Writers and editors prepare written material and edit it. Writers write fictional stories or about events in the news. They write magazine and newspaper articles and books. They also write for TV and radio stations. Editors advise writers about topics they should write about. They review articles or stories to determine whether they should be published. If it is of poor quality, they alter words to improve it. When writing a story, writers collect information. The writer can gather information by visiting the library or interviewing people. Writers often change what they initially write. They keep altering their words and paragraph structure until the content and structure is correct.
There a variety of writers. News writers are employed by newspaper publishers or TV studios. Columnists write stories about people and other interesting events. Editorial writers share their opinions in their writing. Technical writers prepare user instructions for equipment or describe how to complete a process. Copy writers prepare written content for marketing.
Editors write as well. They also alter the words and structure of other writers’ materials. However, their most important task is deciding what should be placed in published materials. They determine what to print depending on what they believe readers are interested in. They assign writers with subjects to write about, and they ensure published material is available by set deadlines.
Editors have assistants assist them with their work. They are also known as editorial assistants or assistant editors. Occasionally they are known as production assistants or copy editors. They fix spelling and grammatical errors. They ensure published materials are comprehendible and grammatical correct. They also conduct research that can be used by writers. They determine how published pages are supposed to appear. Writers and editors usually utilize computers to complete their assignments.
Writers and editors occasionally complete their projects in silent offices, but some work in loud rooms. Some writers and editors are required to travel to various locations. Others conduct interviews over the telephone or visit local libraries to do research.
Writers and editors often work normal schedules. Some complete projects during the evenings or weekends or work overtime to meet project deadlines. At times, they are under considerable pressure to reach deadlines. Some positions require writers and editors to meet deadlines every day.
How do you prepare for this career?
Writer or editors must successfully complete college. To find a job, potential writers or editors should major in English, journalism, or communications. Those intending to be technical writers should major in science. Good writers can often acquire technical knowledge while working.
How much will I earn?
50 percent of writers and authors made between $34,850-67,820 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $25,430 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $97,700 or more annually. Technical writers usually earned larger salaries.
50 percent of editors made between $35,250-64,140 annually during 2008. Those with salaries in the lower 10th percentile made $27,340 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $87,400 or more annually.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, 306,000 writers and editors were employed. More than 30 percent worked freelance while another 30 percent were employed by publishing companies, television and radio studios, and online publishers. Some were employed by marketing companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Employment opportunities with major publishing and broadcast companies are usually located in large urban areas. Opportunities with newspaper publishers, trade journals, and technical magazines can be found throughout the nation. Many writers perform freelance work and are only paid when their work is purchased.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Intense competition exists for writing and editing positions since this is a desirable occupation. People not concerned with low pay, can find opportunities at small newspapers or broadcasting companies. Technical writers and people possessing computer skills should be able to find plenty of jobs with website design companies.
Job growth for writers and editors is projected to grow nearly as quickly as average growth in other industries until 2016. Marketing should be an industry that will create new jobs, but numerous opportunities for technical writers should exist. Once people currently working as writers begin to retire, more jobs will be available. Many freelance writers seek other opportunities because of the low pay.
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