An automotive writer or automotive author produces… automotive… writing. I mean, there isn’t really any other way to put it!
When I was first struck by the idea of becoming an automotive writer, I thought it would be like Top Gear – glamorous cars burning rubber around a test track.
Sure, it is for some people, but most automotive writers make their living producing copy for blogs, magazines and books. I’m one of them (although I like a road test every now and then!).
So, what can an automotive writer do for you? Here are a few examples!
What sorts of content does an automotive writer produce?
An automotive writer produces content based on the automotive industry.
They might be responsible for posts such as:
- News (new car releases, modifications, parts, tools, motorsports, etc.).
- Reviews
- Features (historical, “living with”, etc.).
- Technical support (mechanical advice and suggestions).
- Social media posts.
As you can see, the job of an automotive writer can be pretty exciting and diverse.
Automotive writer: news articles
When writing news articles, an automotive writer must stay on top of press releases.
Certain websites and blogs exist which are dedicated to this kind of thing. Many of them also assist by having many press-dedicated images and videos to accompany any text a company might release.
An automotive writer will have a specific niche, so they can handle the task of writing. Otherwise, assignments build up, leading to stress and burnout.
For example, writers might have a niche in Formula 1, Ferrari or family cars. For me, it’s generic fast-fit mechanics – battery replacements, puncture repairs, that kind of thing.
Automotive writer: reviews
Reviews are perhaps what most people think about when they read the words’ automotive journalist’. Top Gear, The Grand Tour and Fifth Gear might spring to mind, with Jeremy Clarkson tearing around a track in a Lamborghini screaming, “POWERRRR!!”
Most car reviews, though, aren’t like that. The most successful (popular TV shows aside) reviews are those of the everyday car – you know, the type people genuinely want to know about from a practical perspective.
For this reason, I go by ‘automotive writer’ or ‘automotive author’ – not ‘journalist’.
Automotive writer: feature pieces
In my opinion, one of the most riveting things to write is a feature piece.
These are quite simply ‘interesting-to-read’ articles – something that hooks a reader.
I hugely enjoy writing my series on Reliant, which begins with In Defence of the Reliant Robin. Follow the link to have a read on Motor Verso. I’ve written similar expert pieces under topics such as Are Electric Cars Safe? and How Does A Car’s Electrical System Work?
Automotive writer: car mechanics, DIY and technical know-how
For writers trained in car mechanics, articles that focus on the mechanics of how a car works and what might be going wrong with it are simple. They’re based on their real-life experience and understanding.
Trust me, the internet is filled with armchair mechanics (people who offer absolutely insane ‘DIY solutions’ that will literally break your car – it’s unbelievable!). An experienced, trustworthy writer isn’t easy to come by.
These pieces are often very SEO-focused, as people go straight to Google the instant their vehicle goes kaput (when they should phone their local mechanic!).
Automotive writer: social media
Finally, almost all businesses have a social media site. This includes automotive sites.
Once the actual post has been written, it’ll get shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (etc.) to generate as many views as possible.
It may also be an automotive writer’s responsibility to write a short amount of text to accompany the post on social media. It should encourage people to click on it, generating leads for the business in question.
Contact Ben Kitchen to engage an automotive writer
And that’s what an automotive writer does. That’s what I do.
I work hard to produce engaging content a reader finds informative and helpful. I never use AI assistance and rely on good, old-fashioned self-expression (and a good deal of car mechanics experience and engineering books!).
If you require an automotive writer, please feel free to get in touch! We’ll have a commitment-free, friendly chat about what you need and how I can help.
You can reach me through the form below. I look forward to hearing from you!