CAREER

Writers and Authors

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$67,120

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

-2.3% (decline)

Most Common Level of Education

Bachelor's degree

Career

What Writers and Authors Do

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Other Job Titles Writers and Authors May Have

Advertising Associate, Advertising Copy Writer, Advertising Writer, Communications Specialist, Copy Writer, Copywriter, Freelance Copywriter, Web Content Writer

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Actor, Screenwriter, & Comedian

My writing process starts with walking aimlessly around a park or mall. Then I'll sit and write the scene to warm up my brain. It'll be simple and formatted as a screenplay on my writing software. It puts me in a creative headspace and keeps me sharp and observant of the world around me. I may talk to my manager about upcoming meetings with production companies who are interested in my work. I may do a podcast. I'll also write a few pages of a comic book I've been asked to do for Marvel Comics.

Copywriter ,

Roadtrip Nation

I get into work and grab coffee, always. Then I check my emails and think about which projects I need to tackle that day. The stuff I do is always connected to writing or editing, but it varies wildly from day to day. One day's tasks might include copyediting social media posts, writing onscreen copy for our documentaries, planning out content for our monthly newsletter, and proofreading a press release.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • Discuss with the client the product, advertising themes and methods, and any changes that should be made in advertising copy.
  • Present drafts and ideas to clients.
  • Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
  • Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information.
  • Write articles, bulletins, sales letters, speeches, and other related informative, marketing and promotional material.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.