Position Description for Writer/Editor
Job descriptions for writers and editors vary depending on the medium--but one thing that's always the case is the writer puts together the story and the editor checks the story for grammar, accuracy and clarity of prose.
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Getting It "Write"
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The writer's job is to gather ideas and information and put them in sentence form, in the clearest and most concise (and occasionally creative) manner possible. Anyone can write, but becoming a skilled writer takes some schooling and practice, as well as an adjustment period to learn what editors expect.
Making Edits
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The job of the editor is to not only proofread a writer's story but also to communicate with the writer. The goal is to present the writer's skills in the best way possible. Most editors are typically writers first and are considered experts in the craft. In many instances, editors will need to write explainations of their edits to a writer.
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News Jobs
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Newspaper and online editors and writers are typically under tight deadlines and should be skilled at reporting breaking news as quickly and accurately as possible, focusing on the where, what, who, when and how of a story.
Magazine Jobs
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While many magazines focus on news, most are based on a story's feature elements. The roles of writers and editors remain the same, but magazine journalism typically consists of longer, more detailed articles.
Books and Screenplays
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Authoring a book or a screenplay is considered the longest form of the writing and editing process. A story can be based on fact or fiction, but the goal remains the same: Make it interesting and--in the case of a nonfiction work--accurate as possible.
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