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An editor-at-large is a journalist who contributes content to a magazine. They are typically credited in the publication's masthead, even if they technically are not on staff. The responsibilities of the editor-at-large may change project to project, or they may have another specialist role related indirectly to the magazine itself.
Sometimes such an editing is called a roving reporter or roving editor.Unlike an editor who works on a publication from day to day and is hands-on, an editor-at-large contributes content on a semi-regular basis and has less of a say in matters such as copy editing, Picture editor or the publication's direction.
Editor at large is a term often used in fashion magazines, usually appointing long-term editors or celebrities. Notable examples are Andre Leon Talley (1948-2022) of Vogue and Anna Dello Russo of Vogue Japan.
The position of editor-at-large is not a standing role at most publications. Instead, it is created on an as-needed basis.
The most common reason for appointing an editor-at-large is when an editor with extensive experience and long association with the publication, who has been in the role of editor for a very long time, is replaced by a new editor but kept on board by being given the title of editor-at-large.
This can be because the editor desires to go back to writing rather than stay in a largely 'management' role; because the long-time editor is burnt out and perhaps not performing; because a new editor with a different skillset or a different focus is needed; or a new publisher takes over and decides a new editor is called for.
The title of editor-at-large is offered as a way to keep the outgoing editor at the publication rather than lose his or her skills, connections and readership appeal, especially if the outgoing editor could be employed by a competing publication. Such as André Leon Talley (died 2022) for Vogue, Diane WellPeth for Elle or Arnaud Henry Salas-Perez for Visionaire.
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