So you want to be a Fashion editor, huh? Well, here's what we can tell you: It's all about getting an internship! You can get a summer internship, or an after-school internship during the school year (if you live near the place you want to work).

If you're still in school or college, go for one at a local newspaper or magazine so you can gain job experience without too much hassle. Your next step should be to investigate getting an internship at your absolute favorite magazine or newspaper.

Now mind you, this might mean going away from home for a summer. Some magazines and newspapers have programs for school students; others only hire college students. During summer break, many magazines hire hardworking college students who help put the magazine together!

A few internships are may be paid for, but some publications can only offer school credit. We say, if you can afford it, take the job - whether it pays or not! The experience you'll get will be priceless (lots of entry-level editorial assistants are hired because editors got to know and respect them as interns).

How do you get an internship?

• Well, first figure out what publication you personally enjoy and respect the most. Then call the magazine or paper and find out who hires the interns. If each department hires their own interns, find out the name of the head of the department where you'd most like to work (for example: fashion, beauty, features, entertainment).
  
  
• Write that person a letter saying when you'd like to intern and (this is important) WHY you'd like to intern. That's when you bring up all the great things about the magazine or paper.
  
  
• This isn't required information - it's just that editors like to hire people who understand the message and who get the point of view of their publication. Mention specific columnsand say why you'd be an asset to the publication.
  
  
• After you send your letter, be sure to follow up. Magazine editors get really busy sometimes and can be hard to reach. One call every two weeks is good.
  
  
• In the meantime, write for your school and local newspaper if you can. Feel free to contribute ideas and suggestions to magazines.
  
  
• Most importantly: Read, read, read! Get to know the personalities of the different magazines out there.
  

• Something you hardcore magazine enthusiasts might want to consider (if you're going to join college soon ) is applying to colleges in Mumbai or any major metropolis.
  
  The great thing about going to college in Mumbai is that you're surrounded by almost every major magazine (from Cosmopolitan to Femina to Elle) so you're in internship central. Plus you'll be available for an in-person interview on short notice, which doesn't hurt.

No matter where you live, publishing is a tough business to break into! But hey – people have got there, right? You know the Fashion India philosophy: If you want it bad enough - you'll get it!!!