How to Become a Writer or Editor

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you to become a respiratory therapist depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions need an bachelor’s degree in writing, English, or creative writing. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a master’s degree from an MFA program along with internship experience can help you stand out in the application process.

Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited schools below that offer programs to help get you started as a writer or editor.

How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make? 

  • Writers and Authors: $55,870
  • Editors: $53,880

(national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:

  • Writers and Authors: +3,800 additional people employed
  • Editors: -2,800 less people employed

Specialization Options:
Creative writing, poetry, fiction, fan fiction, novels, dramas, horror stories, etc…

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Respiratory Therapist page) 

The Best Places to Become a Writer or Editor

Writers and editors work in a variety of industries across the country, including:

  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations 6%
  • Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers 5%
  • Advertising, public relations, and related services 4%
  • Motion picture and video industries 2%
  • Radio and television broadcasting 2%

Employment and Information Data for Writing & Editing

Why Become a Writer or Editor?

Writers and editors make very good wages. Writers and authors had average yearly wages of $64,560, while editors made an average of $57,180. A career in writing can be very rewarding professionally especially for those special people that have an inner-need to put pen and paper share their thoughts and work with the world. However, it can also be very lonely and not overly lucrative. For every J.K. Rowling there are thousands of John Does. Who, you ask? That is exactly the point.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Writer or Editor

  • Style and Effectiveness
  • The Mechanics of Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • Tools, Not Rules: Rhetorical Grammar for Writers
  • Beginning Poetry Workshop
  • Fiction Writing
  • Fiction Writing: Memory, Imagination, Desire
  • Introduction to Creative Nonfiction
  • The Graphic Novel
  • Children’s Book Illustration and Writing

Degree Options for Writing & Editing Careers

Certificate
A Certificate in Professional Writing is typically a three to six-course program designed to strengthens workplace written communication skills. It also can prepare students for a career as a professional writer.

Bachelor’s Degree
Many schools offer bachelor’s degree in both writing and journalism Often there is overlap between these curriculum Many online and print publications look for recent grads with writing and journalism majors.

Master’s Degree & MFA
When it comes to master’s degree in the writing and journalism space, there are none more honored than the Master of Fine Arts in Writing and the famed J-school degree so many successful journalist have received. Each degree is important in honing writing, analytic and creative skills that can be transferred to the professional world.