Locate and attend a college program that emphasizes attention to writing and reading. English programs are optimal for those seeking a job as a story editor. In addition, focus on various language arts, including world literature. Spend time in your studies in close readings, paying attention to sentence structures in literary and technical books.
Prepare yourself by spending a summer or fall in an internship with an editor or publishing company. In doing so, you will learn the tricks of the trade, as well as develop relationships that may prove valuable in the future when you apply for a job. Complete several internships to diversify your experience, creating more value for a potential employer.
Create a resume that highlights your strengths, and match it with potential employers that are searching for your talents. You may need to begin with small publishers to increase your experience. Work with employers who specialize in stories -- long or short -- rather than those who specialize in technical or academic writing. In doing so, you will increase your chances of reaching the pinnacle of editing and working as a highly sought employee.
Bring samples of your writing to your interview, as this will represent your editing skills. Bring no more than one to two pages. Spend additional time researching your potential employer. Take note of the types of stories that company is editing, and familiarize yourself with some of them. Being familiar with the company's work will help you connect with the interviewer on a more personal basis.
Apply to more than one company, which will increase your chances of landing a job as a story editor. It may be necessary to take a job with a company you like even if the position is less than desirable. Once you get in, work your way up.