the NCTJ may be advantageous. Specialist knowledge or a scientific or technical background may be required for some vacancies. Prior relevant experience is essential.