22 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You spend most of the day researching and writing. Mornings often mean library or online research, checking primary sources and fact databases for accuracy.
Afternoons are drafting, revising, and sending work to editors in Google Docs or Adobe InDesign. You may also meet with editors or producers in Asana or Slack to plan timelines and feedback.
Expect Google Docs for drafting and collaboration, Adobe InDesign and Acrobat for preparing files for publishers, and Adobe Photoshop or Canva for simple graphics and cover mockups.
You’ll also use project tools like Asana to track deadlines, and Adobe Creative Cloud if you need heavier layout or image work.
Use AI to summarize long documents or suggest phrasing, but always verify facts in primary sources and reputable archives — don’t trust AI as a source. Mark any AI-assisted text so editors know.
Never use AI to invent quotes or archival citations. Run drafts through Google Docs and check facts against academic journals, books, or archival collections.
BLS reports 47,940 employed historical writers with a median wage of $76,910 per year. The lowest tenth earn about $44,310; the top tenth about $139,870 (BLS).
Pay varies by employer (publishers, government, museums), freelance volume, and whether you write books, technical histories, or marketing copy.
Study history methods and practice writing clear prose. Take courses in research methods, archival work, and technical writing. Learn Google Docs, Adobe InDesign, and basic Photoshop or Canva.
Build a portfolio: short commissioned pieces, blog essays, or sample chapters. Volunteer to write museum labels, local history articles, or small marketing copy to show editors.
A historical writer combines both: like a historian, you research primary sources for factual accuracy; like a copywriter, you sometimes write promotional copy, slogans, or product descriptions for museums or publishers.
Historians may focus on original scholarship; copywriters focus on selling a product. Historical writers often bridge both: creating readable narratives, education materials, or promotional content.
Fact-checking discipline and clear revision. Good historical writers verify every date, name, and quote against original sources and correct errors during revision.
They also shape material for readers: choosing subjects that interest the audience and adjusting tone and format for different media (novel chapters, museum labels, or government reports).