Sample Cover Letter and Resume for an Editor Job

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Are you applying for jobs working as an editor or a writer? It’s important to understand that not all editor jobs are the same. To make the best impression on the hiring manager, you’ll need to emphasize the skills that are most valuable in this specific role.

While organization and strong writing abilities are required for nearly every editorial or writing position, jobs can vary widely in terms of other desired skills. Some editorial positions require strong project management; others call for creativity and the ability to brainstorm ideas easily and speedily.

Review an example of a cover letter written for an editorial position for inspiration. Learn how to emphasize your editorial, creative, and technical skills.

Take the time to customize your own letter, being sure to match your qualifications to the requirements listed in the job posting.

 How to Write Resumes and Cover Letters for Editorial Jobs

To make the best possible impression on the hiring manager, be sure to:

Look for the Right Keywords

Highlight the specific writing and editing skills that are mentioned in the job listing. These keywords may include copy editing, grammar, establishing tone, social media, and business storytelling.

Match Your Tone to the Employer

Review their product copy that you can access to get an idea of the company's voice. For example, if you’re applying to edit a lifestyle blog, you’ll want a snappier, more accessible voice in your cover letter than if you’re hoping to be hired as a copy editor at a financial services firm. As much as you can, mimic what appears to be their house style. If they’re an anti-Oxford comma, you are too (at least for the purposes of this job application).

Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread Again

The worst thing you can do, when applying for an editor job, is make a typo. Don’t trust yourself to catch every tiny error—even the best editors find it hard to see their own mistakes, once they make them. Instead, enlist a trusted friend to review your application materials before you submit them.

Cover Letter Example - Editorial Position

This is an example of a cover letter for an editor job. Download the editorial position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a sample cover letter for an editor job

Cover Letter Example - Editorial Position (Text Version)

Dana Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
dana.applicant@email.com

October 19, 2021

William Lee
Director, Human Resources
Phoenix Company
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Editorial Manager position at Phoenix Company advertised on Indeed.

My unique combination of technical expertise, creative abilities, and experience managing both writers and projects, makes me an ideal person to help your editorial team thrive.

In my current role, I have developed and implemented editorial standards for both style and quality. In addition, I have worked closely with other departments including marketing, sales, and technology.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments of an organization. I have the ability to work within a team as well as cross-team.

If I can provide you with any further information on my background and qualifications, please let me know.

I can be reached via email dana.jones@email.com or cell phone, 213-555-5423. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Dana Jones

Editor / Writer Resume Example

Carly Smith
999 Main Street
Sarasota Springs
New York 10003
(518) 555-1234
carly.smith@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE
Dedicated and experienced writer/editor with five years of experience in journalism and public relations seeks a position as a writer, editor, or page designer with a midmarket daily newspaper.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Able to edit stories for factual information and grammatical correctness from onsite staff and freelance writers
  • Experience paginating features, news, business, and local sections, including special sections, at a local, but robust, daily.
  • Can create snappy headlines, subheads, and photo captions that help tell the story and draw the reader in.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

THE SARASOTAN, Sarasota Springs, NY
Features and General Assignment Editor
September 2020-Present
Have worked in all departments of this 50,000-circulation daily, editing stories for factual accuracy and grammatical correctness, paginating pages, as well as writing headlines, subheads, and photo captions.

  • Involved in all aspects of the paper’s news, features, and business editorial production from assigning stories to reporters to signing off on completed pages going to print.
  • Wrote feature stories on local personalities, events, sports, and the arts, as well as local and national artists for stories and profiles.

SARASOTA SEASONS MAGAZINE, Sarasota Springs, NY
Writer/Copy Editor
September 2020-September 2022
Wrote fashion stories, booked photoshoots, and served as an art director, and edited and compiled calendar listings.

  • Covered the Sarasota social scene at various charitable events.

ABC Communications, Albany, NY
Writer/Publicist
June 2018-September 2020
Wrote commercials, business plans, surveys, and press releases as an independent contractor.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in English (June 2018); GPA 3.9
ABC University, Albany, NY
Dean's List: Graduated Summa cum Laude

How to Send an Email Application

If you're sending a cover letter and resume via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message:

Subject: Your Name - Editorial Position

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer contact information:

Sincerely,

Dana Applicant
555-555-5555
dana.applicant@email.com