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What is a contributing writer and how to become one
This person is a writer who is not an employee of a publication. They contribute to the publication on a freelance basis. They can otherwise be called freelance writers. They sign up with the publication to write articles on a regular basis. These articles can be on a variety of topics. Also, they may contribute relevant and creative ideas for future articles. Asides from that, they interact with the members of the writing team to ensure timeliness in posting content. Additionally, they may perform research for their articles.
To become a contributing writer, you need a bachelor's degree in English, communications, media, journalism, or a related field. You need communication and attention to detail skills. You must have a strong understanding of word usage, punctuation, grammar, style, and tone, among other things. Also, you must possess proven work experience. Contributing writers have their salaries ranging from $31,000 to $96,000, with an average of $54,694 per annum.
What general advice would you give to a contributing writer?
Cathy Irwin Ph.D.
Professor of English, University of La Verne
English majors from La Verne graduate with excellent writing and critical thinking skills. As a result, they do have opportunities after they graduate. Many of them are hired in jobs because of their writing and editing skills. A large percentage of students decide to go to graduate school. They want to serve their communities, so they become teachers, librarians, lawyers, and officers in non-profits or the city sector.
The medical field is also starting to welcome students from the humanities because they are looking for well-rounded, articulate, and compassionate people. If students with a humanities degree want to go into the health or medical sector, they can apply to one-year post-baccalaureate programs that lead to medical school.
Avg. Salary $51,372
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%
Asian 8.69%
Black or African American 6.59%
Hispanic or Latino 7.77%
Unknown 4.97%
White 71.64%
Genderfemale 55.35%
male 44.65%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Contributing writer career paths
Key steps to become a contributing writer
Explore contributing writer education requirements
Start to develop specific contributing writer skills
Skills Percentages Lifestyle 12.78% Web Content 7.20% SEO 5.98% Feature Stories 5.88% Conduct Interviews 5.34% Complete relevant contributing writer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New contributing writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a contributing writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real contributing writer resumes.Research contributing writer duties and responsibilities
- Collaborate with overseas team and manage documents using SharePoint to conceptualize and generate new marketing content.
- Pitch, write and photograph audience-aligned content, which are centered on the European-American luxury lifestyle in the greater Chicago area
- Create SharePoint site for marketing and communications that include project tracking, document governance and collaboration space.
Prepare your contributing writer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your contributing writer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a contributing writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable contributing writer resume templates
Build a professional contributing writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your contributing writer resume.
Apply for contributing writer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a contributing writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first contributing writer job
Are you a contributing writer?
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Average contributing writer salary
The average contributing writer salary in the United States is $51,372 per year or $25 per hour. Contributing writer salaries range between $34,000 and $75,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do contributing writers rate their job?
Contributing writer reviews
Research on Future computers , countries , foods , culture , doctors and singers.
It offers a less stressful environment to work with and it broadens the knowledge.
It gets boring when you are doing it long enough.
I learned to read and write at an early age and have avidly pursued it since. Beside school publications and assignments, I've sought out numerous outlets for my love of writing, from features and sports writer for my local weekly news paper, to AP stringer for election coverage, to a Pohlad family internship at one of southeastern Minnesota's most respected dailies.
Unexpected deadlines, I guess, although it sometimes seems I do my sharpest writing in those pressured situations.
Updated January 8, 2025
