How to become an Author

Produces literary or other written work for publication or performance.

Main tasks

• Writes clear, engaging and concise content that communicates messages effectively
• Conducts research on the subject matter, including reading books, articles and other resources, conducting interviews, and gathering data
• Develops ideas and concepts for written work
• Writes for different formats including print, digital and multimedia
• Collaborates with other writers, editors, designers and publishers
• Promotes their work and finds new clients or readers using social media or by networking with other writers and industry professionals

Ways in

• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing (CUA40118); Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing (CUA50118)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 6,000 people work in this job group now, and about 7,100 are projected by 2035. (+18.2%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Related jobs

• Book or Script Editor
• Film and Video Editor
• Actor
• Circus Performer or Trainer
• Content Creator (Social Media)
• Dancer or Choreographer

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Author?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing; Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing.

Is an Author a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 6,000 to about 7,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Author?

Usually. 73% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Author?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04