Writing Career - Research Paper

Writing is a career that has over recent times advanced in complexity. It involves expression of an individual’s sentiments to the rest of the people through printed works like books, through the internet, and also through the multimedia system. Despite the fact that people perceive it as a low paying job, it brilliant writers are earning a lot of money from it. Below is a succinct outline and description of the career.

I. Job Description
II. Education
III. Job Expectations
IV. Work Environment
V. Job Outlook
VI. Possible Earnings
VII. Advantages
VIII. Disadvantages
IX. Works Cited

I. Job Description

Writers produce an immense assortment of written materials and resources in augmenting number of ways. They obtain writing content from a variety of sources which include multimedia resources that can be read, listened to or watched. Writers generate original written materials that are published in books, periodicals, brochures, advertisements, journals, books, magazines, online publications and affiliate newsletters (Parish 1). Writing works are differentiated into two main categories, fiction or rather non-fiction writing. Writers are usually identified and known through the works they undertake or deal with. They can be referred to as playwrights, biographers, text book writers and novelists. Other writers as screenwriters, songwriters and scriptwriters produce audio-visual broadcasts that are aired through the Radio and Television. Copywriters mainly engage themselves in generation of advertisements for certain products. Writers conduct thorough research on their topics of discussion through internet research, reading other material, personal observations and interviews or through library use.

Writers, especially those who specialize in non-fiction works, have to conduct strong and profound academic research, make use of good sources and citations from other published works. This is because they are expected to generate writings that are credible with editors and also the readers. For conveyance of information, the writers select their intended material, organize it and utilize the written word in the expression of story lines, notions or conveyance of information to the readers (Parish 8). Editors then assist them in making revisions, rephrasing and appropriate correction of their work prior to printing and making available to the readers. Contemporarily writers ought to be conversant with technology in the areas of multimedia software, graphic design, and interactive intelligence of the web and page layout. Some writers maintain blogs as a way of keeping close to their readers and providing information to them when necessary. Additionally, in contemporary times, a new generation of freelance writers has grown (Allen 28). These writers work on contracts to serve organization as they get paid for their writing.

II. Education

A bachelor’s degree is required for a person to become an author, editor or an essay writer. A higher qualification is also accepted as well as a college degree. Considering the importance of writing in these vocations, firms tend to prefer employing individuals with degrees in English, journalism and communications. An adept knowledge in computer and communications is also advantageous in procurement of a job as a writer as the knowledge aids in working on assignments from any place, while maintaining communications with clients, editors and other writers. The ability multitask is very essential in this vocation too. Additionally, other people with superb writing skills can procure jobs as writers. In most cases, formal academic tutoring or real work experience is unexceptionally essential in certain writing fields like fashion editing and textbook writing. Through the internet in blog spots, publishing software and online messages, many people learn how to effectively maximize on their working abilities as writers, editors or authors. On the basis of uniqueness in perspective, potential audience and writing skill, an individual without the degree can get well paid online assignments (Parish 8).

Authors, editors and writers ought to be adept in succinct and logical expression of ideas and also should be fond of writing. Self motivation, esteem, perseverance and a broad array of knowledge on the part of the authors, writers and editors is an extremely important virtue. These people ought to portend a high degree of ethics in determining the topic to publish. Ability to withstand and work under pressure is also important in this vocation. Tactfulness and then ability to encourage other writers to work harder is also a good qualification. Profound familiarity with qualities as web design, graphics, multimedia production and electronic publishing is consummately important. Application of wireless an electronic communication devices to send email, in work transmission and reviewing of copies is imperative.

III. Job Expectations

A writer’s obligation is simply to write. However, what he/she writes is under determination and scrutiny by the client or an organization the writer works for. The clients spell out and determine what the writer brings forth. The writer (especially a dissertation writer) is expected to write professionally and unexceptionally well. He/she is expected to go and do investigations and research on a particular topic that the client wishes to address. The writer is expected to take up the instructions by the clients with utter concern and with a lot of weight. The writer may work as a salaried employee of a certain company or rather a freelancer who is given contracts by specific companies to write for them (Allen 28). The writers are supposed to conduct investigations and research through conducting interviews or directly through the mobile phone to gather necessary information that is credible and used in the writing of the publications, under the instructions of the client.

