Writer
(Author, Novelist)
Fact Sheet
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Writing content for a new publication |
Writers plan and write literary or other written work for publication or performance. Writers may create original pieces of written work, which can take the form of poetry, novels, short stories, biographies, web logs ('blogs'), plays, or film, radio and television scripts. They may also write for multimedia distribution, such as CD-ROMs and the internet.
Duties and Tasks
Writers may perform the following tasks:
- choose themes or subjects for written work, conduct research into the subject, assemble background material and obtain other necessary data
- plan and organise material and write the work
- revise or edit the work, making sure that the style is consistent, there is proper development of theme, plot and characterisation, and there is correct referencing
- set out the original manuscript so that it is clear and legible (i.e. typed or word processed) and submit the work to a publisher
- work with other specialists, such as scriptwriters, software developers, graphic designers and illustrators, to create multimedia works
Specialisations
Writers may specialise in fiction writing, general interest non-fiction, journalism, children's books, educational textbooks, historical writing and transferring oral histories into written form, corporate or training videos, technical writing, documentation preparation, freelance editorial services, helping others to prepare manuscripts for publication, scriptwriting, documentary writing, humour, copywriting, editing text into accessible 'plain English' form, or in writing texts for musical works.
In the business environment, writers can work as communication specialists. They may design training seminars or packages, facilitate in workplace discussions, identify problems in documentation and conduct communication audits.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed sitting down at a desk, counter, workbench or other location for periods of at least two hours at a stretch. Jobs requiring sitting for long periods have been excluded.
Included are jobs in the visual and graphic arts, in the crafts and in the performing arts, such as music, theatre, radio, film & television, as well as general entertainment and sporting jobs.
Included are jobs involved in the preparation and publication of printed materials, jobs involved in the study of society and the relationships between people, and jobs concerned with the preservation of items of significance to society.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Work Conditions
Work may be commissioned by a book or magazine publisher, a theatre, film or television production company, or a radio or television station. Alternatively, work may be sold by the writer or a literary agent acting on the writer's behalf. Writers often work with visual or performance artists.
Personal Requirements
- observant and inquisitive approach to people and their environment
- able to think and write creatively and clearly
- excellent understanding of English, particularly grammar and spelling
- concentration, perseverance and dedication