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How an editor can use AI, task by task

O*NET 27-3041.00: EditorsMedian pay $77,920/year (BLS, May 2025)22 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Acquisitions Editor, Assignment Editor, Business Editor, Features Editor, Legal Editor, Newspaper Copy Editor, Opinions Page Editor, Publishing Editor, Science Editor, Sports Editor.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 19%AI-assist 72%Stays human 8%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 5 AI-ready, 15 AI-assist and 2 human-led tasks out of 22. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.Write it up · Daily
Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.Write it up · Daily
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.Review & check · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.Lead people · Daily
Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.Lead people · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 5

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.

Daily

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 35% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Data: [paste sample entries]
Source: [what it was entered from]

Find likely errors and suggest validation rules. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Data entry verification

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify facts, dates and statistics (today).

Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Source] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of data..

Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 11% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Text: [paste]
Audience and purpose: [who reads it and why]

Edit for clarity, structure and tone. Show changes as a list with reasons, then the clean version.

10-minute exercise: Edit for clarity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials (this week).

Step 2Paste it into [Text] and fill in [Audience and purpose].

Step 3Accept only the edits you agree with and check facts weren't changed.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit written materials..

Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Text: [paste]
Audience and purpose: [who reads it and why]

Edit for clarity, structure and tone. Show changes as a list with reasons, then the clean version.

10-minute exercise: Edit for clarity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review and approve proofs (this week).

Step 2Paste it into [Text] and fill in [Audience and purpose].

Step 3Accept only the edits you agree with and check facts weren't changed.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit written materials..

Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Text: [paste]
Audience and purpose: [who reads it and why]

Edit for clarity, structure and tone. Show changes as a list with reasons, then the clean version.

10-minute exercise: Edit for clarity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you read material (this week).

Step 2Paste it into [Text] and fill in [Audience and purpose].

Step 3Accept only the edits you agree with and check facts weren't changed.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Edit written materials..

Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 34% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Text: [paste]
Audience and purpose: [who reads it and why]

Edit for clarity, structure and tone. Show changes as a list with reasons, then the clean version.

10-minute exercise: Edit for clarity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations (this week).

Step 2Paste it into [Text] and fill in [Audience and purpose].

Step 3Accept only the edits you agree with and check facts weren't changed.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Edit written materials..

AI can help you prep these 15

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.

Daily

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 29% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person. This label was updated from real usage data.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Text: [paste]
Audience and purpose: [who reads it and why]

Edit for clarity, structure and tone. Show changes as a list with reasons, then the clean version.

10-minute exercise: Edit for clarity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you read copy or proof (today).

Step 2Paste it into [Text] and fill in [Audience and purpose].

Step 3Accept only the edits you agree with and check facts weren't changed.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit written materials..

Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.

Daily

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 36% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Text: [paste]
Audience and purpose: [who reads it and why]

Edit for clarity, structure and tone. Show changes as a list with reasons, then the clean version.

10-minute exercise: Edit for clarity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, rewrite and edit copy (today).

Step 2Paste it into [Text] and fill in [Audience and purpose].

Step 3Accept only the edits you agree with and check facts weren't changed.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit written materials..

Write text, such as headlines, stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to write text, such as headlines, stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Topic: [my area of expertise]
Publication and readers: [trade journal, newspaper, brochure]

Give me 10 angles, then outline the best 2 with headings and key points. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Article or book idea

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write text (today).

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Publication and readers] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Write the piece in your own voice and verify every fact.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.. Also involves: Write informational material.; Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes..

Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 30% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Program or production: [show, season, schedule]
Audience and constraints: [length, budget]

Suggest content ideas and a schedule. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choose content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop story or content ideas (today).

Step 2Fill in [Program or production] and [Audience and constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine presentation subjects or content..

Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Content: [film, broadcast, presentation]
Standards: [production, broadcast]

List review criteria and give feedback notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Review content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news (today).

Step 2Fill in [Content] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage content of broadcasts or presentations..

Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 50% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Publication: [type, size]
Content: [text, images]

Suggest a layout grid, typography and hierarchy. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Print layout

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you allocate print space (today).

Step 2Fill in [Publication] and [Content] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Lay it out in your design tool.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design layouts for print publications..

Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.

Context: We use Twitter and Content management systems CMS.
Project: [display, production]
Status: [describe]

Draft an update and questions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Production progress update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Status] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Discuss production content and progress with others..

Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 54% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Publication: [type, size]
Content: [text, images]

Suggest a layout grid, typography and hierarchy. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Print layout

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan the contents of publications (today).

Step 2Fill in [Publication] and [Content] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Lay it out in your design tool.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design layouts for print publications..

Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Reporting: [hotline, documentation]
Owners: [describe]

Plan the reporting process and schedule. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Reporting coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assign topics and events and stories (today).

Step 2Fill in [Reporting] and [Owners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate reporting or editing activities..

Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.

Context: We use Twitter.
Work: [describe]
Who: [coworkers]

Draft a message clarifying who does what and when. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Coordinate work

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors (today).

Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.. Also involves: Supervise employees..

Respond to questions from the public.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to respond to questions from the public.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Product or service: [insurance, publication]
Questions: [list]

Write clear answers. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Product question answers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you respond to questions (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Product or service] and [Questions] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Answer customer questions about goods or services.. Also involves: Respond to customer inquiries.; Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints..

Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 66% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Program or production: [show, season, schedule]
Audience and constraints: [length, budget]

Suggest content ideas and a schedule. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choose content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select local, state and national (today).

Step 2Fill in [Program or production] and [Audience and constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine presentation subjects or content..

Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.

Context: We use Twitter and Content management systems CMS.
Project: [display, production]
Status: [describe]

Draft an update and questions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Production progress update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you meet frequently (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Status] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Discuss production content and progress with others..

Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.

A few times a year

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Service: [printing, casting, vendor]
Goals: [scope, price]

Prepare and role-play. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Service negotiation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties.

Step 2Fill in [Service] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Negotiate for services.. Also involves: Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.; Select staff, team members, or performers..

Arrange for copyright permissions.

Monthly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to arrange for copyright permissions.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Material: [footage, script, image, text]
Use: [where and how it will be used]

List the rights needed, who usually holds them, and draft a permission request email. Give me a tracking table.

10-minute exercise: Rights and permissions request

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you arrange for copyright permissions.

Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Use] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Send the request after checking it against your legal team's rules.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Obtain copyrights or other legal permissions..

These stay human 2

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day · Impact of decisions: important results

Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Production: [describe]
Crew: [departments]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating a production crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you oversee publication production (today).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate activities of production personnel..

Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an editor. Part of my job is to direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, design and law and government.
Department: [art, production]
Issue: [budget, schedule]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Managing a creative department

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct the policies and departments of newspapers and magazines (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Department] and [Issue] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations..

Get the full prompt pack for Editors

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Learning Strategiesimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Instructingimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Reading Comprehensionimportance 5.0/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Speakingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

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Your skills already line up

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Software in this job

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