Writers develop content for books. They write novels, poetry, short stories, comics and other forms of literature. These forms of writing can be fictional or non-fictional.
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (18)
literatureliteratureThe body of artistic writing characterized by beauty of expression, form, and universality of intellectual and emotional appeal.publishing industrypublishing industryKey stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.types of literature genrestypes of literature genresThe different literary genres in the history of literature, their technique, tone, content and length.writing techniqueswriting techniquesThe different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.spellingspellingThe rules concerning the way words are spelled.grammargrammarThe set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.publishing marketpublishing marketThe trends in the publishing market and the type of books that are are appealing to a certain audience.develop an artistic frameworkdevelop an artistic frameworkDevelop a specific framework for research, creation and completion of artistic work.write dialogueswrite dialoguesWrite conversations between characters.consult information sourcesconsult information sourcesConsult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.develop creative ideasdevelop creative ideasDeveloping new artistic concepts and creative ideas.write storylineswrite storylinesWrite the plot of a novel, play, film, or other narrative form. Create and develop characters, their personalities, and relationships.select subject matterselect subject matterSelect subject matter based on personal or public interest, or ordered by a publisher or agent.apply grammar and spelling rulesapply grammar and spelling rulesApply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.critically reflect on artistic production processescritically reflect on artistic production processesCritically reflect upon processes and outcomes of the artisitc production process in order to ensure quality of experience and/or product.use specific writing techniquesuse specific writing techniquesUse writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.perform background research on writing subjectperform background research on writing subjectRun thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.
Optional (13) — show
linguisticslinguisticsThe scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.respect publication formatsrespect publication formatsSubmit text material for printing purposes. Always respect the required and expected publication formats.negotiate artistic productionsnegotiate artistic productionsNegotiate the terms for artistic productions with the selected companies, keeping within the budgetary limits prepared by the business leadership.liaise with book publishersliaise with book publishersEstablish working relationships with publishing companies and their sales representatives.attend book fairsattend book fairsAttend fairs and events to get familiar with new book trends and to meet with authors, publishers, and others in the publishing sector.evaluate writings in response to feedbackevaluate writings in response to feedbackEdit and adapt work in response to comments from peers and publishers.proofread textproofread textRead a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.negotiate publishing rightsnegotiate publishing rightsNegotiate the sale of the publishing rights of books to translate them and adapt them into movies or other genres.manage writing administrationmanage writing administrationManage the financial and administrative side of writing including making up budgets, maintaining financial records, checking contracts, etc.promote one's writingspromote one's writingsTalk about one's work at events and conduct readings, speeches and book signings. Establish a network among fellow writers.consult with editorconsult with editorConsult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.critique other writerscritique other writersCriticise the output of other writers, including sometimes providing coaching and mentoring services.write to a deadlinewrite to a deadlineSchedule and respect tight deadlines, especially for theatre, screen and radio projects.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Writers develop content for books. They write novels, poetry, short stories, comics and other forms of literature. These forms of writing can be fictional or non-fictional.
What skills does a writer need?
A writer needs 18 essential skills, including literature, publishing industry, types of literature genres, writing techniques, spelling.
Will AI replace writer jobs?
The AI disruption score for writer is 61/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: spelling, apply grammar and spelling rules, grammar. Most resilient: develop an artistic framework, critically reflect on artistic production processes, perform background research on writing subject.
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.