General Description of Class
The PUBLICATIONS EDITOR is responsible for arranging, writing, editing and overseeing the production of publications
for a division or unit of State government. Duties are usually performed in a normal work setting. Some positions
in this class may supervise but are not statutorily excluded from collective bargaining.
Distinguishing Features
This is the third of a three-level series of classes and is distinguished from the lower level by the responsibility
to arrange for, write, and oversee production of publications.
Duties and Responsibilities
Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed which may include one or a combination
of the duties or tasks listed below.
- Publication Planning. Typical tasks: receives general direction from supervisor or manager as to the
type of publication needed, subject matter to be covered, production deadlines and current or potential resources
for materials to be included; consults with supervisor, manager or other agency staff regarding objective of publication(s)
and probable audience; researches information resources and prepares plan or outline for publication; arranges
with agency staff or freelance writers to write copy needed; may assume responsibility for writing some copy; sets
deadlines for copy; makes arrangements for graphics that may be required (photos, drawings, graphs, charts); may
consult with printer to determine printing costs and schedules.
- Editing. Typical tasks: reads through all copy (may be hard copy or on disc or tape reviewed through
VDT) for sense of content; may consult with authors or other sources to verify accuracy of information in copy;
reads through all copy word for word to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax;
marks copy with standard editing marks to indicate corrections; if working on electronic copy, keys in appropriate
codes to correct copy at word processing or computer terminal; moves or amends sentences and paragraphs to enhance
clarity and continuity; changes or rewrites language, consistent with author's intent, to enhance clarity; deletes
unnecessary verbiage; notes recommendations for or directly makes cuts or additions to meet production requirements;
consults with agency personnel or others to clarify information; researches agency files, publications or library
resources to obtain information required; obtains drafts of materials written by other persons; marks or keys in
material for correct style and format for publication; consults with or advises other writers regarding major revisions
needed in text; recommends (to supervisor) typeface, paper, and design elements for publication; reviews graphics
to be used and plans formatting accordingly; assembles edited materials and has proof made (through agency word
processing, photocomposition equipment or through printer); may produce own edited copy or proof through operation
of word processing or photocomposition equipment; submits proof and cost estimates to supervisor or manager for
review and approval.
- Production. Typical tasks: reviews approved proofs and makes recommended or required changes as indicated;
makes or obtains final clean copy of text in correct format, style and typeface; performs cut and paste operation
on copy and graphics, assembles in correct layout and sequence to produce camera-ready copy for printer; may have
copy typeset and imposed on agency photocomposition equipment for telecommunication to printer; prepares order
specifications for printer indicating format, typeface, size and ink color, paper size and color, cover stock if
required, quantity to be produced and due dates; consults with printer to resolve any production problems that
may arise; examines and approves printer's proof of material; may review and approve final product.
- General Editing and Miscellaneous Duties. Typical tasks: edits wide variety of publications including
forms, newsletters, information packets, directories, operations manuals, brochures, booklets, proposed administrative
rules, policies and procedures; provides agency staff with advice and assistance in the planning or preparation
of printed materials; may edit drafts of speeches, scripts for audiovisual, television, radio or motion picture
presentations; maintains resource files of photos, other graphics, typeface and paper catalogs and style and formatting
guides; updates and re-edits directories, operations and procedures manuals and other recurrent publications; may
secure permission to quote or reproduce materials protected by copyright law when necessary; researches subject
matter through agency, library or specialty publication resources; works with graphics specialists (designers,
artists and photographers) to assure quality publications; works with word processing or photocomposition specialists
to process copy; may use word processing or photocomposition equipment, encoding systems and procedures to process
copy; works closely with State or contracted printers to coordinate and oversee production of printed materials;
obtains cost estimates on publication projects; reviews and recommends acceptance or rejection of bids to supervisor
or manager; may perform special research or writing projects as required; coordinates and oversees several projects
at any one time, setting and adjusting work priorities to meet production deadlines; maintains currency of knowledge
regarding agency programs and publications needs through consultation with agency staff, reading appropriate trade
publications and attending training when available; may cooperate and work with staff of other agencies on joint
publications.
Relationships with Others
Employees in this classification have frequent telephone and in-person contact with own (or other) agency management
and staff to secure information, assistance and guidance related to publications. There is frequent contact with
specialists in printing and graphics to coordinate and oversee production of printed materials. There may be occasional
telephone or written contact with copyright holders to secure permission to quote or reprint materials.
Supervision Received
Employees in this class receive specific assignments and general supervision from a unit supervisor or manager.
Work may be reviewed in progress or as complete depending on the nature of the assignment. Work is reviewed for
accuracy, timeliness, effectiveness and adherence to applicable laws and rules, and department or division policy
and procedure. Guidance is by department or division policy and procedures guides, applicable laws or rules, style
and formatting requirements and unit, department or division standards of quality.
Minimum Qualifications
- Four years of experience as an editor reviewing and correcting written materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation,
and syntax errors and modifying copy to conform to standards of style, length and ease of understanding.
A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.