PRESS SUB-EDITOR JOB

They are responsible for ensuring that the tone, style and layout of final copy matches the publication's house style and suits the target market. The work involves processing all the copy before it is published to ensure that it is accurate, makes sense and reads well. Sub-editors also lay out the story on the page and may be involved with overall page design.

Like other journalism roles, sub-editing is demanding and requires constant attention to detail within a fast-paced working environment. Work activities vary and can depend on the extent to which production and layout work falls within a sub-editor's remit. Only senior sub-editors would be expected to have legal knowledge, but there are common activities that form much of the work of most sub-editors. These include: editing copy to remove spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Rewriting material so that it flows or reads better and adheres to the house style of a particular publication.

Ensuring that a story fits a particular word count by cutting or expanding material as necessary. Writing headlines that capture the essence of the story or are clever or amusing. Writing stand-firsts or sells (brief introductions which sum up the story). Liaising with reporters or journalists to clarify facts and details about a story. Editing press releases or reports. Compiling routine information, such as tables of sports results or financial data. Checking facts and stories to ensure they are accurate do not break the law or go against the publication's policy.

Cropping photos and deciding where to use them for best effect. Writing the captions for pictures. Discussing concerns with editors. Proofreading complete pages produced by other sub-editors. Working to a page plan to ensure that the right stories appear in the correct place on each page. Laying out pages and, depending on the nature of the role, playing a part in page design. Adding last minute news stories. Keeping up to date with sector issues, e.g. by reading related publications.