I'm not sure if this will actually entail any advice, but maybe some solace in that your not alone. I was made the managing editor of my family's small town newspaper (circ. 4500), two months ago. I've been out of journalism since first majoring in it my freshman year of college, five years ago. I was employed as the sport's editor for my family paper back in July, but the move to M.E. was intimidating. Now, the reason I was given the position was first, the family connection, and two, they were struggling financially, as most are, and by employing me as M.E., cutting the sports editor position, or lumping it in with the M.E. position rather, and then looking to stringers to help fill, they would be saving a ton of money. Anyways, that's my shorthand version of my story, and let me tell you, just this past week in particular was extremely stressful/overwhelming, not just b/c of all the hats I have to wear, but b/c the inexperience I have was almost crippling. I never covered a city council meeting or school board meeting, and I had several this last week that entailed more legalities and drama than I'm equipped to handle/sift through. After having my panic attack last night, I've awakened (dripping in cliche) and now come across your post, to which I guess I'll say this: be up front about your limitations, both with yourself and others, upon there being the need to anyways, but don't be cowardly about it. It's like having an awkward confidence, one that still steers you forward with a real sense of dedication, but a truly modest dose of knowing that you aren't the shit, that you're going to make mistakes. Granted, having my step-father be my boss helps in not worrying so much about me inexperience, but my readership doesn't give a damn what excuses I have. So, I simply do my best each week, knowing I'm not at the point I should be, but that hopefully with some patience and time, the experience will collect, and I'll be better off having been honest with both myself and my readers. Hopefully this wasn't too generic. Best of luck to you!