Description
Conceive, research, write, and revise fiction or nonfiction works; prepare manuscripts for publication and collaborate with editors, agents, and publishers to reach target audiences.
- • Discuss project scope, themes, and revisions with editors, agents, or subject experts.
- • Pitch concepts and submit queries, proposals, or sample chapters to agents or publishers.
- • Adapt voice, style, and tone for genre, audience, and format.
- • Develop storylines, arguments, and structures for books or series.
- • Write manuscripts, essays, and ancillary materials such as author notes and reading guides.
- • Conduct research and interviews to gather accurate details and perspectives.
- • Verify facts using primary and secondary sources, archives, and databases.
- • Develop compelling titles, synopses, and character or subject names.
- • Review market trends, readership data, and comparable titles to position works.
- • Collaborate with co-authors, illustrators, translators, or subject-matter contributors.
- • Consult with editors, publicists, and marketing teams on positioning, style, and length.
- • Revise and edit manuscripts in response to editorial feedback and peer review.
- • Register copyrights and manage permissions and citations for quoted material.
- • Outline projects and organize research materials, notes, and references.
- • Format manuscripts to publisher guidelines and manage submissions and resubmissions.
- • Work with editorial staff to refine concepts, structure, pacing, and characterization.
- • Write jacket copy, back-cover descriptions, and author bios for promotional use.
- • Write fiction or nonfiction prose, including novels, short stories, memoirs, biographies, and essays.
- • Tailor content to the target readership to maximize clarity, accessibility, and engagement.
- • Participate in promotional activities such as readings, interviews, newsletters, and social media.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
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
