US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nature of the Work
Writers and editors communicate through the written word. Writers and editors generally fall into one of three categories:
- Writers and authors develop original fiction and nonfiction for books, magazines and trade journals, newspapers, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements.
- Technical writers develop scientific or technical materials, such as scientific and medical reports, equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. They also may assist in layout work.
- Editors select and prepare material for publication or broadcast and review and prepare a writer’s work for publication or dissemination.
Technical writers put scientific and technical information into easily understandable language. They prepare scientific and technical reports, operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials, and project proposals. They also plan and edit technical reports and oversee the preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts. Science and medical writers prepare a range of formal documents presenting detailed information on the physical or medical sciences. They impart research findings for scientific or medical professions, organize information for advertising or public relations needs, and interpret data and other information for a general readership.
Editors review, rewrite, and edit the work of writers. They may also do original writing. An editor’s responsibilities vary depending on the employer and type and level of editorial position held. In the publishing industry, an editor’s primary duties are to plan the contents of books, technical journals, trade magazines, and other general interest publications. Editors decide what material will appeal to readers, review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the work, and suggest possible titles. Additionally, they oversee the production of the publications.
Editors and program directors often have assistants. Many assistants, such as copy editors or production assistants, hold entry-level jobs. They review copy for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and they check copy for readability, style, and agreement with editorial policy. They suggest revisions, such as changing words or rearranging sentences to improve clarity or accuracy. They also do research for writers and verify facts, dates, and statistics. Production assistants arrange page layouts of articles, photographs, and advertising; compose headlines; and prepare copy for printing. Publication assistants who work for publishing houses may read and evaluate manuscripts submitted by freelance writers, proofread printers’ galleys, or answer letters about published material. Production assistants on small papers or in radio stations compile articles available from wire services or the Internet, answer phones, and make photocopies.
Employment
Writers and editors held about 305,000 jobs in 2000. About 126,000 jobs were for writers and authors; 57,000 were for technical writers; and 122,000 were for editors.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Technical writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized field — engineering, business, or one of the sciences, for example. In many cases, people with good writing skills can learn specialized knowledge on the job. Some transfer from jobs as technicians, scientists, or engineers. Others begin as research assistants, or trainees in a technical information department, develop technical communication skills, and then assume writing duties.
Writers and editors must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable. Writers and editors must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. Editors also need tact and the ability to guide and encourage others in their work.
For some jobs, the ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure is essential. Familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, and video production equipment increasingly is needed. Online newspapers and magazines require knowledge of computer software used to combine online text with graphics, audio, video, and 3-D animation.
Job Outlook
Employment of writers and editors is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Demand for technical writers and writers with expertise in specialty areas, such as law, medicine, or economics, is expected to increase because of the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the need to communicate it to others.
Despite projections of fast employment growth and numerous replacement needs, the outlook for most writing and editing jobs is expected to be competitive. Opportunities should be best for technical writers and those with training in a specialized field. Rapid growth and change in the high technology and electronics industries result in a greater need for people to write users’ guides, instruction manuals, and training materials.
Earnings
Median annual earnings for salaried technical writers were $47,790 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $37,280 and $60,000. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,890, and the highest 10% earned more than $74,360. Median annual earnings in computer and data processing services were $51,220.
Median annual earnings for salaried editors were $39,370 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $28,880 and $54,320. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,460, and the highest 10% earned more than $73,330. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of editors were as follows:
- Computer and data processing services $45,800
- Periodicals $42,560
- Newspapers $37,560
- Books $37,550
For the full text of the story, please see www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm.
Reprinted with permission by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Writers and Editors, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm (visited April 17, 2003).