How to become a writer or editor

Produce and revise written work including novels, articles, and digital content.

What does a writer or editor do?

Writers transform ideas and concepts in pieces of written content. Editors polish and refine writers’ work—checking spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Finished work can be published as print or online content in newspapers, handbooks, manuals, or works of fiction.

Duties and tasks

  • Appear in public to promote latest works.
  • Find places to publish works.
  • At times, teach creative writing courses.
  • Edit works for clarity, cohesiveness, and quality.
  • Formulate ideas for creative works.
  • Outline and plan the broad outlines of works.
  • Write drafts of stories, plays, novels, etc.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Associate editor
  • Book editor
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Novelist
  • Playwright
  • Poet
  • Proof-reader
  • Resume writer
  • Screenwriter
  • Script writer
  • Technical writer

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