How to Be Historical Writer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 22, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The Industrial Revolution caused a drastic shift in the way people lived and worked. It changed the landscape of industry and manufacturing, as new machines and technologies meant that goods could be produced in larger quantities, much faster than before. This, in turn, led to an increase in both population and economic growth.

As cities became hubs of production, they also attracted more people, which resulted in overcrowding, social unrest, and poverty. The introduction of new forms of transportation also enabled people to move to urban centers in search of employment opportunities, further contributing to the rise of industrial cities and their associated problems.

Steps How to Become

Develop a passion and commitment for historical writing. Read books, articles, and other historical materials to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the past. Take classes and/or workshops to learn more about writing and the craft of historical writing.
Choose a topic or area of history to focus on. Consider your interests, research abilities, and current developments in the field.
Research your topic thoroughly. Collect primary sources from libraries, archives, museums, and other sources. Interview experts and visit historical sites whenever possible.
Develop a plan for your project. Set specific goals and deadlines for each step of the process.
Draft your project. Organize your research and begin writing.
Edit and revise your work. Edit for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Make sure your writing is accurate and engaging.
Publish your work. Submit to journals, magazines, or other publications. Consider self-publishing if you cant find a publisher.
Promote yourself as a historical writer. Create a website, blog, or other online presence to showcase your work and build an audience. Network with other writers, researchers, and scholars in the field. Attend conferences and events related to history and writing.

The increasing demand for competent, ideal historical writers has caused a shift in the writing industry. Writers must now be more meticulous in their research and writing techniques in order to stay competitive and ensure their work is of the highest quality. As a result, writers must invest more time and effort into learning the necessary skills to produce accurate, engaging content.

This includes researching primary and secondary sources, understanding the context of the events being written about, and honing their writing skills to present their stories in a way that captures the audiences attention. these efforts will lead to more successful pieces that can be used for educational and entertainment purposes.

You may want to check Museum Director, Historical Preservation Lawyer, and Historic Preservation Architect for alternative.

Job Description

Research and compile information from primary and secondary sources to create accurate historical accounts.
Utilize a variety of research methods, including interviewing experts, using archival materials, and conducting field research.
Analyze, interpret, and synthesize data to develop comprehensive and accurate historical accounts.
Write detailed articles and manuscripts on historical topics, such as biographies, military history, or political movements.
Edit and revise articles or manuscripts for publication.
Collaborate with publishers to ensure accuracy of information and that the content meets publication requirements.
Promote the publication through public speaking engagements, book tours, and media appearances.
Develop curriculum materials or lesson plans for use in educational settings.
Maintain knowledge of current trends, events, and other developments in the field of history.
Stay up-to-date with changes in technology that impact the field of historical writing.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent knowledge of historical facts and events
Strong research and analytical skills
Ability to effectively synthesize information
Excellent writing and editing skills
Aptitude for storytelling and creating compelling narratives
Expertise in using relevant software programs
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Attention to detail and accuracy
Good organizational skills
Ability to work with a variety of sources, including archives and other primary materials

The ability to write well is an essential skill for any historical writer. It involves being able to convey complex ideas and facts in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. Good writing skills are necessary for a successful career in the field of history, as it enables the writer to accurately and effectively communicate research information and share stories from the past.

An effective historical writer must also have strong research skills, as they need to be able to properly analyze and interpret evidence. it is important for the writer to have an understanding of the historical context and be able to place events into a broader perspective. Being able to think critically and draw connections between different events is also key.

Finally, a good historical writer should be knowledgeable in the field and have the ability to communicate their knowledge in an engaging way that captures the readers attention. These skills are essential for historical writers to be successful in their roles.

History Conservator, Historical Linguist, and Museum Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Historical Writer?
How familiar are you with different historical eras and the people who lived during them?
What type of research do you typically use to research a project?
How do you ensure accuracy when writing about historical events?
How do you go about selecting a particular topic or event to focus on?
What techniques do you use to make your writing engaging and accessible to readers?
How do you stay current with new developments in the field of history?
How do you handle the challenge of writing about difficult topics such as slavery or genocide?
What experience do you have writing for different audiences, including children or scholars?
Have you ever faced resistance while researching a particular subject or event? If so, how did you handle it?

Common Tools in Industry

Word Processor. A computer program used for writing, editing, formatting and printing documents (eg: Microsoft Word).
Research Databases. Databases that provide access to scholarly articles, books, and other materials for researching a topic (eg: LexisNexis).
Project Management Software. Software used to help manage the tasks of a project, including scheduling, budgeting, communication and tracking progress (eg: Trello).
Citation Software. Software used to create properly formatted citations and bibliographies (eg: Zotero).
Spreadsheet Software. Software used to create spreadsheets and manipulate data (eg: Microsoft Excel).
Digital Audio Workstation. Software used to record, edit, mix and master audio (eg: Pro Tools).
Digital Image Editing Software. Software used to create, edit, and manipulate digital images (eg: Adobe Photoshop).
Reference Management Software. Software used to manage bibliographies, citations, and references (eg: Mendeley).
Online Collaboration Tools. Tools used to facilitate collaboration between team members in different locations (eg: Slack).

Professional Organizations to Know

Authors Guild
Historical Novel Society
International Association for the Study of Popular Romance
American Historical Association
Association of Writers and Writing Programs
Biographers International Organization
Society of American Historians
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Victorian Society in America
Society of Civil War Historians

We also have Cultural Resource Specialist, Historical Research Analyst, and Historical Preservation Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Primary Sources. Primary sources are original materials or direct evidence of historical events, such as documents, artifacts, and other first-hand accounts.
Secondary Sources. Secondary sources are interpretations and analyses of primary sources, such as books, journal articles, and essays.
Historiography. Historiography is the study of the writing of history and how it has been interpreted and represented by various historians.
Historical Context. Historical context is the political, economic, and social environment in which a particular event or era occurred.
Archival Research. Archival research is the process of searching for and examining documents in an archive or library to uncover information about a particular event or person.
Chronology. Chronology is the ordering of events according to time, usually from earliest to most recent.
Narrative History. Narrative history is a form of historical writing that tells a story about a particular event or period.
Oral History. Oral history is the collection of memories and stories from individuals who experienced a particular event or period firsthand.
Biography. Biography is the study and interpretation of an individual's life, typically focusing on their achievements, beliefs, and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is considered the father of historical writing? A1: Herodotus is often referred to as the Father of History for his pioneering work in the field of historical writing. Q2: What is the earliest known historical writing? A2: The earliest known historical writing is from Mesopotamia and dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Q3: What are some of the key features of historical writing? A3: Key features of historical writing include an emphasis on the past, a focus on cause and effect, an objective analysis of evidence, and a narrative style of storytelling. Q4: How has technology changed the field of historical writing? A4: Technology has changed the field of historical writing by making it easier to access and analyze primary sources and other historical documents. It has also allowed for more interactive forms of storytelling, such as documentaries and interactive websites. Q5: What are some common topics for historical writers to explore? A5: Common topics for historical writers to explore include political history, social history, economic history, cultural history, and military history.