The writer ought to have then quality of punctuality as it is an important virtue in the writing vocation. Therefore, they are supposed to dispatch their assignments to the editors before the deadline. A responsible writer is also expected to give advice and encouragement to fellow writers to give critical feedback in the process of making then writings better. A writer also is expected to be in close contact with the editor to know what articles need to be typed or written (Parish 8). An adept writer ought to possess a profound willingness to deliver liberal and moral views in print, websites and then television. The writer is advised to participate fully in seminars that educate him/her on matters that impact both positively and negatively on their own delivery. A writer has to be a good time manager for them to time themselves effectively. And also be disciplined to enhance their relationships with other people. Addition ally, a good writer ought to concentrate on matters that affect concern many.

IV. Work Environment

Technological and electronic advancements in contemporary times has overtly transformed the working environment for writers. The advent of wireless communication and portable laptop computers has enables scores of authors and writers to work adeptly from their homes as well as from the road. Their flexibility is enhanced by the possibility of reviewing materials online, sending e-mail text messages, transmit stories, download stories and perform explicit research on the web. Some writers work from their offices while others travel to carry out hands-on research on various topics. Some writers specify and set their own hours of working while others, such as freelance writers have to work any given number of hours on the assignment they have, in order to meet their deadline (Allen 24). As a result of the strictness of the job, writers ought to be disciplined and ready to work during the weekends, evenings, long nights or any other give time to deliver the expected good pieces of writings that are acceptable to a client or editor by the specified deadline.

Numerous freelance writers have the advantage of working during flexible hours and also take pleasure in conducting their own businesses. However, they are subjected to routine pressures of handling multiple assignments with varying degrees of demands as well as benefits. They also face the challenge of seeking for new work. Deadline strain and long erratic periods of work are part and parcel of daily routine of this vocation. Freelance writers are, therefore, subjected to tension, weariness or burnout. Additionally, use of computers for long periods of time may lead to backache, headache and eye-strain. Editors overseeing writing jobs usually are faced by vagaries of work pressure from publication deadlines, long hours in work and simultaneous oversight on multiple jobs. They also are subject to chronic problems. Therefore, writers are expected to be able to handle such demanding jobs and be industrious as well (Parish 8).

V. Job Outlook

Employment of editors, writers and authors is anticipated to hike to 8% from the present to approximately the year 2018. As the prevalence of jobs in the economy increases, the rate of employment of editing positions and salaried writing is anticipated to increase. Utilization of online media and multimedia technological innovations by majority of companies from the vast array of industrial bodies enables them to reach the technologically innovative consumers in the vast market. The companies also meet the ever budding demand for web-based data. Growing in number and sophistication, online services and publications call for spurring demand for authors, editors and writers (Patterson 30). Those with web/multimedia based knowledge and sufficient experience are the most preferred. In an aim of fishing customers, organizations and businesses are inculcating messaging services as well as expanded newsletters and websites. They are hiring writers on salaried or freelance basis in contribution of additional substance. In contrast, companies working on the dependence of advertisement revenues and sales receipts to support the vast number of workers are most likely to employ few writers. Many experienced writers and editors will find work with non-profit associations, under the public affairs dockets in those agencies.

As for job prospects, a tight competition for places in affluent and well established magazine and newspaper firms is due to happen. Competition intensifies as more people get attracted to writing and editorial jobs. More magazine and newspaper companies will shift their focus from merely printing publication focus to an online presence, as the industry ensues with normal contracting. Writer, authors and editors who are comfortable with the utilization of a couple of digital and electronic tools find it easy to obtain new jobs. With the imminently declining incurrence of self-publishing a profound popularity of electronically available digital material like books by the readers eases publication of material (Patterson 30). As more experienced workers take their leave, newer opportunities for the newer writers, authors and editors procure positions vacated by the former.

VI. Possible Earnings

In the private firms, salaried authors and writers earn median yearly wages of approximately $53000. The middle 50% earn salaries ranging between approximately $38000 and $75000. The lowest 10% earn salaries less than $28000 while the highest 10% earn salaries of approximately greater than $106000 annually. For those writers working in public companies, advertising and other related industries, they receive a mean yearly salary of approximately $58000. Those writers working for directory publishers, book publishers, periodical publishers and different newspapers earn approximately $43000.

