Writers and Editors Career Highlights

• Writers and editors often need a college degree or diploma in communications, journalism, or English, although a background in a technical subject may be useful for technical-writing positions.
• The current outlook for writing and editing jobs is expected to be highly competitive.
• There is increased demand for for writers and editors for online publications; those writers with Internet experience will have the best opportunities.

Nature of the Work

Writers and editors generally fall into one of three categories; writers and authors who conceive original fiction and nonfiction for books, magazines, newspapers, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements; editors examine proposals and select material for publication or broadcast, review and revise a writer’s work for publication or dissemination; and technical writers develop technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendixes, or operating and maintenance instructions, and may assist in layout work.

Writers and editors should have a basic familiarity with technology. They normally must use personal computers, desktop or electronic publishing systems, scanners, and other electronic communications equipment. It is more common for writers to prepare material directly for the Internet, writing for electronic newspapers or magazines, create short fiction, poetry or bloggs, or produce technical documentation that is available only online. In addition, they may write text for Web sites. It is beneficial for writers to be knowledgeable about graphic design, page layout, and multimedia software. Familiarity with interactive technologies of the Web is to a writer's advantage, so that they can blend text, graphics, and sound together.

Writers—especially of nonfiction—must establish their credibility with editors and readers through strong research and the use of appropriate sources and citations. Recent accusations of plagerism have highlighted this very important issue for authors. Maintaining high ethical standards and meeting publication deadlines are crucial. Creative writers, poets, and lyricists, including novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters, produce original works—such as prose, poems, plays, and song lyrics.

Nonfiction writers may conceive a project, or be assigned one by an editor or publisher. Researching information about the topic through personal observation, library, Internet, and interviews, writers then decide which material they want to use, organize it, and then write to express ideas and convey information. Copy writers use the written word to promote the sale of goods and services. Newsletter writers create information for sharing with association memberships, corporate employees, organizational clients, or the public.

Freelance writers sell their work on speculation to publishers, manufacturing firms, public relations departments, or advertising agencies. Some contract with publishers to write a book or an article, while others may be hired to complete specific assignments.

Technology has made self-publishing for the masses very simple through bloggs. Bloggers write for the Internet, usually writing personal reflections on a subject of close personal or professional interest. Blogs often take the form of a personal diary; while others read like reports from the field—first-hand, subjective accounts of an event or an activity. Most blogs are written for the pleasure of the writer with little expectation of earning money; however, many blogs promote a business or cause to generate interest or income.

Editors review, rewrite, and edit the work of writers, and sometimes they may also do original writing. Responsibilities vary; editorial duties may include planning the content, deciding what material will appeal to readers, reviewing and editing drafts of books and articles, offering comments to improve the work, and suggesting possible titles. Editors may also oversee the production of the publications. In the book-publishing industry, an editor’s main task is to review proposals for books and decide whether to buy the publication rights from the author.

Major newspapers and newsmagazines usually employ several types of editors; executive editors oversee assistant editors, who have responsibility for particular subjects, such as local news, international news, feature stories, or sports, and they generally have the final say about what stories are published and how they are covered. Managing editors are responsible for the daily operation of the news department, while assignment editors assign which writer will cover a given event or story. Copy editors, for the most part, review and edit a reporter’s copy for accuracy, content, grammar, and style.

For small publications, such as small daily or weekly newspapers or the publications departments of nonprofit or similar organizations, just one editor may do everything or share responsibility with only a few other people. Executive and managing editors normally hire writers, reporters, and other employees; and plan budgets and negotiate contracts with freelance writers. In broadcasting companies, program directors have similar responsibilities.

Technical writers translate technical information into easily understandable language. They may write operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials, or project proposals. Many technical writers work with engineers to prepare written interpretations of engineering and design specifications and other information for a general readership. Technical writers also plan and edit technical materials and oversee the preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts. Science and medical writers prepare written documents to explain or present detailed information on the physical or medical sciences. They document research findings for scientific or medical professions and organize data for advertising or public relations purposes.

