What Does It Take To Become An Editor-In-Chief? Researching Diana Vreeland
Updated: May 13, 2024
Image Credits: Harpers Bazaar, Ben Martin
Thumbnail Design: Bethany Hutchison
Through my Ba1b fashion publications project I have not only learnt invaluable insight into creating a publication, but I have also learnt about the multiple roles that come with the publishing industry. Whilst working for the project I was appointed the editor-in-chief of our publication. I initially felt vast amounts of pressure regarding this role as I had had no previous experience of leadership roles. However, as I have continued to progress within this project, I have realised that I have truly enjoyed my time as editor-in-chief for our publication, Pink Riot, and that this may be an avenue which I might want to explore once I progress into the industry- which contrasts heavily to my inital feelings surrounding the role as evidenced in prior blog posts!
So, what is an editor-in-chief? According to an article by masterclass.com an editor-in-chief is essentially the manager of a publication. As part of the job title the editor-in-chief has the overall say on matters such as the look and feel of the publication. Editor-in-chief’s hold an immense amount of power as they have the final say in what content is published. Names such as ‘lead editor’, ‘chief editor’ and ‘executive editor’ are titles which are synonymous with the editor-in-chief role.
Harpers Bazaar covers created under the instruction of editor Diana Vreeland
What does an editor-in-chief do?
As I mentioned previously, editor-in-chiefs are essentially the manager of a publication. But what does this entail? According to the same article by masterclass.com an editor-in-chief is tasked with:
Determining publishing guidelines: Through this task an editor-in-chief works closely with the editorial staff in order to ensure that topics are appropriate and that the tone of the publication is consistent.
Creating an editorial board: Through my research I have determined that an editorial board is similar to a content wireframe. An editorial board outlines each issue allowing the editor-in-chief to map out the content subsequently ensuring that it is consistent with the publications’ unique brand. This is a skill which I have already practised during my BA1b fashion publications project. Through creating these content wireframes, I have been able to refine my communitive and teamwork skills which has subsequently allowed me to sympathise and understand an individual’s opinions and visions. A skill which will be invaluable within the industry.
Reviewing content: As part of the role the editor-in-chief is tasked with reviewing the content of each issue ensuring that it is error free and that all content is appropriate. The workload for this particular task varies depending on the scale of a publication. For example, a larger, more established publication tends to have a team of senior editors and junior writers to review the content before the editor-in-chief. Whereas smaller publications may rely solely on the editor-in-chief to check the content. This is another task which I have had experience in via my BA1b fashion publications project. Whilst working as the editor-in-chief for my publication I was tasked with reviewing both our pitch, media pack and finally publication. This is a skill which comes naturally to me due to my perfectionist attributes and is something which I enjoy doing!
Hiring the lead and editorial team: As part of the editor-in-chief position individuals are tasked with composing their team. These teams usually consist of senior editors, junior editors, and writers.
Writing editorials: Despite their position of power editor-in-chiefs are nevertheless expected to periodically contribute written pieces to the publication. As an individual who enjoys the writing process this is, yet again, something which appeals to me. Through my first-year university experience I have been able to refine my writing skills (whether this be through my supporting documents or my blog posts) and thus feel confident in my writing abilities.
Managing the budget: Editor-in-chiefs are also tasked with managing the publication’s budget; subsequently helping to determine where incoming money will be the most beneficial. As someone who does not, currently, feel confident in marketing and business roles this is an aspect of the position which is a cause for concern and is a topic which I will further educate myself on.
Represent the publication: Finally, editor-in-chiefs are also tasked with representing the publication whether this be at publishing conferences or social events. Public relations and networking is vital in order to keep a publication afloat. Throughout my first year of university, I have socially pushed myself outside of my comfort zone whether this be by making new friends, attending the fashion symposium during interchange or, most recently, by pitching my magazine alongside my group to a small audience. Although there is a long way for me to go in terms of refining my confidence, I hope that my personal learning journey will continue to push me outside of my comfort zone.
