Profession writer

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.

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Personality Type

  • Artistic / Investigative

Knowledge

  • Spelling

    The rules concerning the way words are spelled.

  • Publishing industry

    Key stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.

  • Literature

    The body of artistic writing characterized by beauty of expression, form, and universality of intellectual and emotional appeal.

  • Types of literature genres

    The different literary genres in the history of literature, their technique, tone, content and length.

  • Publishing market

    The trends in the publishing market and the type of books that are are appealing to a certain audience.

  • Copyright legislation

    Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

  • Grammar

    The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.

  • Writing techniques

    The different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.

Skills

  • Perform background research on writing subject

    Run thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.

  • Select subject matter

    Select subject matter based on personal or public interest, or ordered by a publisher or agent.

  • Critically reflect on artistic production processes

    Critically reflect upon processes and outcomes of the artisitc production process in order to ensure quality of experience and/or product.

  • Consult information sources

    Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.

  • Apply grammar and spelling rules

    Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.

  • Write dialogues

    Write conversations between characters.

  • Write storylines

    Write the plot of a novel, play, film, or other narrative form. Create and develop characters, their personalities, and relationships.

  • Develop creative ideas

    Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

  • Use specific writing techniques

    Use writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.

Optional knowledge and skills

evaluate writings in response to feedback write to a deadline critique other writers negotiate artistic productions teach writing negotiate publishing rights linguistics manage writing administration promote your writings consult with editor liaise with book publishers respect publication formats attend book fairs proofread text

Common job titles

  • Freelance writer
  • Writer/editor - storytelling
  • Freelance content writer
  • Part-time creative writer needed
  • Staff writer, google ink
  • Copywriter
  • Staff writer
  • Writers