Writer
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, blogs, plays or film, radio and television scripts. They may also write for multimedia distribution.
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; that there is proper development of theme, plot and characterisation; and that referencing is correct
- set out the original manuscript so that it is clear and legible (e.g. 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 writing texts for musical works.
Work may be commissioned by a book or magazine publisher, a theatre company, a 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.
In the business environment, writers can work as communication specialists. They may design training seminars or packages, facilitate workplace discussions, identify problems in documentation and conduct communication audits.
Technical Writer
A technical writer researches and writes manuals, textbooks, online user guides and other information-based material. Technical writers need to understand and explain complex technical information. They may specialise in IT, engineering, finance or help documentation.
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.
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