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How to Become An Author

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What is a Author

An author writes stories, scripts, poems, and non-fiction works for print or performance. It is a career for people who love ideas, language, and connecting with readers. Authors can work across many genres, from fiction and biography to textbooks and scripts.

The work blends creativity with discipline. Authors spend time on research, planning, and drafting ideas. They revise and edit many times to sharpen their writing. Getting feedback from editors and beta readers is part of the process.

There is more to authorship than writing. Authors promote their books at events, connect with readers, and work with publishers on contracts and royalties. Many join writing groups and connect with readers at events. Building a readership takes time but is a rewarding part of the career.

Around 3,700 people are employed as authors in Australia, with strong future demand (YourCareer.gov.au, 2024). The career offers flexible work options. Many authors freelance or combine writing with other roles such as teaching or editing. It is a vibrant, creative field with many entry paths.

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Career Outlook for Author

Authors in Australia are part of a small but skilled group. Around 3,700 people work as authors, with 63% female and a median age of 48 (YourCareer.gov.au, 2024). Just 48% work full-time, which reflects the flexible and often freelance nature of the career. Full-time authors average 45 hours per week.

Future demand for authors is rated Strong by the Australian Government. Digital publishing, content creation, and the demand for books and scripts all support this outlook. The rise of self-publishing has created new paths to market for Australian authors. Income from creative writing can vary widely. The Australian Society of Authors (2022) reports average creative writing income at $18,200 per year.

Despite income variation, many authors build sustainable careers. They combine royalties with teaching, editing, or commercial writing work. Grants from bodies such as Creative Australia also support working authors. With focus and a clear plan, a rewarding career as an author is achievable in Australia.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Author

Step 1: Build a regular writing practice

Start writing every day. Keep a journal, write short stories, or try different genres to find what you enjoy. Read widely across fiction, non-fiction, and scripts to learn how language and structure work. This daily practice is the base of every author’s career.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate IV or Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing at a TAFE or RTO. Confirm the current national code on training.gov.au before you apply. This takes around 12 months full-time and covers grammar, editing, story structure, and publishing basics. A Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing (around 2 years full-time) builds on these skills with more advanced work.

Step 3: Pursue a Bachelor of Creative Writing or Bachelor of Arts

A bachelor degree deepens your craft and opens doors to writing and academic roles. Study a Bachelor of Creative Writing at a university. Or complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Creative Writing or English. This takes 3 years full-time and gives you feedback, workshop practice, and links to the publishing world.

Step 4: Build your portfolio and seek publication

Start sending your work to literary journals, short story competitions, and anthologies. A strong portfolio of published work shows your skills to agents and publishers. Enter competitions run by the Australian Society of Authors or your state writing centre. Even small publications add to your credibility as an author.

Step 5: Join the Australian Society of Authors and grow your network

Membership with the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) gives you access to contract advice, mentorships, and career support. The ASA also advocates for fair pay and rights for Australian authors. Connect with your state writing centre for workshops, events, and peer support. Ongoing learning and community keep your career moving forward.

What does an Author do?

An author’s day starts with ideas. They brainstorm and develop concepts for their next novel, script, or study text. Research often follows, with authors diving into sources and sometimes doing interviews. Once the groundwork is in place, they plan and write, setting time aside for drafts and edits. Authors also connect with publishers, review contracts, and promote their work at events and in media. Each day blends creative focus with real steps that move a project forward.

Tasks

Being an author is a dynamic and creative career. It involves crafting stories, building characters, and engaging readers through the written word. Authors work across many genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and scripts. Each day blends creative work with research, planning, and industry know-how.

  • Creating and developing ideas and themes for written works, including novels, plays, and multimedia products
  • Researching subject matter through original sources, interviews, and secondary materials
  • Planning, organising, and writing material across multiple drafts
  • Reviewing and editing drafts for coherence, style, and thematic development
  • Advising publishers on the potential of their works
  • Negotiating publication terms including royalties, rights, and release dates
  • Reviewing and assessing scripts for film, television, radio, and stage
  • Directing script preparation for broadcast and live production

Skills for Success

To build a career as an author, you need a genuine love of writing. You also need the discipline to keep working when ideas are hard to find. Strong research skills help you create accurate and detailed work. Good planning habits let you manage long projects from idea to final draft.

Authors also need to accept feedback and learn from it. Working with editors, writing groups, and beta readers sharpens your craft. Basic knowledge of the publishing process gives you a strong base. The more you write and share your work, the faster your skills will grow.

Skills & Attributes

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Research skill
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management and self-discipline
  • Ability to accept and act on feedback
  • Knowledge of literary techniques
  • Planning and organisational skills
  • Knowledge of publishing processes
  • Self-promotion and marketing awareness
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Character and plot development
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Adaptability across genres and formats
  • Clear and effective communication

Average Salaries

The average weekly earnings for an employed author in Australia are $2,500 (source: YourCareer.gov.au, 2024). This is around $130,000 per year. Income can vary widely by genre, experience, and publishing model. Authors who rely on royalties alone often earn far less. The Australian Society of Authors (2022) reports average creative writing income at $18,200 per year. Pay grows with experience, output, and a strong track record in publishing.

min $55 K

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av $130 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.