There are many different categories of writing. From editors, to journalists, to creative writers, to technical writers, it's easy to get confused about which path you would like to follow. If you enjoy writing but want to know a little more about each and every work opportunity for writers, then read on.
The famous author Lord Byron once wrote, "But words are things, and a small
drop of ink, falling like dew, upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think"
Since the beginning of time, words have possessed the power to comfort or destroy, to encourage or degrade, and to inspire actions that change the course of history. Those who choose to write as a profession may not only provide a living for themselves but also have the opportunity to touch the lives of countless people. Writing is a difficult yet gratifying career with each day bringing a chance to create something new.
If those who desire to write can harness their passion for written words, they can gain a substantial and enjoyable occupation. There are many areas where one's love for writing can be expressed. Some people work as creative writers or authors, others as editors, and some write technical works.
Creative writers include book authors, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters. This group usually has the most freedom in choosing what they focus on in their work, although some of their work is commissioned and other work is written for hire. Children's books and fiction fall under the creative writer's list of undertakings. Song writers and lyricists are also considered creative writers. Other authors focus on nonfiction works such as biographies, historical documentations, and books on the sciences. Regardless of the type of writing these authors create, those who are successful have the privilege of seeing their own work published and preserved.
Editors review and edit manuscripts of authors and offer advice to writers about their work. Many editors are writers who have not succeeded in having their work published; others continue to aspire to becoming a published author some day. Editors often select the particular materials to be used for publication or dissemination. Technical journals, trade magazines, and other general-interest publications all require editors to help plan the content of their features. Editors may also supervise the production of the publications. There are many levels of editorial duties: executive, assistant, assignment, and copy editors each play an important role in the production of newspapers and magazines. In addition, there are production assistants who check for errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar. These assistants also make sure the copy is readable, styled, and in agreement with editorial policy. Rearranging sentences to insure accuracy and clarity is also part of their job. Production assistants prepare the copies for printing. This job includes arranging page layouts of articles, photographs, and advertising. Finally, publication assistants read and evaluate the work submitted by freelance writers, proofread printer's galleys, or answer letters about material that has already been published. Production assistants who work for small newspapers or in radio stations assemble articles available from wire services or the Internet as well as perform clerical duties such as answering phones and making photocopies. The editorial field offers the widest range of employment positions.
Technical writers work on a more straightforward level. Their job is to create materials on technical subjects that are easy to understand. They may create instruction manuals or appendices. These writers may also assist in layout work. No matter what area technical writers work in, their goal is always to present complicated subjects in a simple format. Some technical writers are offered jobs to create medical and science references. With so many advances in science and technology, technical writers are becoming more and more needed.
Like most professions, there are benefits particular to the field. Since writing can be quite an exhausting profession requiring long hours and constant revisions, the benefits are much needed and welcomed. However, not all writers share the same benefits.
Authors who have already been published enjoy some unique benefits. Perhaps the published author's greatest reward is having the pride and joy of seeing his work in print and ready to be sold. In addition to this, publishers are often more open to considering an author's work once he has already published a book. For authors of children's books, once a successful story is published, the writer can adapt the same ideas to a new scenario. For example, Laura Joffe Numeroff gained huge success with her book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. She then gained even more fame and fortune when she released five follow up books, all with the exact same format. Breaking through the publishing barrier can lead to further opportunities for some authors.
In addition, many writers, especially topic writers, experience enjoyable benefits at the expense of their employers. Newspapers, magazines, and journals that employ topic writers pay for their writers to fulfill their assignment. Literary critics attend Broadway productions while food critics dine at four star restaurants. In the same way, travel editors are able to visit new places around the globe, all at the expense of their employer. Robert J. Sawyer, Canada's most award winning science fiction author, states, "I get to travel for free all over the world and visit very interesting places. Another great perk is the access I have to behind-the-scene places'". These opportunities are benefits that not many other professions have to offer.
