Magazine Writer Job Description
Magazine writers are responsible for all of the written content within a given magazine. While some magazine writers are also editors, their primary job is to work with the content within the magazine. The magazine industry is a broad field, filled with magazines of every sort and nature, from fashion and finance to ceramics and sports. Within the industry, there are many writing professionals who generate article ideas based on the needs of a magazine's demographics.
Other People Are Reading
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Content
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Magazine writers develop content around their reader's needs. Magazine writers have to understand their magazine's content needs. There are news magazines that deliver the news on a weekly basis. Writers for these sorts of magazines need to be able to write on a deadline and have an understanding of news reporting. Other magazines are geared toward delivering entertainment stories and features. These writers need to be able to write in the features style, which is more engaging and creative. Understanding style is key for a magazine writer, since style dictates how a story will be written.
Staff Writers
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Magazine staff writers write for one magazine specifically. According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, magazine staff writers provide content for print magazines and for their online magazine components. Magazine writers and editors generally generate story ideas, write the stories and then edit the content. The magazine's content has to stand against competition and be geared toward the magazine's demographic.
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Freelance Writers
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Magazine writers often work as freelancers. Some magazine content is provided by freelancers who write from time to time. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, many writers work on a freelance basis. Sometimes writers pitch articles to the magazine's editors while some freelancers are contacted by the editor--usually after having established a writing relationship with the magazine--and commissioned to write an article.
Salaries
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Magazine salaries differ across publishing companies. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, magazine writers typically earn an average of $53,070. While many magazine writers work for a specific magazine, they may increase their earnings by freelancing and writing for other publications as well. Magazine writers typically work a full week, while some work overtime by going to events and conducting interviews, taking photos and doing extensive story research.
Education
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Magazine writers typically study writing or publishing. Most magazine writers have an educational background in writing or journalism. Writers often have a bachelor's or advanced degree in English, writing, journalism, communications, media or publishing. Writers may also take advanced, specific courses on magazine writing style and voice through the popular website Media Bistro. They may also get involved with the Magazine Writers of America for advanced training (see Resources).
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References
Resources
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