Editorial Directors/ Chief Editors/ Publishing Directors

Descriptions & Duties

Editorial Directors/ Chief Editors/ Publishing Directors are responsible for editorial policy and standards, departmental organisation and procedures, the profitability of new publications, authors’ royalty policy and legal implications especially copy-right. Co-ordinates editorial and research activities with production, design and marketing departments, and monitors schedules of E-publishing business, master copyright business and planning development trends of best-selling books in local and overseas markets.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

Physical strength
Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

Importance:1 (Max:5)

Skill is rarely required

Technology Skills

Technology skills

Computer literacy
Application of technology

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

Creativity
Visualisation
Logical thinking

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

Reading comprehension
Oral / written expression

Importance:5 (Max:5)

Skill is required all the time

Social Skills

Social skills

Communication
Negotiation
Persuasion

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

Planning
Organising
Judgement
Decision making

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Management Skills

Management skills

Leadership
Management of finance / time / people / other resources

Importance:5 (Max:5)

Skill is required all the time

Trade Specific Competencies

Editorial Strategy and Content Development

Chief Editors must be able to plan, develop, and implement editorial strategies that shape the identity and direction of publications. They should excel at identifying emerging topics, commissioning high-quality content, and ensuring a consistent editorial voice and standard across all issues and channels.

Knowledge of New Technologies and Digital Publishing

Chief Editors should leverage emerging technologies—such as AI-assisted editing tools, digital content management systems (CMS), and analytics platforms—to enhance editorial workflow and optimise the publishing process. Familiarity with E-publishing and multi-platform distribution is essential for coordinating editorial work with production and audience engagement.

Budgeting, Copyright, and Intellectual Property Management

Chief Editors need strong skills in managing publication budgets, forecasting revenues, and efficiently allocating resources. They require a solid understanding of copyright, intellectual property, and licensing agreements to oversee contracts and safeguard all parties’ rights, whether working with local and international publishing partners.

Team Leadership and Cross-Departmental Coordination

Chief Editors must demonstrate strong leadership, guiding and motivating editorial teams, mentoring writers and editors, and ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration with design, production, and marketing departments to meet publication schedules and uphold editorial quality.