How to become an author or writer
Official title: Authors and writers (except technical)
Also called: Author, Writer, Ad writer, Ghost writer, Radio writer, Screen writer, Script writer, Serial writer, Speech writer, Feature writer, Fiction writer, Dialogue writer
Authors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches and other non-journalistic articles for publication or presentation. They are employed by advertising agencies, governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, multimedia/new-media companies and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers
- Conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation
- May conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information
- Content writers (non-technical)
- Write e-copy, blog posts, e-books, podcasts and other forms of Web-based content
- Conduct research on a variety of topics to inform writing and may consult with clients to determine the goals of the writing
- Copywriters
- Study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials
How to become one
Copywriters usually require a university degree or college diploma in French, English, marketing, advertising or another discipline. Creative writing programs are offered by universities and colleges. Talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation may be required.
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 14 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $71,780 a year The middle half earn $58,130 to $87,848.
- About 27,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 30,100 are projected by 2033. (+10.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an author or writer?
Copywriters usually require a university degree or college diploma in French, English, marketing, advertising or another discipline. Creative writing programs are offered by universities and colleges. Talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation may be required.
How much does an author or writer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $71,780 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $58,130 to $87,848.
Is an author or writer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 27,200 to about 30,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an author or writer?
Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03