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The differences between creative writers and production editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a creative writer, becoming a production editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a creative writer has an average salary of $73,095, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.
The top three skills for a creative writer include digital marketing, proofreading and email campaigns. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Creative Writer | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $73,095 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $35.14 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | 4% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 19,129 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Creative writers are professionals who employ their imagination and discipline to convey new and interesting ideas to an audience in an engaging way, such as books, screenplays, and promotional marketing material. These writers must select a subject or theme for their writing projects while conducting research to obtain factual information and authentic detail for their content. They must review and submit their work for approval to meet the needs of their clients, publishers, or directors. Creative writers can also work for magazines, websites, and advertising or become a freelancer.
A production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.
Creative writers and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Creative Writer | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $73,095 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $114,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Apple | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Media |
There are a few differences between a creative writer and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Creative Writer | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between creative writers' and production editors' demographics:
| Creative Writer | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.8% Female, 54.2% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 12% |