Professional Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this content-driven era, the focus on professional writers has never been greater.

The literary landscape continues to evolve, and with each shift, the demand for skilled wordsmiths who can create, enhance, and protect our written content escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of professional writing,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Writers create engaging, clear content for a variety of mediums, such as books, magazines, websites, and blogs.

They may write fiction or non-fiction, depending on their area of expertise.

A Professional Writer’s duties and responsibilities may include:

• Researching and conceptualizing ideas for new content
• Writing, editing and proofreading content to ensure it is clear, concise, and engaging
• Adapting writing style to suit different target audiences
• Utilizing SEO techniques to increase web traffic
• Interviewing industry professionals and incorporate their views in blog posts
• Collaborating with graphic designers, web developers, and other professionals to complement text with visuals and interactive content
• Revising work based on feedback from editors, clients or publishers
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends to produce relevant content
• Ensuring all written work is free from plagiarism and complies with copyright regulations
• Managing projects, meeting deadlines, and working within budget constraints
• Writing proposals and pitches to attract new clients

 

Professional Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled professional writer to generate engaging, original content for our audience.

Your responsibilities include researching industry-related topics, generating ideas for new content types and proofreading articles before publication.

A successful professional writer should be able to deliver high-quality, informative, and well-researched pieces that meet the needs of our readers and promote our company’s products and services.

 

Responsibilities

• Research industry-related topics
• Generate ideas for new content types
• Write clear, concise and grammatically correct copy
• Edit and proofread copy as needed
• Use SEO principles to maximize copy’s reach
• Source images and other content
• Work with creative professionals to build marketing projects and campaigns
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop content strategies
• Ensure all written content meets quality standards and follows company guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a professional writer or related role
• Portfolio of published articles
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Experience doing research using multiple sources
• Familiarity with web publications
• Hands-on experience with Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress)
• Ability to meet deadlines
• BSc in Marketing, English, Journalism or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Writer
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Content Manager or Marketing Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 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 samples of your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Writer Do?

Professional Writers can work for a wide range of industries like publishing, marketing, journalism, business, and many more.

They can also work as freelancers or self-employed individuals.

They are responsible for creating a variety of written content, depending on the industry they’re in.

This can range from articles, blogs, scripts, speeches, books, to reports, proposals, and technical papers.

In their job, they usually conduct extensive research on the topics they are assigned to write about.

This ensures that the information they provide is accurate, relevant, and engaging for the target audience.

Professional Writers collaborate closely with editors to revise and refine their work, making sure it adheres to the required style and tone.

They also work with graphic designers, video producers, and other creative professionals to produce the final product.

In some roles, writers may be responsible for managing social media content, writing press releases, and creating promotional material.

They often use SEO principles to increase web traffic and audience engagement.

Their work involves meeting tight deadlines, working on multiple projects at once, and constantly adapting to new writing styles and formats.

Moreover, they ensure the language, grammar, spelling, and punctuation in their work are flawless.

They also make sure their writing is clear, compelling, and easy to understand, serving the purpose it is meant for.

Lastly, many Professional Writers are responsible for proofreading and editing their own work, as well as the work of others.

This ensures consistency, accuracy, and high-quality across all written content.

 

Professional Writer Qualifications and Skills

Professional Writers utilize a range of skills and qualifications to create engaging and impactful content, including:

• Exceptional writing skills to produce a wide range of content from articles, blog posts, scripts to technical reports and whitepapers.
• Strong research skills to gather the necessary information about a given topic and to ensure accuracy in their work.
• Excellent grammar, punctuation, and spelling to produce high-quality, error-free content. Familiarity with different style guides, such as the AP and Chicago Manual of Style, is also important.
• Time management skills to meet strict deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creativity and originality to produce unique and engaging content that stands out in the competitive market.
• Strong communication skills to understand and interpret the needs of their clients effectively and to provide clear and concise feedback.
• SEO knowledge and understanding of keyword implementation to help increase the visibility of their content on search engines.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team of editors, illustrators, and designers to produce the final product.
• Adaptability to adjust writing style and tone for different audiences and platforms.

