Author

Job Description:

Authors produce written creative work, including novels and non-fiction books, children’s books, or poetry.

Job Category:

Culture, Media & Sport

What you will do:

You could write either fiction or non-fiction, in genres such as novels, short stories, plays or poetry. You could choose a writing specialism, like writing children’s books, travel or technical writing.

You could also write features for newspapers, magazines, radio, film or television, or hold a blog or other social media.

Depending on your role, your day-to-day duties might include:

choosing a subject based on personal interest, or on a commission given by agents or publishers
coming up with themes, ideas or plots
researching information using the internet, libraries and personal interviews
submitting your draft to a publisher, either speculatively or through an agent
revising your work after getting feedback
pursuing publishing opportunities
upload your work to websites or social media, or look for publishing opportunities
attend book signings, readings and discussions of your work
run writing workshops

As an established writer, you’ll attend book signings, readings and discussions of your work, or run writing workshops.

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of English language
knowledge of media production and communication
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

excellent written communication skills
persistence and determination
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things (creativity)
ambition and a desire to succeed

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

There are no set requirements.

You’ll need to:

be able to come up with ideas that will sell
have good research skills
be able to express ideas in a style suited to your intended audience

You’ll also need to have confidence in your writing, be able to accept criticism and remain positive.

There are a number of things you can do to develop your skills, find out more about the world of publishing and promote yourself, like:

joining a local writers’ group
entering writing competitions
blogging
study Creative writing or English

Should you wish to study through University:

University
You’ll need a high level of writing skill and talent. To develop these skills, you could get a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

creative writing
communication and media
English language or literature
creative and professional writing
journalism

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll work on a self-employed, freelance basis. You’ll choose your own working hours, although you may still have to meet publishing deadlines.

Career Path & Progression:

You could self-publish, in traditional print format, online or through e-books.

You might be able to promote your work by entering literary competitions, become a book critic or teach creative writing in colleges.