types of professional writers

types of professional writers

Types of Professional Writers

1. Introduction

Expectation from a professional writer changes according to the type of content reader is looking for. Even a professional writer is a vast term; it is further sub-categorized into different types namely content writer, creative writer, fiction writer, journalist, academic writer, business and technical writer. All these types have unique styles and approaches to tackle variety of audiences with different mindset and different needs. Content writer is a broad term. It generally encompasses the typical writer, who intends to provide a meaningful and informative content. He/she may be a creative writer who writes an imaginative content or a writer who writes for academic purposes. In any case, the words/content writer focuses on providing a reliable and error-free content to the reader. He is generally not limited to a specific type of audience. His writing is dependent upon the topic of interest. An imaginative writer may prefer to write a story for children, while using simple and easy to understand language. On the other hand, an academic writer may write a research paper for college students, using complex technical language. But in both cases, the writer is targeting reliable content to the reader.

2. Technical Writers

Technical writers explain technology and related ideas to technical and non-technical audiences. This could mean, for example, telling a programmer how to use a software library or telling a consumer how to operate a television remote control. Technical writers gather information from existing documentation, example products, and interviews with product designers and testers. With this information, they work closely with SMEs to develop an understanding of the topic and then use their skills to convey this information to their audience. Technical writers also may serve as part of a marketing team and write the manuals for new products. A college degree is usually required for a position as a technical writer. In addition, knowledge or experience with a technical subject, such as computer science, web design, or engineering, is important. O*NET lists a bachelor’s degree as the “typical entry-level education” for technical writers and “some college but no degree” for writers in general, indicating that the technical writing field may be more exclusive. One space where technical writers are rarely considered is the game industry. In game development, technical writers can play an important role in conveying information to users and expediting the work of the development team, yet actual hiring of technical writers is rare. This likely stems from the fact that many game developers feel they can save time and money by having their already well-educated team members handle the writing and because there is a prevalent but mistaken impression that anyone with a good grasp of a given language can be a writer. An article entitled “Breaking into Game Journalism” by James Brightman mentions, among other things, that there is a lack of respect for writers in the game industry. He states, “It’s very tough to penetrate the core development teams… as a writer. Oftentimes the dialogue and any writing that’s required is handled internally by designers or producers.” The term writer in this context generally refers to someone in the game writer or narrative designer position rather than the technical writer, but this differentiation may not always be clear.

3. Content Writers

There are basically two kinds of content writers, those who specialize in writing for print and those who specialize in writing for the web. Writers have to adapt their writing style for each medium in order to engage their readers. This is a complex and challenging skill, but it is essential for those aiming to work in the fast-growing field of web content. Writing is very culturally dependent, thus understanding the demographic and psychographics of the target market is essential for those writing web content. Web content writers have to be marketers and have to promote the website and get users to visit. This requires a good understanding of how people think and find information. SEO content writers write articles, blogs, and other forms of content which are optimized to rank high on specific search engines. This involves writing around a specific topic that the client or employer provides. SEO writing is quite repetitive but a good SEO content writer can earn a decent living. High-ranking articles can earn much more money through increased traffic and it is a great part-time job for those who may be trying to get published. Step by step guides can earn quite a lot of money if they are easily read and understood. Print media such as newspapers and magazines are in decline due to the rise of the internet. Nevertheless, those aspiring to be journalists or article writers can still find work if they have the right skills and know where to look. There are many skilled and experienced journalists and writers who could not adapt to writing for the web and gave up writing altogether. This means there is less competition for traditional print media writing roles. Feature writers write detailed articles on a wide range of topics. This generally does not pay very well, but it can be fun and rewarding. Writing for a specific trade or industry magazine can pay more depending on the demand for content in that particular field. Staff writer positions are more regular and can also pay quite well with the right experience. The main goal for any print content writer should be to build a good reputation in order to increase future employability.

4. Copywriters

Copywriters also compose copy in the form of sales letters, emails, and other marketing materials. Often, they will be responsible for a more thorough and ‘personal’ interaction with a target audience, to directly sell a product or service. This is an especially lucrative specialty for freelance copywriters.

On the other end of the spectrum, some copywriters are in-house writers at corporations or organizations. This is a more flexible situation, since they can work from home or office. These days, in-house copywriters are increasingly working on online materials, such as writing for a company’s website. Another growing specialty for copywriters is writing search engine optimized content, to improve a website’s ranking in search engines and to help the website generate more traffic.

Copywriters typically work for advertising or marketing agencies, though some copywriters work as independent contractors or freelancers. Often, copywriters are part of a larger team assembled to create a brochure, website or advertising campaign. In this situation, they will write copy to help the designer, art director or creative director meet the client’s needs.

5. Freelance Writers

A freelance journalist is a writer who is not employed at any specific media organization, but who writes articles for various magazines, newspapers, and in some cases, online news sites. The stories produced by freelance journalists can cover a wide variety of topics; some journalists focus on a certain area, such as politics or sports, while others like to write human interest stories. Today, with online resources being so readily available, freelance journalism is a career that is particularly easy to get into.

Freelance writing is the business of writing, and it is one of the most common types of writing, as most companies and individuals require some kind of writing services. A freelance content writer writes for a number of clients and is paid for the writing. A content writer might write articles, blog posts, and other forms of writing that are used to inform and engage the target audience. They can take assignments from a number of freelance sites and join people to write for their blog. They may also choose to write on a particular subject that interests them, and once they complete writing, they can sell the work to the client and earn money. A content writer can always use their own blog as a platform to showcase their writing skills and share their knowledge with the audience. Once the blog becomes popular, money can be made by writing and displaying ads or by marketing and selling products, which might be their own or an affiliate’s.