Authors and writers (except technical)

Overview

Authors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches and other non-journalistic articles for publication or presentation. They are employed by advertising agencies, governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, multimedia/new-media companies and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

This group performs some or all of the following 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 establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information.

  • Content writers (non-technical)

  • Write e-copy, blog posts, e-books, podcasts and other forms of Web-based content

  • Conduct research on a variety of topics to inform writing and may consult with clients to determine the goals of the writing.

  • Copywriters

  • Study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials.

  • Authors and writers may specialize in a particular subject or type of writing.

Job titles

  • ad writer
  • advertising copywriter
  • advertising writer
  • author
  • biographer
  • blogger

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$45,883

Median

$74,393

High

$104,280

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

1,055

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • 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.

  • Talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Beneficial post-secondary programs (not required)

Other careers