Author

Authors write fiction and non-fiction books. Experienced and successful authors are commissioned by publishing firms to write books on a particular theme.

Also known as:

• Novelist
• Writer

Work activities

Authors write fiction and non-fiction books to entertain and inform people. Very few authors earn a living entirely from writing, even if their work is published or performed. For most authors, it’s a part-time activity and they normally supplement their income by doing other work. It’s often difficult to gain acceptance by editors in publishing firms, or by a literary agent who will help an author sell work to a publisher. Editors or agents are always looking for new, talented authors, but receive so many manuscripts from unknown writers that they rarely comment on unsuitable work. Even when work shows promise, the author might have to adapt to meet the commercial demands of the publisher. Publishers might ask authors to rewrite their work before they accept it; authors may have to vary the work’s length or style to suit the publisher’s requirements.

Once an author’s work is published, they might be commissioned to write a new work on a particular theme. Or they might adapt their work into another literary form such as a play, screenplay or television script. Most published books are commissioned from established authors rather than from manuscripts of unknown writers. An established author might employ a literary agent, paying them to act on their behalf in any negotiations regarding copyright, future work, translation or film rights. Without an agent, an author may have to become involved in business transactions, which are often time-consuming.  All authors, whether of fiction or non-fiction, have to bear in mind that the creative process in writing must be supported by attention to detail to ensure that references, quotations, geographical locations and historical settings are accurate. Authors often have to do a lot of research, therefore, before they begin to write. Authors might promote their work by going to book launches and publicity events.

Personal qualities and skills

As an author, you’ll need:

• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to interest the reader and explain ideas clearly.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Negotiation, marketing and promotion skills.
• Thorough research skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to handle criticism; you might have to alter your work to meet a publisher’s demands.
• Self-discipline, motivation, patience and determination.
• ICT and typing skills.

Pay and opportunities 

Earnings for authors vary widely. You might receive an agreed price for a piece of work, or more often, be paid an advance and royalties – usually a percentage of the net price of a book. Authors of non-fiction books, such as gardening and cookery books, often earn more than most authors of fiction. A handful of very successful (and often famous) authors earn millions of pounds. However, even established authors might spend periods with little or no income. Many authors write part-time while doing another job to make some money.

You decide your own daily work schedule but you’ll often work longer hours as deadlines approach.

Some authors are commissioned to write by publishing editors. Others send manuscripts to agents, publishing companies and magazines. Authors can base themselves in towns, cities and rural areas anywhere in the UK. Some authors base themselves in other countries.

Authors are self-employed and generate earnings from the sale of their books.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Some authors are represented by literary agents. This usually offers a better chance of work being published.

Entry routes and training

There is no clearly developed pattern of formal training for a career as an author, although you can study creative writing at degree and postgraduate level. You could take a degree in English literature or language, or creative writing. Short courses in writing are also widely available, such as the residential courses run by the Arvon Foundation. Many authors come from a media background, so you could work towards an alternative role before branching out into a literary career.

It’s often useful to join writers’ clubs, go to evening classes in creative writing, take part in literary workshops and enter writing/short story competitions. You could ask fellow writers to examine your unpublished work because they might be able to provide support and ideas to help you.

A portfolio showing your writing skills is likely to be just as valuable as formal qualifications for entry to some courses. Many authors employ an agent to help them get their work published. Often, book publishers only accept an author’s submissions via a literary agent.

Training as a journalist can help you develop relevant skills, such as the ability to research facts, write concisely, work to deadlines and meet an editor’s requirements. For most authors, however, the process of writing is largely trial and error.

Authors need to keep promoting their work to get published, often with the help of an agent.

Qualifications

If you wish to do a degree, you will usually:

• Two to three A-levels. English literature or language could be a good choice, although it is not essential.
• GCSEs in about five subjects, including English and maths.

Writing skills are essential – arguably more important than academic qualifications. However, you may be able to develop your technique on a creative writing course.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some authors have a relevant background in, for example, publishing, advertising or media production. Experience in areas such as student journalism, drama groups and theatre companies can be useful. You can gain other useful experience by joining writers’ groups and entering literary competitions.

A variety of full- and part-time courses are available in creative writing at local colleges and adult education centres. A few universities offer courses and degrees in Creative Writing. You can check directly with an institution to ensure that the course content suits your interests and requirements.

You can take creative writing courses by distance learning through the Writer’s Bureau, the Open College of the Arts and the London School of Journalism. There is usually a charge for these courses.

There are no special sources of funding for adults. However, regional arts boards will consider financial support for individuals. The Arvon Foundation offers grants and bursaries for its residential writing courses.

Related careers

• Journalist
• Scriptwriter
• Technical author