Career opportunities in editing and writing require a person to acquire a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communication, or English. Besides a degree, knowledge of a second language and specialized knowledge of this field like business, fashion, and legal is considered favorable in career development. Additional skills required are a love for writing, clear expression of ideas, quality work, self-motivation, and patience in work. Writing and editing jobs requires a wise selection of appropriate contents for publication. To lead a team and work with a team are also expected from editors. Knowledge of electronic production equipment and computer software is prerequisite for some publication processes. Editing and writing jobs require the capability of working under pressure and at times confusion.
It is essential for writers and editors to familiarize with the system of electronic publishing and computers. There are various written materials which quite frequently are required to be published directly on the internet like web sites, fictional stories, e-newspapers, and e-magazines, etc. Knowledge of graphic design, software related to desktop publishing and page layout also helps a lot to the editors and writers. To blend sounds and graphics together, knowledge of various other web technologies is an essential requirement.
Broadly, career opportunity in editing and writing can be categorized into three types: first, writers and editors who conceive original material for company newsletters, magazines, journals, and books. The second category involves editors who revise and make written material for printing. The third category is Technical Writers who create technical handbooks on instructions to be used in format designing.
There are various types of editing jobs in large size magazine or newspaper publication agencies like Assistant Editors, Executive Editors, Managing Editors, Copy Editors etc., depending upon the nature of work and responsibilities. Executive and Managing Editors prepare budgets and decide on terms of contract with freelance writers and also supervise daily operations and functions of the department. In smaller publishing organizations, one editor performs all of the responsibilities. The job of a writer essentially requires connecting with editors via reliable research and quotations. A writer has to meet all his deadlines while being ethical in work.
Junior level authors and writers earn $21,000 a year while the top can earn from $60,000 to $85,000. The middle level earning is about $43,000 annually. For the publication sector the salaries were lower and it was higher in the advertising service industries. The annual salary of technical writers ranges from $30,000 to $81,000. The annual earnings for a beginner in technical writing is $40,000, for intermediate level it is $50,000, and for the senior level it is $65,000 and more.
Editors and writers are employed mostly in the information sector, computer services, education and advertisement. Job opportunities also existed in government sector, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, business, electronic manufacturing sector, and other labor associations. Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York are the main centers of advertising, broadcasting, and publishing agencies. In addition to these, there are many other locations where technical and trade magazines, journals, and newspaper are found. Freelance writing, sales of a book, articles, and scripts of movies and television also provide a good earning.
Growth of job opportunities in editing and writing jobs is predicted to be the average of all occupations in the coming decade until 2016. There will likely be high competition in editing jobs due to the high appeal of jobs. There is expected to be good growth in the special interest periodicals and business newsletters. Internet publication has become more prevalent in companies; hence, there will be more demand for editing and writing professionals who have knowledge of the web. Public relations and advertising agencies are also likely to create more jobs in this field.
There are bright opportunities for writers having specialized knowledge about law, economics, and medicine, particularly because of the growth and discovery of scientific and technical information. Retirement and replacement needs will also enhance career opportunity in editing and writing.
