Magazine Feature Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of contemporary media, the role of magazine feature writers is more significant than ever.

As the publishing industry evolves, so too does the demand for creative minds who can craft, enhance, and secure our journalistic landscape.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected of a magazine feature writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the nuances of feature writing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable magazine feature writer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Magazine Feature Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Magazine Feature Writers are responsible for creating in-depth content that gives an extensive view of a topic, event, or person.

Their articles often require substantial research, interviews, and sometimes travel.

They must be able to write creatively, capturing the readers’ interest while providing factual information.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Researching and developing story ideas relevant to the magazine’s theme or focus
• Conducting thorough interviews with pertinent individuals
• Writing feature articles that are compelling, accurate, and engaging to the magazine’s audience
• Working closely with editors to revise and improve articles
• Ensuring all articles are completed on time and within word count specifications
• Collaborating with photographers, designers, and other professionals to complement the written material
• Staying updated on industry trends, events, and public interest topics
• Adhering to the magazine’s style guide and editorial policies
• Proofreading and editing work to improve readability, flow, and grammar

 

Magazine Feature Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and dedicated Magazine Feature Writer to join our team.

The Magazine Feature Writer will be responsible for researching, writing, and editing unique and captivating content for our monthly publication.

The ideal candidate for this role should possess excellent writing skills, be able to meet deadlines, and have an eye for detail.

Knowledge of the magazine’s subject matter and audience is crucial as well as the ability to present information in a way that is both engaging and informative.

 

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit feature articles for the magazine
• Interview industry experts, witnesses, or other individuals relevant to the article content
• Submit drafts to editors for feedback, making necessary changes before final submission
• Ensure all written work is free from plagiarism and meets the company’s editorial policies
• Collaborate with photographers, designers, and other writers to make sure features are presented attractively and accurately
• Meet regular submission deadlines
• Stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends relevant to the magazine’s subject matter

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a feature writer, journalist or similar role
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Strong research and interviewing skills
• Proficiency in English
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, creative writing or relevant field

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Travel opportunities for certain stories
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Magazine Feature Writer
• Work Environment: Office setting with opportunities for remote work. Travel may be required for research or interviews.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Magazine Editor or Section Editor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and two writing samples to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Magazine Feature Writer Do?

A Magazine Feature Writer typically works for a print or online magazine, but they may also freelance and sell their stories to various publications.

Their primary responsibility is to write long-form articles, also known as features, that cover a wide range of topics, from human interest stories to in-depth examinations of cultural trends, scientific advancements, or profiles of prominent figures.

They conduct extensive research, interview sources, and gather information for their articles.

They need to ensure all facts and statements are accurate and the information presented is balanced and fair.

Magazine Feature Writers are also responsible for crafting engaging, compelling narratives that draw readers in and hold their attention.

They often work closely with the magazine’s editorial team to refine their articles, meet word count requirements and adhere to the magazine’s style guide.

Depending on their specific role, they may also be required to pitch story ideas to editors, create article outlines, and work on revisions based on editorial feedback.

In addition, a Magazine Feature Writer often works with photographers, illustrators, or graphic designers to help visually tell the story.

Their ultimate goal is to produce high-quality, informative, and engaging content for the magazine’s readership.

 

Magazine Feature Writer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Magazine Feature Writer requires a set of specific skills and qualifications to produce compelling and engaging content, including:

• Strong writing skills to create engaging and informative content that captures the attention of the reader.
• Excellent research skills to gather accurate and reliable information from a variety of sources.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and correctness of all information included in the articles.
• Creativity and originality to create unique stories that stand out among other articles and publications.
• Ability to work on strict deadlines and deliver high-quality work on time.
• Interpersonal skills to conduct interviews and interact with a wide range of individuals for story gathering.
• Understanding of SEO principles to ensure content is optimized for digital platforms.
• Proofreading and editing skills to ensure that all published content is error-free and of the highest quality.
• Knowledge of publication ethics and legal guidelines to avoid any potential legal issues.

 

Magazine Feature Writer Experience Requirements

Magazine Feature Writers usually start their careers by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications or a related field.

