Harried editors and marketers love the ability to be able to hand off a publication to a content project editor, also known as a content project manager, who can pick up the pieces and run with it. Whether your company needs a 10th anniversary publication to mark the occasion, or your magazine is putting out a special supplement, it can be tough to create this content on your own, in addition to regular responsibilities.
A content project editor acts as your point of contact, creating content for as few or as many publications as needed, oftentimes to complement digital communication. Here are some print projects Plum Editorial has led for clients: College program guides; company newsletters; a card game instruction manual; a meeting venue guide; and award-winners’ profiles.
After discussing the goal of your project and its intended readership, content project editors should be on hand to conceptualize content and delegate assignments to writers. They should coordinate with the graphic artist on layout needs and planned visual elements. They should assign photographers and schedule shoots. They should edit copy – being alert not only for quality content, but also incorrect grammar and spelling errors — and write headlines and captions. Project editors keep all the trains running to keep you on track to deadline, with regular project updates along the way.
Here are some questions to ask a project editor:
- What kind of experience do you have in copy editing?
- Do you have connections to benefit my project, such as a network of freelance writers and photographers to call upon?
- Are you clear on the deadlines for this project?
- Do you have graphic design experience, or are you accustomed to collaborations with graphic designers?
- Do you have past clients I could contact?
With a bit of thoughtful vetting, a freelance project editor has the ability to give your publication quality content within a quality framework. A project editor coordinates all aspects of a publication: hires photographers, schedules shoots, gathers source information, assigns stories and outsources writing — so you don’t have to.