2 answers
Makenzie
Student
Walkersville, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
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What was the hardest part about finding a job as a research editor Is there anything you would have done differently in college??
I'm entering college this fall, and have the goal of becoming a research editor of some kind. Is there anything I should do in my first or second year of college to better prepare for this?
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2 answers
Tim Hiscock
Editor
13
Answers
Exton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Hi Makenzie,
I went to college nearby at Hood and have spent over 35 years in health sciences publishing. For more than 25 years, I've been an editor in clinical medicine and allied health. I started with books, but now the content I work on is mostly digital.
I agree with Chris—explore different paths. Being a research editor can lead you in many directions. Journal editors often have doctorates, but those supporting them might have degrees in English, journalism, or other fields. My degree was in journalism, which was perfect for my career. Being curious, asking questions, and writing stories were great skills to learn.
Find what you love. Research editing is work, but it feels rewarding if you enjoy the content and the people involved. Maybe you want to help cure cancer or love stargazing. Develop expertise in something that excites you.
Remember, research editing is part of a business. While in college, take a basic course in business and finance—I wish I had.
A note of caution: much of the copyediting for research is done in India today and might be done by AI soon. My role has been acquisition editor, which means understanding what markets want and who the key authors are. Networking is crucial. I also negotiate publishing agreements and manage the people turning those agreements into content. If you can, take an introductory course in intellectual property rights. Understanding different cultures is helpful too, as the world is connected more than ever.
Let me emphasize what Chris said about soft skills. Research editing is about people first, then research and editing. If you connect well with people, you’ll get to do the research and editing part.
Good luck, Makenzie. The world needs bright minds to tackle tough challenges. Research editing is a key part of that journey.
Tim
I went to college nearby at Hood and have spent over 35 years in health sciences publishing. For more than 25 years, I've been an editor in clinical medicine and allied health. I started with books, but now the content I work on is mostly digital.
I agree with Chris—explore different paths. Being a research editor can lead you in many directions. Journal editors often have doctorates, but those supporting them might have degrees in English, journalism, or other fields. My degree was in journalism, which was perfect for my career. Being curious, asking questions, and writing stories were great skills to learn.
Find what you love. Research editing is work, but it feels rewarding if you enjoy the content and the people involved. Maybe you want to help cure cancer or love stargazing. Develop expertise in something that excites you.
Remember, research editing is part of a business. While in college, take a basic course in business and finance—I wish I had.
A note of caution: much of the copyediting for research is done in India today and might be done by AI soon. My role has been acquisition editor, which means understanding what markets want and who the key authors are. Networking is crucial. I also negotiate publishing agreements and manage the people turning those agreements into content. If you can, take an introductory course in intellectual property rights. Understanding different cultures is helpful too, as the world is connected more than ever.
Let me emphasize what Chris said about soft skills. Research editing is about people first, then research and editing. If you connect well with people, you’ll get to do the research and editing part.
Good luck, Makenzie. The world needs bright minds to tackle tough challenges. Research editing is a key part of that journey.
Tim
Chris Blocher
Content Designer
12
Answers
Lima, NY
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Makenzie,
Explore widely! Picking a variety of classes will open up new perspectives for you. Throughout college, seek out chances to sharpen your soft skills, like networking, giving presentations, and managing teams and projects. Volunteer and keep track of your contributions in a way that's easy to share—whether it’s on your resume, portfolio, or website. Document every example, no matter how small, if it holds meaning for you. Note what you did, how you did it, who you worked with, why you did it, and the results.
Regularly reflect on your career goals and ask yourself, "Do I still want to be an X?" Be honest with yourself. Change is a good thing when you are the one driving it. Some people let their careers just happen, while others take charge. I wish I had been more intentional about mine from the start. Take reasonable risks to grow, and be gentle with yourself if things don’t work out as planned. Keep trying and don’t give up.
You're going to do amazing things!
Explore widely! Picking a variety of classes will open up new perspectives for you. Throughout college, seek out chances to sharpen your soft skills, like networking, giving presentations, and managing teams and projects. Volunteer and keep track of your contributions in a way that's easy to share—whether it’s on your resume, portfolio, or website. Document every example, no matter how small, if it holds meaning for you. Note what you did, how you did it, who you worked with, why you did it, and the results.
Regularly reflect on your career goals and ask yourself, "Do I still want to be an X?" Be honest with yourself. Change is a good thing when you are the one driving it. Some people let their careers just happen, while others take charge. I wish I had been more intentional about mine from the start. Take reasonable risks to grow, and be gentle with yourself if things don’t work out as planned. Keep trying and don’t give up.
You're going to do amazing things!