Reading a magazine without text is like eating a sandwich without bread, there would just be no purpose to a magazine without an article. Therefore within magazine industry the job role of a staff writer is highly important. Being a journalist means one has the ability to write a variety of articles, being able to pitch their idea across and being relied upon to write assignments under pressure, keeping to their deadlines. Staff Writers contribute specific content for each issue of their magazine. They may be responsible for writing certain sections found in every issue, as well as covering new stories and features each month. Sometimes they are assigned articles developed by senior, managing, or executive editors. However, they are also expected to contribute their own story ideas and pitch them regularly.
It is important for Staff Writers to understand various genres of writing and develop their own styles. Style is partially dictated by the publication, but it is also up to the writer to put his or her own stamp on it. Some writers are known to write in a narrative form, while others develop informative lists, essays, investigative pieces, columns, or profiles. Staff Writers strive to develop ideas and text that will engage and appeal to their readers. Additionally, the layout plays a role in determining the style of each story. Staff Writers may also work with designers to organise artwork and text into a format that fits the tone.
A Staff Writer must must have creative ability to perceive their own vision and write about it. In order for one to find a story idea, one must be up to date with the media. Whether the area is fashion, sport, travel or politics one must be in search about new developments. Writers search for their own stories and given an assignment they must have the ability to carry out primary and secondary research by arranging focus groups, interviews, carrying out surveys, browsing the internet, reading books, watching television and news headlines and reading the daily newspaper. In order to be a successful writer one must have contacts, therefore writers should take it upon themselves to extend their knowledge by speaking to others about the trends and happenings which will appeal to their readers, this will help develop their network of sources.
Because of their strong writing skills, advancement prospects are good for Staff Writers. They can move in a variety of different directions, depending on their interests. However there are very few magazine companies who encourage their Staff Writers to work on freelance projects. And the very few companies who allow it make sure their writers do not cause conflicts of interest and competitive material within their piece. Those Staff Writers who want to stay full-time at magazines may advance to become senior writers for bigger articles and higher pay. Others may move over to the editorial track, in mid- to senior-level positions.
To become a Staff Writer one will require three to five years of experience and a portfolio of writing clips. They need to be skilled within their speech when talking to others and have confidence within their writing and putting themselves under pressure to perform to the best of their ability and to open up. Their salary range is diverse and depends on their level of experience and the type of publication for which they work. A typical magazine would employ a staff writer for £35,970 to £60,000 whereas senior writers can earn up to £100,000 working for larger magazine companies.
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