Authors and Writers
(NOC 5121)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportAuthors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches, manuals, specifications and other non-journalistic articles for publication or presentation. They work for advertising agencies, governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, multimedia/new-media companies and other businesses, or they may be self-employed. Authors and writers may specialize in a subject or type of writing.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 750. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Authors and Writers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 43% of Authors and Writers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $48,246. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.04
Minimum$25.64
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$19,623
Median$74,645
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.73
Median$36.29
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Authors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches, manuals, specifications and other non-journalistic articles for publication or presentation. They work for advertising agencies, governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, multimedia/new-media companies and other businesses, or they may be self-employed. Authors and writers may specialize in a subject or type of writing.
Job duties
Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets, and other creative writers:
- Conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation.
- May conduct research to verify factual content and to get other necessary information.
Technical writers:
- Analyze material like specifications, notes, and drawings and write manuals, user guides, and other documents to explain the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical, and other equipment clearly and concisely.
Copywriters:
- Study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials.
Sample job titles
- advertising copywriter
- author
- multimedia writer
- playwright
- poet
- publicity writer
- screen writer
- script and dialogue writer
- technical writer
- writer
Skills
You should be organized, resourceful, and creative. A critical mind, excellent writing ability, and language skills are also necessary. At times, writing requires patience, self-discipline, and perseverance. Strong keyboarding and word processing skills are a definite asset.
Job requirements
- Technical writers usually require a university degree in the area of specialization, like computer science or engineering.
- Copywriters usually require a university degree or college diploma in French, English, marketing, advertising or another discipline.
- Creative writing programs are offered by universities and colleges.
- Membership in a guild or union related to the job may be required.
Other considerations
Both part-time employment and self-employment are relatively common for this group. Some people in these jobs work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Professional, scientific and technical services
Information and cultural industries
Manufacturing
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$20,452 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$48,252 median annual incomeMaster
N/AHigh school
$57,957 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the literary culture of the ancient Graeco-Roman world and the Greek and Latin languages and literatures and their development prior to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Communications and Media Studies
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of communications mass communication/media studies, old and new media technologies, social and political applications, and speech communication and rhetoric. They include courses in interpersonal, group, organizational, and intercultural communication, theories of communication, critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion, written communication, print, electronic, and digital media, rhetorical tradition and criticism, media, society, and culture, consequences and effects of mass media, media social science and criticism, and quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
English Creative Writing
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as the short story, poetry, the novel, and others. They include courses in technical and editorial skills, criticism, and the marketing of finished manuscripts.
Institutions providing this program
English Language and Literature
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills, and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
French Language and Literature (Canada)
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the French language, including its history, structure and related communications skills, and the literature and culture of French-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Technical and Scientific Communication
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on communicating technical and scientific knowledge to a variety of audiences through print, video, and digital media and prepares students to function as technical writers and editors, documentation developers, web designers, and usability specialists. They include courses in scientific and technical writing and editing, graphic and information design, web design, audience analysis, document usability and field testing, publications management, and applications to specific technical fields.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.