 

Professional Writer Experience Requirements

To qualify as a professional writer, candidates typically require a Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

However, the most critical requirement is the demonstration of strong writing skills, typically gained through years of experience in writing across different formats and genres.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles that involve substantial writing.

This could include roles such as Content Writer, Copywriter, or Editorial Assistant, where they can hone their writing skills and adapt to different writing styles.

Professional writers with 3 to 5 years of experience have usually developed a robust portfolio showcasing their versatility in writing.

They may have experience in multiple types of writing such as blog posts, press releases, white papers, newsletters, scripts, and more.

Writers with more than 5 years of experience typically have comprehensive writing skills and may also have expertise in a specific writing niche.

They may have experience managing multiple projects, coordinating with different teams, and meeting tight deadlines.

This level of expertise often qualifies them for senior writing roles or editing positions.

Regardless of years of experience, a professional writer is expected to keep up with current writing trends, and continuously improve their writing skills.

In some cases, having a postgraduate degree or a certification in a specialized type of writing or subject matter could be beneficial.

 

Professional Writer Education and Training Requirements

Professional Writers typically have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field.

This education provides a solid foundation in the principles of written communication, language structure, and various forms of writing, ranging from news reporting to creative writing.

In addition to formal education, these professionals often need excellent grammar and spelling skills, and the ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-understand manner.

While a master’s degree is not always necessary, some writers may choose to pursue a Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA) or a similar advanced degree to further improve their writing skills and broaden their knowledge.

Certain types of writing, such as technical writing or grant writing, may require specialized training or certification.

Moreover, many Professional Writers attend workshops, seminars, and writing classes to continually refine their skills and stay updated on current writing trends and techniques.

A strong portfolio showcasing their writing skills and versatility is often considered a critical requirement by employers.

 

Professional Writer Salary Expectations

A Professional Writer earns an average salary of $51,395 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the writer’s level of experience, their specialization, the industry in which they work, and the geographical location.

 

Professional Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional writer need?

Professional writers need to have excellent written communication skills to clearly express ideas and concepts.

They should also have research skills to gather and incorporate valid information into their work.

Creativity and the ability to generate unique content are essential.

They also need good time management skills to meet multiple deadlines and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.

 

Do professional writers need a degree?

While not always necessary, many professional writers have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field.

These programs can provide writers with a solid foundation in grammar, style, and different writing formats.

However, what’s most important for a professional writer is their ability to produce high-quality written content, which can be gained through experience and practice.

 

What should you look for in a professional writer’s resume?

In a professional writer’s resume, look for examples of published work and references to demonstrate their writing skills.

Also, consider their experience in the specific type of writing the job requires, whether it’s technical writing, content writing, or copywriting.

Writing-specific certifications or degrees can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good professional writer?

A good professional writer is creative, versatile, and detail-oriented, with a strong command of language and grammar.

They should be able to adapt their writing style to suit different audiences and formats.

They should also be self-motivated and able to work independently, but also capable of collaborating with a team.

 

Is it difficult to hire professional writers?

The challenge in hiring professional writers is finding individuals who not only possess excellent writing skills, but also understand your industry and target audience.

It can be time-consuming to sift through applicants to find someone who can produce high-quality, engaging content that aligns with your brand voice and messaging.

However, there are plenty of talented writers out there, so with patience and a clear job description, finding the right writer is certainly possible.

 

Conclusion

And so, the final chapter unfolds.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of professional writing.

And guess what?

It’s not solely about drafting words.

It’s about shaping narratives, sculpting ideas and weaving stories, one word at a time.

With our comprehensive professional writer job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why halt your journey here?

Plunge further into the realm of possibilities with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for honing precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to the zenith of excellence.

Remember:

Every word you pen paints a larger image.

Let’s write the future. Together.