About Fashion Writing Jobs

Fashion writers create copy for magazines, catalogs, websites, blogs, television and newspapers. Fashion writing jobs are expected to increase though 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook Handbook. There are many different kinds of fashion writing jobs, and the market for skilled journalists who understand fashion and fashion trends ranges from daily newspapers to national magazines.

Types

There are many different types of writing jobs within the fashion industry. They include:

- Fashion assistants are at the entry-level rung of the fashion writing profession. The position is often filled by interns who are finishing school or just entering the fashion industry. A position as a fashion assistant for a major magazine can be a stepping stone to a high profile career in the fashion industry.
- Editorial fashion copywriters often work for a magazine or newspaper. They have a set schedule and salary. The job of a fashion copywriter is to write about fashion trends. A fashion copywriter may travel to the latest fashion shows, or may work exclusively in the office. Often, fashion writers work closely with photographers to create feature spreads in magazines or for websites.
- Fashion editors work for major newspapers, magazines and other media outlets. They are responsible for creating and maintaining the fashion "voice" of the publication for which they work. Generally, they work directly under the editor in chief, and supervise a staff of copywriters and photographers.
- Fashion public relations specialists often do much more than just write about fashion. It is their job to help create and maintain the visibility of a particular brand, merchandiser, publication or designer. Their tasks may include writing press releases, holding press conferences and interviews and maintaining relationships with the fashion departments of major media outlets.

Significance

The education and qualification requirements of fashion writing jobs vary according to the position, but most jobs in the fashion writing industry require at least a bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations or fashion design.
Salaries for jobs in fashion writing range from about $20,000 annually for a fashion assistant to $150,000 and up for a fashion editor or fashion public relations specialist.
The outlook for all fashion writing jobs is extremely positive, according to the Job Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Features

Fashion writers must have excellent communication and writing skills. Attention to detail, research skills and fact-checking are essential to the job. Knowledge about the fashion industry, including fabrics, business, designers and historical trends in fashion are important.

Benefits

Fashion writers may have the opportunity to travel if they cover important fashion events in the major fashion capitals of the world. They may work with famous models and designers, and fashion editors and public relations specialists command high salaries and a great deal of influence in the fashion world.
Freelance fashion writers can often pick and choose among assignments and make their own work schedules.
The Internet has created a number of new avenues for savvy fashion writers who are persistent and skilled. There are many new opportunities for fashion writing on blogs maintained by high profile media outlets. A very motivated fashion writer may even be able to establish a name with a personal fashion blog.

Expert Insight

The popularity of fashion-industry based reality shows on television has increased interest in all jobs in the fashion industry. You can expect more competition for fashion-writing jobs, but also more outlets looking for fashion writers. Specializing in a specific facet of the fashion industry such as teen fashion or haute couture can make you a more valuable addition to a fashion magazine, but a broad based understanding of all facets of the industry will be far more useful to you in the long run.
Competition for jobs in fashion writing is high because it's a very attractive career option. Many fashion writers begin their careers by working as an intern or in low-paying jobs on major fashion magazines while still in college.
A large proportion of fashion writers work freelance. Freelance writing can be a precarious career path because you only get paid for assignments that are accepted. Once a writer has an established reputation, however, jobs are far easier to find.

Geography

The majority of fashion writing jobs are in New York City and California, where most fashion magazines are concentrated. There may be fashion writing jobs available in other major cities with large media outlets, or in regional magazines and newspapers.

Resources

• About fashion careers
• Writing jobs in the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Interview with New York Times style editor Stefano Tonchi