This formal education provides them with the foundational skills in writing, researching, and interviewing.

Internships at newspapers, magazines, online publications or similar outlets are often the first step towards gaining practical experience.

This hands-on training allows aspiring writers to work on actual assignments under the supervision of seasoned professionals.

Following their education and internships, entry-level writers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often as freelancers or staff writers at smaller publications.

This provides them with an opportunity to hone their writing skills, understand the editorial process, and learn how to pitch stories.

Writers with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a portfolio of published work and have demonstrated their ability to write engaging features on a variety of topics.

They may have specialized in certain areas, such as travel, fashion, technology or health.

Those with over 5 years of experience have likely had their work published in well-known magazines or online platforms.

They may have taken on additional responsibilities such as editing, mentoring less experienced writers, or leading specific sections of a magazine.

This level of experience prepares them for senior writer or editor roles.

 

Magazine Feature Writer Education and Training Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or a related field is typically required for a career as a Magazine Feature Writer.

This degree program often includes coursework in news writing, feature writing, magazine writing, and copy editing, providing students with the skills necessary to produce feature articles.

Knowledge in the use of English grammar and proficiency in word processing software are also essential.

A strong portfolio showcasing writing skills, creativity, and versatility is highly beneficial, and internships or work experience at college and local newspapers, magazines, or online publications provide practical experience and exposure.

While not always a requirement, some employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in journalism or a related field.

This advanced degree typically involves deeper study into investigative reporting, editorial leadership, and advanced journalism.

Moreover, specialized knowledge in a particular field such as science, politics, fashion, or food could be beneficial depending on the magazine’s focus.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest trends in writing, journalism, and feature topics is a key part of being a successful Magazine Feature Writer.

This may involve attending workshops, taking online courses or pursuing a certification in a specific area of interest.

 

Magazine Feature Writer Salary Expectations

A Magazine Feature Writer can expect to earn an average salary of $49,440 (USD) per year.

However, the actual compensation can significantly vary depending on the writer’s experience, the location, the circulation size of the magazine, and the frequency of features they contribute.

 

Magazine Feature Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Magazine Feature Writer need?

A Magazine Feature Writer needs excellent research, writing, and interviewing skills to create engaging articles.

They need to have a good understanding of language, grammar, and style to produce well-written, error-free text.

Creativity and curiosity are essential, as is an interest in current trends and events.

They also need to be able to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple assignments at once.

 

Do Magazine Feature Writers need a degree?

While not always necessary, a degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many employers prefer writers who have some journalistic or writing experience, which can be gained through internships, student newspapers, or writing for online publications.

However, a strong portfolio of writing samples can also help demonstrate the skills and experience needed for the job.

 

What should you look for in a Magazine Feature Writer resume?

Look for a strong portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate the writer’s ability to research and write engaging articles on a range of topics.

Experience in journalism or related field can be beneficial, as well as any specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular subject.

Other things to look for include strong communication skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

 

What qualities make a good Magazine Feature Writer?

A good Magazine Feature Writer is naturally curious and always looking for the next big story.

They have a knack for telling stories in a way that engages and captivates the reader.

They are detail-oriented and committed to fact-checking and accuracy.

They are also persistent and not easily discouraged, as it may take time and effort to track down sources and information.

Excellent communication skills are also key, as they often need to interview a wide range of people.

 

What is the difference between a Magazine Feature Writer and a News Reporter?

A News Reporter often writes shorter, more factual pieces that are published quickly to keep up with current events.

A Magazine Feature Writer, on the other hand, often writes longer, more detailed pieces that provide in-depth coverage of a topic or event.

These features may involve more research, interviews, and fact-checking, and they may be published less frequently.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the captivating world of a magazine feature writer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about penning down words.

It’s about weaving stories that inspire, educate, and entertain, one article at a time.

With our comprehensive magazine feature writer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to step into this exciting field.

But why stop there?

Go beyond the surface with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to meticulously crafting job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every word you write contributes to a larger narrative.

Let’s create compelling stories. Together.

How to Become a Magazine Feature Writer (Complete Guide)

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