Description
Conceive and write original fictional narratives—such as short stories, novellas, and novels—for publication, developing plots, characters, settings, and voice.
- • Revise manuscripts to meet personal standards and satisfy agents, editors, or publishers.
- • Select subjects, genres, and narrative forms to tell compelling stories.
- • Plan outlines, chapter structures, and series arcs; organize material accordingly.
- • Prepare manuscripts in industry-standard format and submit to agents or publishers.
- • Obtain copyrights and manage permissions for completed work.
- • Write short stories, novellas, and novels for print, digital, or audio publication.
- • Develop themes, plots, characterizations, settings, pacing, and dialogue.
- • Research historical, cultural, or technical details to ensure authenticity.
- • Confer with editors, beta readers, or producers to discuss revisions.
- • Build story worlds and maintain series bibles for continuity.
- • Attend readings, book launches, and publicity events to promote work.
- • Adapt or revise work for different markets or formats, such as serials or audiobooks.
- • Meet deadlines and coordinate schedules with publishers and production teams.
- • Collaborate with co-authors, illustrators, or sensitivity readers when needed.
- • Track submissions, contracts, and royalties.
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Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
