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Technical writer and editor vs publisher

The differences between technical writer and editors and publishers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a technical writer and editor, becoming a publisher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a publisher has an average salary of $71,539, which is higher than the $65,088 average annual salary of a technical writer and editor.

The top three skills for a technical writer and editor include technical documentation, powerpoint and technical specifications. The most important skills for a publisher are press releases, customer satisfaction, and strategic thinking.

Technical writer and editor vs publisher overview

Technical Writer And EditorPublisher
Yearly salary$65,088$71,539
Hourly rate$31.29$34.39
Growth rate6%-5%
Number of jobs78,61710,303
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4644
Years of experience24

What does a technical writer and editor do?

A technical writer and editor is primarily responsible for producing written content that defines and explains technical concepts to inform and educate readers. As a writer, it is essential to research and fact-check details to ensure the material's accuracy and value. They mostly follow directives and complete materials within an allotted deadline and format. Moreover, as an editor, they must also review and proofread materials for any errors and inconsistencies, perform corrective measures, and revise as needed.

What does a publisher do?

A publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication. They distribute promotional catalogs to libraries and booksellers. They set the commercial and editorial direction for businesses publishing newspapers, digital content, magazines, and books. It is their duty to make decisions on the markets that their firms will serve as well as the type of content that they will give to their audience.

Technical writer and editor vs publisher salary

Technical writer and editors and publishers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Writer And EditorPublisher
Average salary$65,088$71,539
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $82,000Between $42,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCStamford, CT
Highest paying stateArizonaConnecticut
Best paying companyPegasystemsMicrosoft
Best paying industryTechnologyTelecommunication

Differences between technical writer and editor and publisher education

There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a publisher in terms of educational background:

Technical Writer And EditorPublisher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorEnglishBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of HoustonNorthwestern University

Technical writer and editor vs publisher demographics

Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and publishers' demographics:

Technical Writer And EditorPublisher
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 41.7% Female, 58.3%Male, 55.7% Female, 44.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%12%

Differences between technical writer and editor and publisher duties and responsibilities

Technical writer and editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage content development and consistency utilizing exemplary editing and proofreading skills.
  • Identify and initiate wholesale computer upgrade to accommodate new CMS while allocating and managing staff resources devote to developing the software.
  • Develop self running media presentations and eLearning content.
  • Update Microsoft Visio diagrams displaying customer site computer hardware.
  • Experience in updating revisions to DoD technical and programmatic documentation.
  • Provide quick proofreading, production editing, and developmental editing.
  • Show more

Publisher example responsibilities.

  • Manage the migration and reformatting of over 8,000 web pages into a new CMS.
  • Pitch, produce and build all content (manage freelancers, art-direct shoots, write text, CMS).
  • Manage blogs and social networking sites (MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn) to support the brand of the magazine.
  • Manage editorial calendar and run weekly meetings with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Manage and perform administrative QC of electronic clinical submission modules within the Documentum document management system.
  • Supervise all editorial activities, including developing editorial story boards, managing freelance copywriters and directing contract photo assignments.
  • Show more

Technical writer and editor vs publisher skills

Common technical writer and editor skills
  • Technical Documentation, 8%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Technical Specifications, 6%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 5%
  • DOD, 5%
  • Engineering Drawings, 4%
Common publisher skills
  • Press Releases, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Strategic Thinking, 11%
  • Publishing Industry, 5%
  • Facebook, 4%
  • Market Trends, 4%

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