Writers use words to express thoughts and interpret information.

Writers can be divided into two general groups. One group works for employers or clients and writes items about specific topics for them. Another group writes about what interests them and hopes to find buyers for their work.

All writers follow the same basic steps to produce a written product. Writers gather information about their topics. For some articles, writers interpret the meaning of complex events or information.

Writers of books, short stories, and other creative items also gather information. They develop plot, character, the environment, and other aspects of the story.

Writers often revise their work so that the information makes sense and is written clearly. They may have other writers read their work and give them feedback. Many writers have editors read and comment on their work.

There are many different types of writers:

• Caption writers translate dialogue from another language into English or vice versa.
• Copywriters create ads, sales letters, speeches, and other items meant to persuade people to buy products.
• Creative writers write short stories, novels, articles, essays, and a variety of other items.