Writers create quality textual content according to a set of requirements for various outlets like newspapers, magazines, online, books or for movies/television. Writers can work for any business that publishes written text. They may be expected to produce technical, instructional, or creative content based on industry needs; they can interpret ideas from others or pitch their own based on any requirements. Writers research, conduct interviews, and apply their knowledge to new contexts in their own words.
Types of writers:
- Screen writers who write scripts for movies/television
- Technical writers who produce instructions or user guides for software applications or other products
- Copy writers who write product descriptions and marketing content
- Creative writers who generate fictional stories for publishing
Writers may be employed by publishing (book, newspaper, or magazine) companies, media companies, online publishers, film studios, technology/gaming companies, etc. Freelance writers may write content for these companies on a contract basis.
Education and Qualifications
While there is no standard qualification for writers, most possess a bachelor’s degree in English language, English literature, Media and communications, Journalism, Creative writing, etc.
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is also recommended.
Responsibilities
- Understanding the writing requirements thoroughly (am I writing for a screenplay or for a user manual?) before beginning the writing process
- Carrying out research on assigned topics (if necessary)
- Interviewing sources to provide expert-backed information (if necessary)
- Fact-checking any data collected during the research process (if necessary)
- Creating content (based on the research or interview if necessary) for the target audience
- Submitting to editors or peers for review
- Revising their work based on editorial feedback
A Day in the Life
Based on the type of work, writers may be employed, or they could be freelancers. Writers spend their time with the following types of tasks:
- Researching a topic of interest
- Conducting interviews with relevant parties
- Planning the outline and writing rough drafts
- Drafting, writing, editing, and proofreading the content
- Working with editors to improve the content
In addition to the above, freelance writers also
- Pitch ideas to the publishers
- Work with agents and editors
- Engage with readers and attending promotional events
Other Necessary Skills
- Excellent written communication
- Excellent research and editing skills
- Time management
- Observation skills and attention to detail
- Excellent creativity
- Proficiency in the use of various software
- Ability to adapt to feedback
- Perseverance (writing can be hard sometimes, hence the term “writer’s block”).
Career Progression
There is no clearly defined career progression for writers, but based on the industry type, writers may choose to move to roles like senior writers, editors, managing editors or other similar roles. Some even choose to become marketing specialists.
Salary
The median salary is $70K per year, but this salary can vary widely based on many different factors. A great writer could earn millions.
Job Growth
- No. of jobs in 2020: 143K
- Job outlook: 9% (2020 to 2030)
- Number of new jobs: 12K increase from 2020 to 2030
Summary
If you are highly creative and have a strong grasp of the language, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, etc. and have interest in writing various type of materials, writing could be a good career for you. You need to be more open to accept feedback and criticism and have ability to analyze and incorporate them into your writing.
