Writer and editors can be divided into three categories. Writer and authors writes the content. Editor selects the material for publishing. Technical writers specialize in software documentation.
Employment facts:
- Writers and editors held 306,000 jobs in 2006.
- Writers and authors held 135000 jobs
- Editors held 122000 jobs
- Technical writes held about 49000 jobs.
Educational requirements:
Most of the employees hire writers with college degree with specialization in communication or English/ journalism. Sometimes arts degree can do the job. Sometimes they go for writers and editors who are specialized in required subject. The last requirement is generally for technical writers.
Other requirements:
One should feel comfortable with expressing their ideas by writing. They should have interest for writing. Creativity and power of expressing idea is very important. Unpaid internship and writing experience for school newspaper can be very fruitful. Editors should have ability to guide others.
Job outlook for writers and editors:
Employment of editors and writer is going to grow the future. It is to grow as fast as the average of all occupation till 2016. Demand will be greater for technical writers and those who are specialized in certain field. Employment of salaried writers for periodical, newspapers etc is going to increase.
An average writer’s salary:
Annual earning of writers was $48,640 in 2006. Editor’s salary was a little less and technical writer used to earn slightly more.
A writer’s daily work includes:
- Creating original work.
- Proposing topics about what to write
- Gathering information
- Revising and rewriting material
- Preparing advertising copy.
And so on.
Writers come in all shapes and sizes: film critics, novelist, editorial columnist, screenwriters, technical writers and advertising copywriters. Many spend their carrier practicing their skill as the wait for a break. While most of them love to write on the topics of their personal interest, Most of them are given topics by the editors. Writes can work at home, in an office or in newsroom.
One point is for sure that good writers combine their gift of language with creativity.
For many who opt for a career as a freelancer feels it quiet tough going on most of the occasions. There is no fairy tale ending for the. They have to wait for long hours, waiting for check to arrive. Sometimes when one door is shut, another door shuts as well.
It is very important to understand this when making the decision because those who enter with eyes shut seldom taste success.