Becoming a writer's assistant requires a bachelor's degree in a related subject area, such as journalism, communications or English. Some of the job's duties can include research, fact-checking, proofreading and administrative support. More information about the responsibilities of a writer's assistant are outlined below.
Essential Information
Writer's assistants provide support to editors and authors. They assist in proofreading and research, as well as perform secretarial duties. Editorial assistants may find work in numerous industries where written content must be evaluated.
| Required Education | A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or English |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | -2% (for writers and authors)* |
| Median Annual Salary (2021) | $36,620 (for all editorial assistants)** |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
Salary Information for a Writer's Assistant
Writer's assistants, also known as editorial assistants, have varying salaries depending on experience. According to a March 2021 PayScale.com report, the middle half of editorial assistants in general earned $30,000 - $46,000, with a median annual salary reported as $36,620. Salaries may differ slightly depending on the specific industry.
Career Information for a Writer's Assistant
Writer's and editorial assistants are typically responsible for providing support to writers, editors, and senior editors. They may work for an individual author, at a magazine, or with a publishing company; some writer's assistants may be employed in the entertainment industry as assistants to film and television writers.
The job of a writer's assistant includes proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as suggesting style and format changes. They may also perform research and check facts, dates, and statistics for their employer. Assistants often take the role of secretary or administrative assistant, taking on such tasks as scheduling appointments, planning meetings, copying documents, and database management. They may also answer and return telephone calls and handle mail and e-mail correspondence.
Editorial assistants may need a degree in a field such as journalism, communications, or English. They are positioned for advancement into positions as editors, associate editors, and managing editors. Aspiring writers may also wish to obtain a writer's assistant job to learn about the industry, make connections, and fine-tune their writing skills. These individuals may then pursue work as authors and writers, developing original material in books, plays, magazines, television, and film.
Depending on the industry, the salary of a writer's assistant can vary significantly. Being aware of the competitive nature of the field and the importance of securing industry connections is a good first step in determining if this is the right career for you.
