The Writing and Editing Industry Today
Careers in Writing and Editing
The two major careers in the writing and editing industry are writers and editors. Writers produce a variety of original written materials for books, magazines, journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television, movies, and advertisements. Nonfiction writers must establish credibility by conducting research and citing their sources.
Writers are identified by their type of writing: novelists, playwrights, biographers, screenwriters, textbook writers, bloggers, etc. The three major types of writers are copy writers, technical writers, and freelance writers. Copy writers write materials to promote the sale of a good or service and may contribute to its marketing. Technical writers provide information in an easy-to-read format, such as manuals, catalogs, instructions, and project proposals. Freelance writers sell their work, make contracts, or are hired by publishers, enterprises, manufacturing firms, public relations departments, or advertising agencies. Most are self-employed and paid per assignment.
Editors evaluate proposed story ideas, decide whether or not to buy publication rights, plan, review and edit drafts of written works; give their clients constructive criticism on how to improve their work, and supervise the production of publications. Editors also hire entry-level assistants called copy editors to review copy for grammatical errors, check for readability, style, and agreement with editorial policy; suggest revisions, carry out research, and verify facts, dates, and statistics.
Educational Requirements
A career in writing or editing often requires a college degree. Employers prefer to hire individuals with degrees in communications, journalism, or English, as well as those with a broad liberal arts background. Writers and editors must also be able to express information in a clear and logical method, enjoy writing, and be able to concentrate despite distractions. Their careers require creativity, curiosity, and self-motivation. In addition, editors require tact and leadership to give constructive criticism to their clients without offending them.
Experience
The writing and editing industry is highly competitive because it attracts many people. Writers and editors must be at least acquainted with technology, and most employers require basic knowledge. Writers and editors who publish their work online must also have basic knowledge about graphic design and multimedia software. Online publications and services are becoming more popular, increasing the demand for writers and editors with technical experience. Advances in electronic communications allow more writers to work at home, so geographic concentration has become less of a requirement. However, spending time at the office can improve an employee’s social skills and develop a valuable career network.
Opportunities for Advancement
In small firms, opportunities for advancement and full-time work can be limited because small firms often lack regular work or cannot afford to employ writers full-time. However, entry-level employees may begin writing or editing material immediately. In larger firms, entry-level employees conduct research, verify articles, or copy edit drafts. Advancement to writing and editing assignments is more predictable but occurs more slowly than in smaller firms.
Projected Job Growth
The writing and editing industry is expected to grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016, the average for all occupations. The rapid growth and change in scientific and technological industries is expected to increase the demand for technical writers and writers with expertise in law, medicine, or economics. Experienced workers who transfer jobs or retire are also expected to increase job openings.
The median annual earnings in May 2008 were $57,180 for salaried editors, $64,210 for salaried technical writers, and $64,560 for salaried writers and authors. The National Employment Matrix predicts a 20 percent job increase for technical writers, a 13 percent increase for writers and authors, and a two percent increase for editors. The highest salaries currently go to writers and authors, but the highest job growth is expected to occur in technical writing.
The "Big Picture"
The writing and editing industry contributes to the economy by providing a variety of specialized jobs in a stable and growing industry that offer a significant source of income. The industry is also very important to society because it captures the interest of readers, attracts customers, and informs the public. Employers need a variety of skilled employees to conduct research, write documents, review and edit the written work of their clients, and publish materials both online and in print. Society needs writers and editors who can communicate complex information in a way that is clear, efficient, and easy to read.
Many employees in other industries often rely on the writing and editing industry to perform well in their jobs and at home. Some people need the products and services of the industry just to stay alive. Disabled individuals rely on the expertise of nurses, who must be able to read and understand instructions on how to best assist their patients. More directly, a homeowner trying to put out a fire must be able to read and understand the instructions on his fire extinguisher or risk losing his house and even his life.
SOURCES:
“Writers and Editors.” 18 December 2007. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. 6 September 2009. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm>
“U.S. Census Press Releases.” 1 September 2009. U.S. Census Bureau. 6 September 2009. <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/012528.html>