Staff Writer Overview
Staff Writer variations and expectations
While the position of staff writer can be varied, occupying a wide breadth of expectations across a range of fields, the position is generally known as one that focuses on written and/ or audio-centric content creation. Whether you’re working for an entertainment media outlet or a more traditional print publication, the position of staff writer is predicated upon creating insightful content that informs a specific audience on the subject matter in question. Staff writers may also be asked to lend their talents and experience onto editorial desks, verifying the quality of content other writers- freelance or otherwise.
Major Tasks & Responsibilities
Major tasks for a staff writer may include:
Daily, bi-weekly, or weekly written content creation.
Original content creation such as written articles, podcasts, short or long-form video, scriptwriting, audio editing, video editing, etc.
Copy editing
Active social media presence and publication
Examples from sources:
Miles Surrey, staff writer for The Ringer, consistently posts about the streaming media sphere, using specific examples of shows to expound about the rhetorical context and direction of streaming as a whole.
Micah Peter, staff writer for The Ringer, started a conversation-style podcast within The Ringer’s own network about the state of modern music.
Shaker Samman, a former editorial assistant at The Ringer, spoke to some of his duties on desk, saying, “While editorial assistants have their hands full with smoothing our grammar and spelling for drafts from staff and freelancers, a lot of the work I did there [The Ringer] revolved around fact-checking. Ensuring quotes and even basic claims are reasonable is a massive part of being a publication today.”
Tools of the Trade: Necessary Competency in modern media
Though many modern media outlets will have their own style set up for bloggers, editors, and writers to submit to, proficiency with some industry basics is both helpful and sometimes necessary.
Having a basic understanding of some of the following programs can be extremely helpful prior to applying for a staff writing position. (listed by relevance)
Understanding of SEO (search engine optimization, or how to ensure your work is relevant in the modern media sphere) principles
Wordpress, Medium, Google Docs and related programs, SquareSpace (and or website builder equivalents)
Java Script, Grammarly, OneNote (or editorial equivalents)
Audacity or basic audio editing equivalents
Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects (or video editing equivalents)
Priors
In many cases, publications or outlets looking for staff writers will expect anywhere between 1-3 years of experience in the field, either as a freelancer or as a writer/ editor at another publication. By this time, you should have some worthwhile bylines on display. These bylines should showcase the breadth of your range and ability as a writer.
Other requirements for these positions may include:
A GED or Highschool Diploma
An AA and/ or Bachelors degree in a related field
Competency in basic grammatical practices (may be proven by a test if no samples are available)
A writing sample
Fluency in the language in question
Working
Working staff writers can expect a wide variety of experiences given the ever-expanding nature of the industry. Where newsrooms and brick and mortars offices might have been preferred pre-COVID, a post-pandemic workplace is an entirely different kettle of fish. In many cases, staff writers will have the option to work from almost anywhere- an option rife with both negatives and positives.
While relocating to a different city or state may be an appeal, wage demands are largely dictated by the basis of operations for staff writers. Negotiating a fair and livable wage is important as companies look to minimize cost and improve efficiency.
Given these material realities, staff writers may be paid anywhere from 30-90,000+ dollars as a starting wage depending on the base of operation, company size, role, responsibility, and output. Understanding the cost of living for the area in which you intend to live and work is crucial before applying to any position.
In Orlando, FL for example, staff writers should ask for no less than 33-40,000 USD annually and factor benefits into the costs if not provided by the employer.