So, how does one become an editor?

Over the past few years, and with the help of AWWC, I've come to realize something: I enjoy beta reading and editing almost as much as I love writing my own fiction. My ultimate goal is to publish my own novels, but I'm more than aware that such success does not come overnight. In the meantime, I want a job in the publishing industry. My college and writing experience has led me to believe that I might make a good book (or even short story) editor, though in terms of actually landing such a job, it has left me helpless. I don't see any help wanted ads for 'book editor' on Craigslist.

The thing is, I don't even know where to start looking for an editing job. It doesn't help that I'm unable to migrate closer to that publishing/editing Mecca of New York. I live in the Chicago area and for a variety of reasons, won't be able to leave the Chicago/Milwaukee area for a few years. This may not be all bad, though: I understand there are several job opportunities in the area, I just don't have the resources to find them.

I love to read manuscripts. I have an eye for detail and can find typos, grammatical and syntax errors as well as plot holes, character inconsistency, and logistical problems. I am a self-starter, internally motivated, a hard worker, and I pride myself on my effective communication and problem-solving skills. I believe I have a reasonable understanding of market demand where several genres are concerned. I could easily see myself editing manuscripts for eight hours a day, though I understand that editors generally do much more than that.

I could continue to dump information on you about why I would like to be an editor, but I'm not convinced it's strictly necessary when all I really want right now are a few solid leads on how to pursue this sort of career. I can provide more information at request. In the meantime, though: I want to be an editor! Where do I sign up? Ideas?

Thank you all,
-Allison

Freelancing. That's an interesting idea. My degree is in Psychology with a minor in Humanities and recognition from the honors college, which, trust me, was nothing but reading, writing, and editing for two classes a semester for three years.

I graduated in August, so college credit doesn't do me much good anymore and as somebody who now has to support herself in life, the idea of doing an unpaid internship makes me wonder how I'm going to eat. I'll look in to something in the Chicago/Milwaukee area, though. Thanks for the ideas.

Indeed. Again, since I'm entirely not-streetwise to the industry in general, my job search starts with Google and I'm left with a few questions. I understand that internships are generally unpaid, but if I were to take an internship at an independent book publisher, would this somehow be less valuable than one from a traditional publishing house? I'm only just beginning to explore my target area for potential positions. The publishing house I'm looking at right now requires all manuscripts to go through several rounds of edits, approvals and modifications which, from my impression, is more than what self-publishers generally provide.

At the same time, keep in mind that I am geographically restricted to Chicago and Milwaukee, so my options are limited.

Thanks,
Allison