Placement Overview

This placement is an Author who has written and published some of their own books, as well as providing freelance services in ghost writing and journalism.

Generic Job Description for an Author

Author’s are involved in the composition of all types of creative writing, including novels, plays, poetry, Children’s books and scripts for stage, television and radio.

Most authors are self-employed or work on a freelance basis. They often have to support themselves through other types of employment.

Some Authors specialise in one are of writing, while others write a range of different material. Typical daily task for an author include: researching, planning, writing, checking, re-writing and publishing. Many authors have to promote and sell their own work in order to make a living.

Skills:

• Excellent written communication skills
• Creative writing skills
• Capable of research
• Self-discipline
• Good attention to detail
• The ability to promote and market own work
• Ability to accept criticism

Pay:

• Less than 20% of authors live exclusively from their earnings as a writer
• 60% of authors earn less than £5,000 per annum
• With some success, authors may earn between £5,000 and £30,000 a year
• Some of the most successful authors earn over £100,000 a year or more

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Long and unsocial hours often required to complete a piece of work
• It can be solitary work and involves little contact with others
• Writers who are employed tend to work 35 to 40 hours a week

Environment:

• Freelance authors usually work at home, sitting at a desk or a computer

Qualifications:

• There are no set entry requirements
• Entry without a degree or HND is common for a talented author
• Degrees and HNDs in writing are available and normally require 5 GCSE passes grade A-C and an A-Level in an English related subject

Training:

• No formal training is required to become and author
• Constant and critical feedback is required to develop talents

Opportunities:

• Very few writing jobs are ever advertised as most authors are self employed
• Writers usually have to search out opportunities by speculative approaches to publishers, broadcasters, etc

Links:

www.artscouncil.org.uk - Arts Council England
www.ccskills.org.uk - Creative and Cultural Skills: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries

www.booktrust.org.uk - Booktrust

www.nawe.co.uk - National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE)
www.societyofauthors.net - The Society of Authors