Fashion Writer/Fashion Editor Job Description, Career as a Fashion Writer/Fashion Editor, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Median Salary: $47,000 annually

Job Prospects: Good

Job Description

Fashion writers cover stories in and around the world of fashion. Not only is it necessary to have a strong background in writing, but they must also have a flair for fashion. Fashion writers/editors typically work through a publication to cover various stories within the fashion world. They work as a specialist in a certain area of fashion, or they cover stories as they arise.

Fashion writers/editors often interview designers, models, and cover new trends in fashion. They must be able to conduct good informative interviews where they can gain insight and information, and then translate all of that into their writing. They cover fashion shows, are involved with photo shoots, work hand in hand with specific designers, or write stories on a variety of topics.

Not only do fashion writers/editors need to have strong writing skills, but they need to be well-versed in editing. Much of the job is to cover certain topics through written content, and then edit it. They may be called upon to edit another writer’s work, particularly if they are moving up the ladder at a publication. Both responsibilities are included in this role, so it is important for the fashion writer/editor to be able to perform each.

Fashion writers/editors also work with public relations companies to ensure their articles are published. They keep up with all fashion trends and are sometimes called upon to write feature articles. Although there are a variety of environments fashion writers can work within, they must be able to meet very tight deadlines and know how to write articles appropriately. Fashion writers/editors normally work hard at establishing good contacts within the fashion world, since this helps their credibility and ability to get good stories first.

Training/Educational Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. It is preferred that the degree be in fashion merchandising or journalism, but this is not usually a requirement. It’s important for fashion writers/editors to have some training as a writer. It also helps if they have some curriculum within fashion.

Any classes taken at a fashion institute or something similar is an excellent training avenue as well. Keeping up with new writing styles is an important part of the job, therefore, additional training courses may be necessary from time to time. The most important training for this job comes from on-the-job-training. Learning the fashion world and making contacts within the idustry comes with experience on the job.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired as a fashion writer/editor is to be able to demonstrate experience. When starting off, it is expected that an individual work in an entry-level role. Typically fashion writers have to start somewhere and work their way up to this position. Demonstrating an ability to write through a portfolio of published pieces is an excellent way to get hired. If a writer has experience elsewhere but has a strong background in writing, that may help them to get hired. Depending on the publication or the assignment, fashion writers may come from different backgrounds.

Working for another publication or somewhere else within the fashion world can be another excellent way to get hired. Gaining insight into how the fashion world works and building up a great network of contacts helps a fashion writer get hired. This role calls for an important mix of both writing and fashion sense, and any way to demonstrate both helps to get hired. It’s important to pay the price to work up to this role, since it can become a springboard to a more prominent position later.

As more and more fashion writers/editors are beginning to work on a freelance basis, demonstrating not only experience but also the ability to run your own business is an excellent way to get hired. Publications, designers, or those who hire fashion writers/editors want to see that the writer they are hiring can get the job done and meet important deadlines.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Fortunately, there appears to be great potential growth for this position. It used to be that fashion writers had to be concentrated in one area of the country, but jobs are opening up all over. With fashion always a main focus of society, the jobs for fashion writers are always in demand. This is great for those entering the field, or for those wishing to make a career change into writing for a fashion publication or designer.

As more fashion writers are working on a freelance basis, this, too, opens up potential jobs for those interested in this field. Many publications, designers, or other fashion institutes are recognizing that if they hire fashion writers/editors on a freelance basis they don’t have to pay overhead costs which is an attractive feature. This means more potential writing assignments for those willing to work on a contractual or freelance basis.

Working Environment

Typically a fashion writer/editor works in an office of some kind, but this can vary. All a fashion writer/editor really needs is a laptop, which means they can do this job anywhere. They may travel quite a bit, depending on their assignment. They may be required to travel to fashion shows, photo shoots, to meet with designers, or to cover a feature story. This means every day is a little bit different and environments change constantly. Fashion writers/editors keep hectic schedules as they work to meet deadlines. They work in a chaotic atmosphere if they are part of a team at a publication. If they are a freelance writer, they work from home and travel to wherever the assignment requires. This can make for a very stressful, but very exciting environment and occupation.

Salary and Benefits

A fashion writer/editor can expect to earn about $47,000 per year, although it varies quite extensively. Those starting out in this field often earn an entry-level salary, but after time and experience the pay range can go up to $68,000 per year. If writing for a publication directly, fashion writers receive standard benefits such as paid vacation and sick days, as well as medical coverage. However, as many fashion writers work on a freelance basis, they are responsible for their own benefits. Additionally, the pay range varies extensively, and usually fashion writers who work independently are paid on a per hour or per project basis.