In the case of salaried editors, their mean yearly wages in the same period are approximately $49000. The middle 50% get salaries ranging from $36000 to $69000. The lower 10% earn $28000 yearly while the highest 10% earn more than $95000. Similarly, those editors working for directory publishers, book publishers, periodical publishers and different newspapers earn approximately $49000 per year. Therefore, the authors and writers average at approximately $64000 annually. At the same time, editors average at approximately $57000 annually (Patterson 25).

Freelance writers generate their salaries or income from published books, written articles, movie scripts and television scripts as well, although not commonly from the latter. Most of the freelance writers work on an individual project mode for numerous publishers, where they are not dependent on financial support from other affiliates. However, some freelance writers run their businesses by utilization of capital support from other sources. Apparently, freelancers have to cover their own pensions and health insurance.

VII. Advantages

Writing is enjoyable and pleasant career. Writers are set apart from the other numerous workers who spend long periods time doing jobs that do not satisfy them as much as writing does when one works for short periods of time and is fulfilled (Bly 8). The writing career is fun because writers get their names published and known by immense numbers of people from all over the world. Their work is read by people and they are applauded for their own individual efforts. Tribute is paid to them and they get their own credit that they rightfully deserve. This is in opposition to those other workers, for instance those who assemble cars, who do not have their names published on the vehicles they make (Bly 9). They do not get revered for their own efforts. Written works can be posted on the website and also copies made from it for future reference. Other workers cannot display the services that they give to the masses. Therefore, writing is a better career.

Being able to write well in is a competitive advantage since people who are good in other areas are inept in writing (Bly 10). Therefore, having good command in writing is unexceptionally advantageous. Apparently, most writers are the people who play a big role in passing information over to the masses. For instance, the web is composed of resourceful information writer by none other than writers. All course books, magazines, newspapers, and other written material are products of writers. This stresses the importance of writing as a career. Though apparently writing is regarded as a very low paying job, there are some people who earn lots of money from it (Bly 11). Therefore, writing can earn serious individuals money. Writing is also a service that is under high demand universally. Freelance writers and other writers generally receive huge tax deductions that are not available to the common man.

VIII. Disadvantages

Despite having numerous merits, a job as a full time writer is also pitted against by numerous challenges and demerits. Most of the writers lead solitary lives (Bly 15). They thus do not have any companionship at work. This makes them miss a lot of worthwhile experiences in the real world. Writers usually perceive little or no encouragement from the outside world (Bly 16). This leaves the writers as alone as an island to deal with their own perilous solitude. Most of these writers end up being superfluous to the modern day world. The feeling that no one is willing to support you is demoralizing and may probably lead to low self esteem. Additionally, writers are subjected to write what they do not want to write (Bly 17). They are restricted to the preference of then client, employer or the designated editor. Most writers therefore end up writing materials they were not willing to write.

Numerous other writers are confined in then chains and rubric of advertisement procedures and specifications. This demolishes the characteristic creativity art of expression of writing. These restrictions result into then writer not enjoying his/her inborn creativity. Being a writer may not earn an individual a lot of money due to its nature of not being a high paying profession (Bly 19). Amateur writers face heavy competition from experienced people and who are earning high salaries. Writing being perceived as an commodity service degrades the skill behind sits publishing. Many people therefore view it in terms of a commodity that has to be bought but not considering its aesthetic quality. Writing in some cases, is perceived to be out of the mainstream. This leads to many writer switching vocations and changing to jobs that deal with management. In most countries and societies, freelance writers are not supported. They find it hard to procure mortgages and have their taxes reduced.

IX. Works Cited

Bly, Robert. Careers for Writers and Others Who Have a Way with Words. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.

Allen, Moira. Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer. New York: Skyhorse Publishing Inc.

Parish, Robert, et al. Career opportunities in writing. New York: Infobase Publishing.

Patterson, Hellen, et al. Writing and Selling Special Feature Articles. New York: Kessinger Publishing.

(Bly 8)

(Allen 24)

(Allen 28)

(Parish 1)

(Patterson 25)