Arnold
CibbuanoCareers as an Author
October 30th 2006 01:17
Authors are the creative wordsmiths responsible for writing literary works such as novels, poetry, scripts and articles. Whether it’s Shakespeare, Quentin Tarentino or the writing team responsible for The X-Files, there's no doubt that authors leave their creative mark on the world. By utilising many different mediums, including theatre, fiction, non fiction, television, cinema and even CD ROMs, they can fashion an idea into a tangible work.
According to national averages and statistics, currently there are about 5 000 authors in Australia. Of these, 67.6% are female and 32.4% are male with the average age being between 45-54 years. Authors work on average 39.9 hours per week with only 62.4% of them working at a full time rate.
The main industry employers for this career are Cultural and Recreational Services at 46.4%, Manufacturing at 28.3%, Property and Business at 10.6%, Government Administration and Defence 5.4% and the remaining 3.7% are employed in Personal and Other Services. Of those employed as authors 28% have Bachelor Degrees, 26% have Graduate Diplomas or Graduate Certificates, 6% have Advanced Diploma's or Diploma's, 6% have Certificate III or IV and the remaining 35% have no post school qualification.
There are limited opportunities for fiction writers (novels, poetry and short stories) and with the low number of publishing houses scattered throughout the nation. Only the most talented will be successful. Most publishing firms will not accept unsolicited manuscripts and the general procedure is for authors to go through a reputable agent. Self publishing may be a solution or branching out into the more lucrative non fiction market, writing speciality books, such as gardening, self help, craft or religion.
The growth in new technologies like interactive videos and CD ROMs may provide a niche market. Script writers can work in a number of production areas, but due to the high levels of team input and story conferences, those wanting to write for television serials or soap operas will have to go to Sydney or Melbourne. Work is also affected directly by dwindling audience numbers attending live performances. Additional employment opportunities may exist in unlikely industries, such as community teaching business’, or in hospitals where writers facilitate workshops.
Authors develop their work in different ways, depending on the genre and particular working style of the author. Non fiction work, such as biographies or self help books are researched thoroughly using libraries, the Internet, academic resources and even interviewing people about the subject matter. Novelists and poets are usually guided by the richness of their own imagination and life experience. Although they may consult with editors and publishers at some stage on re-writing and re-working the manuscript, they are autonomous in the creative process. Other collaborative works, such as theatre, television or radio scripts and anthologies may be workshopped as part of a team project. A community writer may work with indigenous, migrant or people with disabilities, helping to facilitate group projects and helping them find their voice of expression.
For further information about persuing a career as an author check out
Australian Society of Authors
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Novelists Inc
According to national averages and statistics, currently there are about 5 000 authors in Australia. Of these, 67.6% are female and 32.4% are male with the average age being between 45-54 years. Authors work on average 39.9 hours per week with only 62.4% of them working at a full time rate.
There are limited opportunities for fiction writers (novels, poetry and short stories) and with the low number of publishing houses scattered throughout the nation. Only the most talented will be successful. Most publishing firms will not accept unsolicited manuscripts and the general procedure is for authors to go through a reputable agent. Self publishing may be a solution or branching out into the more lucrative non fiction market, writing speciality books, such as gardening, self help, craft or religion.
The growth in new technologies like interactive videos and CD ROMs may provide a niche market. Script writers can work in a number of production areas, but due to the high levels of team input and story conferences, those wanting to write for television serials or soap operas will have to go to Sydney or Melbourne. Work is also affected directly by dwindling audience numbers attending live performances. Additional employment opportunities may exist in unlikely industries, such as community teaching business’, or in hospitals where writers facilitate workshops.
Authors develop their work in different ways, depending on the genre and particular working style of the author. Non fiction work, such as biographies or self help books are researched thoroughly using libraries, the Internet, academic resources and even interviewing people about the subject matter. Novelists and poets are usually guided by the richness of their own imagination and life experience. Although they may consult with editors and publishers at some stage on re-writing and re-working the manuscript, they are autonomous in the creative process. Other collaborative works, such as theatre, television or radio scripts and anthologies may be workshopped as part of a team project. A community writer may work with indigenous, migrant or people with disabilities, helping to facilitate group projects and helping them find their voice of expression.
For further information about persuing a career as an author check out
Australian Society of Authors
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Novelists Inc
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