Features writers craft beautifully told human interest stories for a range of publications, in varied styles that can span from hard-hitting news stories to light-hearted, entertaining pieces.
We caught up with Josh Saunders, features writer at Caters News Agency, to find out what the job entails and the skills needed to do it successfully.
“We look for organic stories on a weekly basis, writing about everything you can imagine,“ he said.
“One of the best things about it is that you get to speak to so many different people – it is such a privilege.”
Speaking to us at work on a Sunday, Saunders notes that a career in feature writing is not a nine to five job. He often finds himself looking for story inspiration in his spare time – watching television, talking to friends and on social media.
“Most stories have already been told, but you have to find something new, interesting or quirky to justify why this story should come out now as opposed to three years ago,” said Saunders.
One of the best things about it is that you get to speak to so many different people – it is such a privilegeJosh Saunders, features writer, Caters News Agency
“We have to come up with an idea and then find that story, so you might think about a certain issue that people would want to read about, and then go on the hunt for it."
Many of the articles that feature writers produce focus on sensitive subjects such as death, heartbreak or divorce, and Saunders notes that journalists have a responsibility to capture the essence of the issue in a snapshot, ensuring that their story is represented well.
“Quite often with features, you are writing about the best and worst points of a person's life,” said Saunders.
“You have to put yourself in their shoes and empathise with them, whilst still asking the tough questions that you might not want to – that is what makes the story.”
He explains that those looking to become a features writer, especially those aspiring to work at an agency, must be “thirsty” for news and features.
“You’ve got to want to race to the story – there is a lot of investigative work involved, so you have to be tenacious enough to want to beat everyone else and get to it first,” he said.
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