Job Report Writers and Editors Back to Index Job Report Writers and Editors Nature of the Work Writers and editors communicate through the written word. Writers develop original fiction and nonfiction prose for books, magazines, trade journals, newspapers, technical studies and reports, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, and advertisements. Editors supervise writers and select and prepare material for publication or broadcasting.
Writers start by selecting a topic or being assigned one by an editor.
They then gather information on the topic through personal observation, library research, and interviews. Sometimes the information gathered may cases writers to change the focus to a related topic that is more interesting. From the information gathered, they select and organize the material to be used, and finally put it to the reader with the desired effect. Writers often revise or rewrite sections, searching for the best organization of the material or just the right phrasing. Starting with information supplied by reporters or wire services, they write news stories or scripts for newscasters.