In addition to a keen sense of language and communication, editors also need empathy for readers. They also need skills in the areas of product management, acquisition, marketing, graphics, communication psychology, negotiation, etc.

As training for lectors is not regulated in Switzerland, various courses can be attended. These go into varying degrees of depth and sometimes only teach partial skills. The duration varies accordingly. Enquire directly with the training providers.

Editor training is not regulated in Switzerland. As a rule, editors have completed basic training in the book trade or in the commercial sector or have completed a degree in the humanities. Various courses on the subject then prepare graduates for the professional activity of editing.

Basically anyone, because training as a proofreader is not regulated in Switzerland. However, it is advisable to complete one or more courses offered by schools or associations in order to become truly successful in this professional field.

There are many ways to qualify for a job as an editor. One possible route is through basic training in the book trade, supplemented by a humanities degree at a University of Applied Sciences or university.

Some colleges of Higher Education offer a diploma course in "Editing". In addition, there are seminars offered by institutions that provide partial qualifications for editing work.
Possible educational backgrounds for an editing job are:

• Vocational education and training (VET) in the book trade or in the commercial sector, e.g. Federal VET Diploma in Bookselling or Federal VET Diploma in Communication
• Bachelor of Arts (UAS) in Communication or Bachelor of Arts (UAS) in Translation
• University degree (university or University of Applied Sciences) in any field of study

The tasks of editors include customer acquisition, order planning, proofreading and stylistic improvement and design of texts by external authors.