Writer Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Writer Do?
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.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Spelling
The rules concerning the way words are spelled.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Writer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialSpelling knowledge
The rules concerning the way words are spelled.
-
EssentialGrammar knowledge
The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialWriting Techniques knowledge
The different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialCopyright Legislation knowledge
Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialTypes Of Literature Genres knowledge
The different literary genres in the history of literature, their technique, tone, content and length.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialPublishing Industry knowledge
Key stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPublishing Market knowledge
The trends in the publishing market and the type of books that are are appealing to a certain audience.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialLiterature knowledge
The body of artistic writing characterized by beauty of expression, form, and universality of intellectual and emotional appeal.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialApply Grammar And Spelling Rules skill
Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialConsult Information Sources skill
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDevelop Creative Ideas skill
Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse Specific Writing Techniques skill
Use writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCritically Reflect On Artistic Production Processes skill
Critically reflect upon processes and outcomes of the artisitc production process in order to ensure quality of experience and/or product.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPerform Background Research On Writing Subject skill
Run thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialSelect Subject Matter skill
Select subject matter based on personal or public interest, or ordered by a publisher or agent.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWrite Dialogues skill
Write conversations between characters.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWrite Storylines skill
Write the plot of a novel, play, film, or other narrative form. Create and develop characters, their personalities, and relationships.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 14 displayed)
-
OptionalLinguistics knowledge
The scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalConsult With Editor skill
Consult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEvaluate Writings In Response To Feedback skill
Edit and adapt work in response to comments from peers and publishers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalManage Writing Administration skill
Manage the financial and administrative side of writing including making up budgets, maintaining financial records, checking contracts, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPromote Your Writings skill
Talk about your work at events and conduct readings, speeches and book signings; establish a network among fellow writers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalProofread Text skill
Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalWrite To A Deadline skill
Schedule and respect tight deadlines, especially for theatre, screen and radio projects.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAttend Book Fairs skill
Attend fairs and events to get familiar with new book trends and to meet with authors, publishers, and others in the publishing sector.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCritique Other Writers skill
Criticise the output of other writers, including sometimes providing coaching and mentoring services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalLiaise With Book Publishers skill
Establish working relationships with publishing companies and their sales representatives.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalNegotiate Artistic Productions skill
Negotiate the terms for artistic productions with the selected companies, keeping within the budgetary limits prepared by the business leadership.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalNegotiate Publishing Rights skill
Negotiate the sale of the publishing rights of books to translate them and adapt them into movies or other genres.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalRespect Publication Formats skill
Submit text material for printing purposes. Always respect the required and expected publication formats.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalTeach Writing skill
Teach basic or advanced writing principles to varying age groups in a fixed eduction organisation setting or by running private writing workshops.
Course recommendations coming soon.