Diana Vreeland
Whilst researching some of the most famous editor-in-chiefs I came across the individual Diana Vreeland. Vreeland is a historical figure within the fashion industry who was born on the 29th of July 1903 in Paris, France. Vreeland was the daughter of a Scottish father and American mother. In 1914 the family immigrated to New York in order to escape WWI. Over a decade later Vreeland, now married to Thomas R. Vreeland, immigrated to London before immigrating back to New York in 1936.
Once back in New York in 1936 Vreeland began working for Harper’s Bazaar’s column called ‘Why don’t you…?’ After the success of the column Vreeland joined the Harper’s Bazaar team full-time and, shortly after, became the fashion editor. Through this position Vreeland was acknowledged as one of the most ‘perspicacious and influential observers of the fashion scene.’
Vreeland left Harper’s Bazaar in 1962 and joined the workforce at Vogue where she became editor-in- chief in 1963. Through her position Vogue soon began to reflect her taste for the novel, the bizarre and the outrageous. Photography under Vreeland’s guide reflected the age of youth culture, rock music and the subversion of traditional standards. Veerland’s non-conformist nature was evident through her statements such as ‘pink is the navy blue of India’ and in 1971 she was removed from her position. From here Vreeland was named special consultant to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Vreeland is a truly influential and inspirational individual who has helped to shape not only Vogue but Harper’s Bazaar into the publications which they are today (Unknown I, 2024).
What skills are required?
So, after learning about what the editor-in-chief role entails and after researching one of the most prominent, historical, individuals within the industry it is important to explore the skills required for the role.
According to masterclass.com the skills required to become an editor in chief are outlined below:
Having a creative vision: It is important for editor-in-chiefs to be creative. I believe that I have highlighted this throughout my first year at university through my multiple projects. However, this can be most keenly evidenced in my BA1a Dazed climate change shoot alongside my asset mock-ups for my Levi’s marketing report and content brainstorming for the fashion publications project.
Editorial skills: It is imperative that editor-in- chief's have a strong understanding of language and writing. Yet again I can exemplify this skill via the professional tone of my blog posts and via the fun, conversational tone of my magazine articles. Through studying Fashion Communication I have learnt how to change the tone of my written content in order to appeal to a specific audience.
Strong leadership: Although I don’t believe I am a natural born leader this is something which I hope to continue to refine throughout my creative learning journey. Through the collaborative nature of the BA1b fashion publications project I have already began to take the steps to be a much more confident individual. In order to refine this, I will endeavour to continue to voice my opinions in group discussions and/or projects throughout the remainder of my time at university.
Interpersonal skills: Editor-in-chiefs must feel comfortable networking with other individuals and representing their publication at publishing conferences and other social functions. This is, yet again, something which I am not completely comfortable with. In order to refine this skill it is essential that I use the varying networking events provided by Norwich University of the Arts in order to improve my interpersonal skills and to build my confidence before progressing into the industry.
A relevant bachelor’s degree: As a Fashion Communication student at Norwich University of The Arts this is something which I am currently obtaining!
Experience working in publishing and within the publications field: This is another skill in which I am somewhat able to evidence via my work as part of the editorial team for the university’s student-ran publication, Storehouse. However, I hope to gain work experience within the publishing industry in order to further refine my skills. Efforts in this pursuit can be evidenced in my ‘Applying to an internship at W. ICONS’ blog post which can be found here: https://bethanyhutchison4.wixsite.com/my-site-1/post/applying-to-an-internship-at-w-icons Unknown II (2021).
In conclusion, I believe that I already obtain many of the skills required to be an editor-in-chief. Although I acknowledge that there are still areas of the role which I am not knowledge nor confident in executing. I hope that as my time at university progresses, I will be able to improve some of these skills thus giving me a competitive edge within the industry. I acknowledge that as the editor in chief role is a senior position I will have to gradually work my way up the career ladder. Something which, although may be tedious, I look forward to.
Bibliography
Unknown I (2024) ‘Diana Vreeland- American editor and fashion expert’. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Diana-Vreeland (Accessed: 20.04.24)
Unknown II (2021) ‘How to Become Editor-in-chief: Learn the Duties and Skills Required’. Available at: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief#3RjYm1pPeWEr26kXdtWvE9 (Accessed: 20.04.24)
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