Occupation AtlasPoets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
O*NET · 27-3043.05
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
51 more
Content Writer · Continuity Writer · Creative Writer · Crossword Puzzle Maker · Documentary Storyteller · Dramatist · Editorial Writer · Fiction Prose Writer · Fiction Writer · Film Writer · Freelance Writer · Gag Writer · Game Author · Ghostwriter · Greeting Card Maker · Greeting Card Writer · Humorist · Librettist · Literary Writer · Lyricist · Magazine Writer · Movie Writer · Music Critic · Nonfiction Prose Writer · Nonfiction Writer · Novelist · Play Writer · Playwright · Poem Writer · Poet · Program Writer · Publications Writer · Radio Script Writer · Scenario Writer · Screen Writer · Screenplay Writer · Script Writer · Short Story Writer · Songwriter · Speech Writer · Sports Writer · Story Writer · Travel Writer · TV Script Writer · TV Script Writer (Television Script Writer) · TV Writer · TV Writer (Television Writer) · Verse Writer · Video Game Script Writer · Video Games Storywriter · Writer
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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
AIEArtistic · Investigative · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- A Artistic7.00
- I Investigative3.58
- E Enterprising3.17
- C Conventional2.88
- S Social2.83
- R Realistic1.17
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 (24%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (76%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (43%)
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 4.8Level 5.8Level 6 looks like: Write a novel for publication
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Service OrientationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- NegotiationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.3Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.Importance 4.7
- Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.Importance 4.7
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.Importance 4.6
- Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.Importance 4.6
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.Importance 4.5
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.Importance 4.4
- Confer with clients, editors, publishers, or producers to discuss changes or revisions to written material.Importance 4.2
- Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.Importance 4.0
- Follow appropriate procedures to get copyrights for completed work.Importance 3.5
- Attend book launches and publicity events, or conduct public readings.Importance 3.0
Show the other 6
- Write narrative, dramatic, lyric, or other types of poetry for publication.Importance 4.4
- Write words to fit musical compositions, including lyrics for operas, musical plays, and choral works.Importance 4.3
- Adapt text to accommodate musical requirements of composers and singers.Importance 4.3
- Write humorous material for publication, or for performances such as comedy routines, gags, and comedy shows.Importance 3.4
- Teach writing classes.Importance 2.8
- Collaborate with other writers on specific projects.Importance 2.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Teach a college English class
- Communications and MediaImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Fine ArtsImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
- PsychologyImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
Show all 33
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.8
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 2.9
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- MathematicsImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- 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.
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.8Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Processing InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.6Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.4Level —
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
35 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.
Hot (11)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- WordPress
Other tools (24)
- Apple iWork Pages
- Ashley Software Writer's Blocks
- AutoCrit Editing Wizard
- Bare Bones Software BBEdit
- Blogger
- Contour Storyteller
- Google Drive
- Literature & Latte Scrivener
- MasterWriter
- OpenOffice.org
- Power Structure
- Ravenshead Services WriteItNow
- Red Sweater MarsEdit
- RoughDraft
- ScriptPerfection Power Writer
- Skype
- Social media software
- Storymind StoryWeaver
- Text to speech software
- Tumblr
- WhiteSmoke
- Write Brothers Dramatica
- WriteWay Pro
- 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.
Writers and Authors
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 · Quality Control Analysis +0.8, Operations Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Judicial Law Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −0.7, Active Listening +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning −1.0, Mathematics +1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Historians
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.5, Instructing +1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Active Learning −0.8, Writing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.3, Active Learning −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Tax Preparers
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.8, Mathematics +1.2
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.