What does a writer do?
Armed with a pen and paper (or keyboard and Word document), writers create worlds, give life to characters, document history, provide leaders with the words they need to inspire crowds… the list goes on. The types of writing and writing careers you can choose from can take many forms. You might choose to become a novelist, content writer, academic writer, grant writer, freelance writer or speech writer – or you could write non-fiction stories, plays, poems, or scripts for video games. On the other hand, you might be more interested in a journalism career and writing hard-hitting articles about current affairs.
Essentially, careers in writing can lead down many different career paths, but across them all you will need a good knowledge of language, grammar, punctuation and often strong research skills.
Is a career as a writer right for me?
Writing jobs are often glamorised but in reality they require a lot of hard work and dedication. If you’re wondering about how to be a writer, skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
- creativity and imagination
- perseverance and drive
- strong communication skills
- the ability to work efficiently
- the ability to handle criticism.
How to become a writer
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your writing career goals. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of creative writing:Average salary per week
$1261
Future demand
Stable
Industries
Related careers
Source: yourcareer.gov.au
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
Degree
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Campus
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Writer FAQs
What is the average salary for writers?
The average salary for writers in Australia can vary based on experience, location, industry and type of writing. Freelance writers may earn more or less, depending on the volume of work and client base.
For more detailed salary information, please refer to the relevant salary data on this page.
What are the typical writer responsibilities like?
Writer responsibilities can vary depending on their role and the industry they work in. Common responsibilities include:
- consulting with clients and management to determine written advertising approaches and studying products to establish key selling points
- writing advertisements for various media platforms including press, radio, television, billboards, and catalogues
- collaborating with senior editors to make decisions about publication content, following editorial policies and guidelines
- reviewing copy for grammar, style, coherence, and accuracy, ensuring content aligns with legal and ethical standards
- collecting and analysing information from interviews, investigations, and observations to report on newsworthy events
- writing news reports, commentaries, articles, and feature stories for print, online, and broadcast media
- researching and writing technical documentation for manuals, textbooks, and multimedia products
- critically discussing daily news topics in editorials and reviewing books, films, and plays for public interest.
How long does it take to become a writer?
The time it takes to become a writer varies depending on your educational path and experience. A bachelor’s degree in arts at UniSQ typically takes three years of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent. or those seeking a shorter route, writing courses or diplomas can be completed in one to two years and provide specialised skills in areas such as copywriting, technical writing, or creative storytelling.
From here, building a portfolio of writing samples is essential. Gaining experience through internships, freelancing, or blogging can help develop your skills and give you practical exposure to the industry. Many employers in media, publishing, or content creation value experience, creativity, and the ability to write for various audiences when hiring writers.
Are writers in demand?
Yes, writers are in demand, particularly in areas like digital content creation, marketing, technical writing, and publishing. The rise of online platforms and the need for content across various industries have created steady demand for skilled writers. However, competition can be high, especially for freelance writers or those seeking positions in creative fields like journalism and publishing.
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