Working Conditions

Working conditions vary. While some writers and editors work in comfortable, private offices, others work in noisy rooms together with several other people. Sometimes writers must travel to diverse workplaces, such as factories, offices, or laboratories to gather information. Other times they may be able to develop their material through telephone interviews, the library, and the Internet.

The work environment for many writers has changed due to advances in electronic communications. Laptop computers and wireless communications technologies allow writers to work from anywhere in the world. They can use the Internet to e-mail, transmit, and download stories, research, or editorial review materials, allowing writers and editors greater flexibility in where and how they complete assignments.

Other writers keep regular office hours. They are able to maintain contact with their sources and editors or to establish a writing routine; however, most writers set their own hours. Freelance writers are paid for each assignment; therefore, they work any number of hours necessary to meet a deadline. Writers must be willing to work evenings, nights, or weekends to write a piece acceptable to an editor or client, and writers who prepare morning or weekend publications and broadcasts often work nights and weekends.

Although many freelance writers advantages of working flexible hours, they routinely face the pressures of juggling multiple projects with competing demands and the continual need to find new work in order to earn a living. The pressure of deadlines and long, erratic work hours—many times part of the daily routine—may cause stress, fatigue, or burnout. Long hours using computers may cause some individuals to experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue.

Training, Qualifications, and Advancement

Many employers require a college degree or career diploma for a position as a writer or editor, usually in communications, journalism, or English. For writers specializing in a particular area, such as fashion, business, or law, additional background in the chosen field is expected. Knowledge of a second language is helpful for some positions. However, often people with good writing skills can acquire specialized knowledge on the job, or begin as research assistants and move up to assume writing duties.

Writers and editors must be able to express ideas clearly and logically, and should love to write. Creativity, curiosity,self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable traits. In addition, writers and editors must use good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. The ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure is essential, as is familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, and video production equipment. Use of electronic and wireless communications equipment is often necessary in order to email or transmit stories or research, or to edit pieces. Many employers require knowledge of computer software used to combine online text with graphics, audio, video, and animation.

Building a good reputation for meeting deadlines, and well written material akes it easier for freelancers to get future work. Blogs will allow more writers to publish; a few well-written blogs may realize some recognition for the author, leading to some pieces in other print or electronic publications. However, usually bloggers do not earn much money writing their blogs.

Job Outlook

Over the next decade, employment of writers and editors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations; however, the outlook for most writing and editing jobs is expected to be competitive because many people are attracted to the occupation.

Jobs for salaried writers and editors for newspapers, periodicals, book publishers, and nonprofit organizations is expected to increase as demand grows for these publications. Magazines and other periodicals are developing niche marekets. Other organizations are developing newsletters and websites. Online publications and services are growing rapidly in number and sophistication, driving the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web development experience. Advertising and public relations agencies also are growing, and should be another source of new jobs for writers and editors.

Opportunities are expected be best for technical writers and those with training in a specialized field, such as law, medicine, or economics, due to the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the need to communicate it to others.

Some openings will arise as experienced writers and editors retire, move to other occupations, or leave the labor force. Turnover is relatively high in this occupation; many freelancers leave due to the demands of the work, or because they cannot earn enough money.

Earnings

In May 2004, median annual earnings for salaried writers and authors were $44,350; the middle 50 percent earned between $31,720 and $62,930; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,330, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,260. Median annual earnings were $54,410 in advertising and related services and $37,010 in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers.

Median annual earnings for salaried editors were $43,890 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,130 and $58,850. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,780, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,020. Median annual earnings of those working for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers were $43,620.

Median annual earnings for salaried technical writers were $53,490 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,440 and $68,980. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,780. Median annual earnings in computer systems design and related services were $54,710.

According to the Society for Technical Communication, the median annual salary for entry level technical writers was $42,500 in 2004. The median annual salary for midlevel nonsupervisory technical writers was $51,500, and for senior nonsupervisory technical writers, $66,000.

Visit the best directory of career training programs, including career diplomas, and online degrees for Freelance Writers, Journalism, Communications, and more at:  eLearningYellowPages.com

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor