Occupation AtlasWriters and Authors
O*NET · 27-3043.00
Writers and Authors
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Also called Ad Copywriter · Ad Copywriter (Advertisement Copywriter) · Ad Writer · Ad Writer (Advertisement Writer) · Advertising Copywriter · Advertising Writer · Article Writer · Author
32 more
Biographer · Blurb Writer · Business Writer · Content Creator · Content Developer · Content Marketing Writer · Content Writer · Copywriter · Creative Copywriter · Curriculum Writer · Digital Content Creator · Digital Copywriter · Freelance Copywriter · Freelance Writer · Marketing Copywriter · Marketing Writer · Novelist · Online Content Developer · Playwright · Poet · Program Writer · Radio Scriptwriter · Screenwriter · Search Engine Optimization Copywriter (SEO Copywriter) · SEO Copywriter · Short Story Writer · Specification Writer · TV Writer · TV Writer (Television Writer) · Verse Writer · Web Content Writer · Writer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
AECArtistic · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- A Artistic6.68
- E Enterprising4.75
- C Conventional3.34
- I Investigative3.25
- S Social2.86
- R Realistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (58%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (37%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (42%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- WritingbasicImportance 5.0Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Write a novel for publication
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Time ManagementImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- InstructingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.3Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
16 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Present drafts and ideas to clients.Importance 4.7
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.Importance 4.7
- Edit or rewrite existing written material as necessary, and submit written material for approval by supervisor, editor, or publisher.Importance 4.7
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.Importance 4.7
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.Importance 4.7
- Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.Importance 4.5
- Write articles, bulletins, sales letters, speeches, and other related informative, marketing and promotional material.Importance 4.5
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.Importance 4.4
- Write advertising material for use by publication, broadcast, or internet media to promote the sale of goods and services.Importance 4.4
- Write to customers in their terms and on their level so that the script, story, or advertisement message is more readily received.Importance 4.4
- Conduct research and interviews to determine which of a product's selling features should be promoted.Importance 4.1
- Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.Importance 4.1
Show the other 8
- Discuss with the client the product, advertising themes and methods, and any changes that should be made in advertising copy.Importance 3.9
- Work with staff to develop script, story, or advertising concepts.Importance 3.6
- Consult with sales, media and marketing representatives to obtain information on product or service and discuss style and length of advertising written material.Importance 3.5
- Collaborate with other writers on specific projects.Importance 3.2
- Follow appropriate procedures to get copyrights for completed work.Importance 3.4
- Review advertising trends, consumer surveys, and other data regarding marketing of goods and services to determine the best way to promote products.Importance 3.2
- Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information.Importance 3.0
- Invent names for products and write the slogans that appear on packaging, brochures and other promotional material.Importance 2.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 5.0Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Teach a college English class
- Communications and MediaImportance 4.4Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Write a novel
- AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 2.8
Show all 33
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- DesignImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- MathematicsImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.5Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- BiologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ExpressionImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- OriginalityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.8
Show all 52
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Far VisionImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.7Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.4Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Prioritize and plan multiple tasks several months ahead
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.2Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Prepare or deliver press releases
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.1Level 5.7
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Processing InformationImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.3Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.3Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.2Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
54 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (9)
- Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
- Adobe Photoshophot
- Canvahot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- TikTokhot
- Adobe Premiere Pro
Hot (20; 8 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Asana
- Figma
- Google Analytics
- Google Docs
- Google Workspace software
- HubSpot software
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- MySQL
- PHP
- Slack
- WordPress
Other tools (25)
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Persuasion
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Avid Technology Media Composer
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Campaign Monitor
- Chatbot software
- Corel Presentation
- Drupal
- Eko
- FileMaker Pro
- Flipgrid
- Google Ads
- Google Drive
- Google Slides
- Kapwing
- Loom
- ParentSquare
- QuarkXPress
- SendGrid
- Social media sites
- Web content management system CMS software
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −1.0, Time Management −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Average difference 0.2 points · Time Management −1.0, Active Learning +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Technical Writers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +1.2, Quality Control Analysis +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.4, Writing −1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Judicial Law Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −0.9, Active Learning +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −1.5, Time Management −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −1.7, Mathematics +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.1, Mathematics +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.