Writers and Editors

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. Nonfiction writers either select a topic or are assigned one, often by an editor or publisher.

 

Then, they gather information through personal observation, library and Internet research, and interviews. Writers select the material they want to use, organize it, and use the written word to express ideas and convey information. Writers also revise or rewrite sections, searching for the best organization or the right phrasing. Reporters and correspondents - including newswriters, columnists, and editorial writers.

Creative writers, poets, and lyricists, including novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters, create original works - such as prose, poems, plays, and song lyrics - for publication or performance. Some works may be commissioned (at the request of a sponsor); others may be written for hire (based on completion of a draft or an outline). 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 members, corporate employees, organizational clients, or the public. Writers and authors also construct crossword puzzles and prepare speeches.