Editors often cultivate an area of expertise, such as food, travel, fashion, or electronics, and may produce monthly sections or columns on that topic. It is possible for an entry-level magazine staffer to progress to writing short articles, but few editors spend much time actually writing. They're more apt to be discussing ideas with writers, polishing copy, turning out blurbs and headlines, and working with the art department on story layout. Senior editors devote their efforts to editing and supervising major stories or whole sections of a publication. Developing article ideas, finding writers to do them, reviewing submissions, and, in general, shaping the issue are the primary editorial responsibilities.
Acquisition editors bring in books for publication.
The editor then must seek out someone to write the book - possibly an expert in the field, or the author or subject of the published story. In-house editorial responsibilities begin after the manuscript has been acquired. Then the editor works closely with the author, helping with problems, suggesting changes in focus or organization, going over the finished manuscript to improve clarity, accuracy, and appeal. The in-house editor must also see the book through the production process, be involved in the sales and publicity effort, and act as the author's liaison with other departments of the house. The duties of a beginning reporter vary according to the size of the paper.