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Authors and Writers  (NOC 5121)
Cape Breton Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Authors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches, manuals, specifications 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.

advertising copywriter, copywriter, essayist, interactive media writer, novelist, playwright, poet, scientific writer, script writer, specifications writer, speech writer, technical writer, writer.

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The following is a summary of the main duties of some occupations in this unit group:
  • Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation and may conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information.
  • Technical writers analyze material, such as specifications, notes and drawings, and write manuals, user guides and other documents to explain clearly and concisely the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment.
  • Copywriters study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials.

Authors and writers may specialize in a particular subject or type of writing.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Belgiumtown, Bras d'Or, Bridgeport, Caledonia, Centreville Reserve Mines, Dominion, East Slope, Florence, Gannon Road, Glace Bay, Havenside, Hub, Kaneville, Little Bras d'Or, Louisbourg, McKays Corner, McLeods Crossing, Morien Hill, New Aberdeen, New Victoria, New Waterford, North Sydney, Passchendaele, Reserve Mines, Reserve Rows, River Ryan, Scotchtown, Steeles Hill, Sterling, Sydney Mines, Table Head, Tomkinsville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Authors and Writers in Cape Breton Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

Physical Requirements:
- This occupation typically requires good near vision.
- There is generally only a requirement for limited hearing in this job.
- The occupation involves only limited physical activity.
- Strength to handle loads of up to 5 kg may be required.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-05-13 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
1-5 years

Technical or Specialized Writing:
Technical manuals, procedures and methods manuals and user guides.

Additional Skills:
Co-ordinate project.

Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others, computer use, problem solving, job task planning and organizing, writing, reading text, document use, finding information and critical thinking.

[Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

CanLearn Searches

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    Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.

[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

[ Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.