Writer and Editor
Nature of the Work
"Writers and editors produce a wide variety of written materials delivered to
an audience in an increasing number of ways. They develop content using any
number of multimedia formats for readers, listeners, or viewers. Although many
people write as part of their primary job, or on on-line chats or blogs, only
writers and editors who are paid for their work are included in this occupation.
(News analysts, reporters and correspondents, who gather information and prepare
stories about newsworthy events, are described elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Writers fall into two main categories—writers and authors and technical
writers. Writers and authors develop original written materials for books,
magazines, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and
television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Their works are
classified broadly as either fiction or nonfiction and writers often are
identified by the type of writing they do—for example, novelists, playwrights,
biographers, screenwriters, and textbook writers. Some freelance writers may be
commissioned by a sponsor to write a script; others may be contracted to write a
book on the basis of a proposal in the form of a draft or an outline. Writers
may produce materials for publication or performance, such as songwriters or
scriptwriters.
Writers work with editors and publishers throughout the writing process to
review edits, topics, and production schedules. Editors and publishers may
assign topics to staff writers or review proposals from freelance writers. All
writers conduct research on their topics, which they gather through personal
observation, library and Internet research, and interviews. Writers, especially
of nonfiction, are expected to establish their credibility with editors and
readers through strong research and the use of appropriate sources and
citations. Writers and authors then select the material they want to use,
organize it, and use the written word to express story lines, ideas, or to
convey information. With help from editors, they may revise or rewrite sections,
searching for the best organization or the right phrasing.
Many writers are considered freelance writers. They are self-employed and
sell their work to publishers, publication enterprises, manufacturing firms,
public relations departments, or advertising agencies. Sometimes, they contract
with publishers first to write a book or an article. Others may be hired to
complete specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing about a
new product or contributing to an organization’s quarterly newsletter.
Work environment
While some writers and editors work in comfortable, private offices, others
work in noisy rooms filled with the sounds of keyboards and the voices of other
writers tracking down information or interviewing sources. The search for
information sometimes requires that writers travel to diverse workplaces, such
as factories, offices, or laboratories, but many find their material through
telephone interviews, the library, and the Internet.
Advances in electronic communications have changed the work environment for
many writers. Laptop computers and wireless communications technologies allow
growing numbers of writers to work from home and on the road. The ability to
e-mail, transmit and download stories, research, or review materials using the
Internet allows writers and editors greater flexibility in where and how they
complete assignments.
Some writers keep regular office hours, either to maintain contact with
sources and editors or to establish a writing routine, but most writers set
their own hours. Many writers—especially freelance writers—are paid per
assignment; therefore, they work any number of hours necessary to meet a
deadline. As a result, writers must be willing to work evenings, nights, or
weekends to produce a piece acceptable to an editor or client by the publication
deadline. Those who prepare morning or weekend publications and broadcasts also
may regularly work nights, early mornings, and weekends.
While many freelance writers enjoy running their own businesses and the
advantages of working flexible hours, most routinely face the pressures of
juggling multiple projects with competing demands and the continual need to find
new work. Deadline pressures and long, erratic work hours—often part of the
daily routine in these jobs—may cause stress, fatigue, or burnout. In addition,
the use of computers for extended periods may cause some individuals to
experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue.
Education and training
A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer or editor.
Good facility with computers and communications equipment is necessary in order
to stay in touch with sources, editors, and other writers while working on
assignments, whether from home, an office, or while traveling.
Some employers look for a broad liberal arts background, while others prefer
to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism, or English. For those
who specialize in a particular area, such as fashion, business, or law,
additional background in the chosen field is expected. Increasingly, technical
writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized field—for
example, engineering, business, or one of the sciences. Knowledge of a second
language is helpful for some positions. A background in web design, computer
graphics, or other technology field is increasingly practical, because of the
growing use of graphics and representational design in developing technical
documentation. In many cases, people with good writing skills may transfer from
jobs as technicians, scientists, or engineers into jobs as writers or editors.
Others begin as research assistants or as trainees in a technical information
department, develop technical communication skills, and then assume writing
duties.
Employment
Writers and editors held about 306,000 jobs in 2006. More than one-third were
self-employed Writers and authors held about 135,000 jobs; editors, about
122,000 jobs; and technical writers, about 49,000 jobs. About one-third of the
salaried jobs for writers and editors were in the information sector, which
includes newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers; radio and
television broadcasting; software publishers; motion picture and sound-recording
industries; Internet service providers, Web search portals and data-processing
services; and Internet publishing and broadcasting. Substantial numbers also
worked in professional, scientific, and technical services. Other salaried
writers and editors work in computer systems design and related services, public
and private educational services, and religious organizations.
Jobs with major book publishers, magazines, broadcasting companies,
advertising agencies, and public relations firms are concentrated in New York,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. However, many
writers work outside these cities and travel regularly to meet with personnel at
the headquarters. Jobs with newspapers, business and professional journals, and
technical and trade magazines are more widely dispersed throughout the country.
Technology permits writers and editors to work from distant and remote locations
and still communicate with editors and publishers. As a result, geographic
concentration is less of a requirement for many writing or editing positions
than it once was.
Thousands of other individuals work primarily as freelance writers, earning
income from their articles, books, and less commonly, television and movie
scripts. Many support themselves with income derived from other sources.
Earnings
Median annual earnings for salaried writers and authors were $48,640 in May
2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,850 and $67,820. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $25,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$97,700. Median annual earnings were $50,650 in advertising and related services
and $40,880 in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers.
Median annual earnings for salaried editors were $46,990 in May 2006. The
middle 50 percent earned between $35,250 and $64,140. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $27,340, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,400.
Median annual earnings of those working for newspaper, periodical, book, and
directory publishers were $45,970.
Median annual earnings for salaried technical writers were $58,050 in May
2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,130 and $73,750. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $35,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$91,720. Median annual earnings in computer systems design and related services
were $59,830.
According to the Society for Technical Communication, the median annual
salary for entry level technical writers was $40,400 in 2005. The median annual
salary for midlevel nonsupervisory technical writers was $52,140, and for senior
nonsupervisory technical writers, $69,000.
Related Occupations
Writers and editors communicate ideas and information. Other communications
occupations include announcers; interpreters and translators; news analysts,
reporters, and correspondents; and public relations specialists."
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Writers and Editors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm
(visited March 31, 2008).
