Writers and Editors Held About 320,000 Jobs,Especially Those with Web Experience
Employment
Writers and Editors held about 306,000 jobs in 2006. More than one-third were self-employed. Writers and authors held about 135,000 jobs; editors, about 122,000 jobs; and technical writers, about 49,000 jobs. About one-half of the salaried jobs for writers and editors were in the information sector, which includes newspaper,periodical,book, and directory publishers;radio and television broadcasting;software publishers;motion picture and sound-recording industries;Internet service providers.
Job Outlook
Employment of Writers and Editors is expected to grow abut as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. The outlook for most writing and editing jobs is expected to be competitive because many people with writing or journalism training are attracted to the occupation.
Opportunities should be best for technical writers and those with training in a specialized field. Demand for technical writers and writers with expertise in 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. Rapid growth and change in the high-technology and electronics industries result in a greater need for people to write user's guides,instruction manuals,and training materials.This work requires people who not only are technically skilled as writers,but also are familiar with the subject area.
Earnings
Median annual earnings for salaried writers and authors were $48,640in May 2006. The middle 50 percent between $34,850 and $67,820. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,430,and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,700. Median annual earnings were $50,650 in advertising and related services and $40,880 in newspaper,periodical,book,and directory publishers.
Median annual earnings for salaried editors were $46,990 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,250
and $64,140. The lowest 10 percent less than $27,340, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,400. Median annual earnings of those working for newspaper,periodical,book,and directory publishers were $45,970.
Nature of the Work
Most writers and Editors have at least a basic familiarity with technology,regularly using personal computers,desktop or electronic publishing systems,scanners,and other electronic communications equipment. Many writers prepare material directly for the Internet.These writers should be knowledgeable about graphic design,page layout,and multimedia software.
Creative Writers,poets, and lyricists,playwrights,and screenwriters,create original works,such as prose,poems,plays,and song lyrics-for publication or performance.Some works may be commissioned by a sponsor;others may be written for hire.
Nonfiction writers either propose a topic or are assigned one,often by an editor or publisher. They gather information about the topic through personal observation,library and Internet research,and interviews. Writer then select the material they want to use,organize it, and use the written word to express ideas and convey information.
Retail Salespersons held about 4.3 million wage and salary jobs in 2004.They worked in stores ranging from small specialty shops employing a few workers to giant department stores with hundreds of salespersons. In addition, some were self-employed representatives of direct-sales companies and mail-order houses. The largest employers of Retail Salespersons are department stores,clothing and clothing accessories stores,building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers,other general merchandise stores, and motor vehicle and parts dealers.
This occupation offers many opportunities for part-time work and is especially appealing to students,retirees,and others seeking to supplement their income. However,most of those selling big-ticket items work full time and have substantial experience.
Copy writers prepare advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media or to promote the sale of goods and services.
Newsletter writers produce information for distribution to association memberships,corporate employees,organizational clients,or the public.
Freelance writers sell their work to publishers,publication enterprises,manufacturing firms,public relations departments,or advertising agencies. Sometimes,they contract with publishers to write a book or an article.
Editors review,rewrite,and edit the work of writers. They may also do original writing. An editor's responsibilities vary with the employer and type and level of editorial position held. Editorial duties may include planning the content of books,technical journals,trade magazines,and other general-interest publications. Editors also 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.
Information Source: Bureau Of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov
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