- 1). Get a degree in a field related to book editing. While this is not a requirement for most children's book editor positions, getting higher education in the subject is invaluable and will put you ahead of the competition. Consider degrees in English or literature, and sign up for any available classes that specifically focus on children's literature.
- 2). Read in and out of the genre. One of the most important questions a prospective book editor will be asked in an interview is what his favorite books are, and it is vital that you are well-read and familiar with many types of children's books.
- 3). Stay informed on publishing trends. Join online communities such as Publishers Marketplace or follow the blogs and websites of several publishers. Manuscript acquisition on behalf of a publishing house is part of an editor's job, and it is important that you display a knowledge of what is popular now in children's literature and what is predicted to sell in the future.
- 4). Find an internship with a publishing house in the children's division. While the position is generally unpaid, the skills you develop and contacts you make will pay off as you further your career. Visit sites such as Publishers Marketplace or BookJobs.com for lists of available internships.
- 5). Brush up on your grammar. Editing children's books requires incredible attention to detail and the ability to catch every mistake.
- 6). Connect with others in the industry by building an online presence. Much of the publishing world is on the Internet, and a lot can come from reading and commenting on the blogs of established children's book editors or forums filled with children's authors and editors. Job offers and interviews in the world of children's books often come from personal recommendations and word-of-mouth.
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