Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writer

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  Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writer

Also Called: Author, Creative Writer, Fiction Writer, Freelance Writer, Librettist, Lyricist, Nonfiction Writer, Novelist, Poet, Songwriter, Author, Creative Writer, Fiction Writer, Freelance Writer, Librettist, Lyricist, Nonfiction Writer, Novelist, Poet, Songwriter

What they do

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$40,900
Starting Salary (2023)
$73,690
Median Salary (2023)
3.7%
Projected Job Growth
49,450
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.
Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.
Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Persistence
Independence
Initiative
Innovation
Achievement/Effort
Attention to Detail

What key skills are needed for this job?

Writing
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Active Learning

Expected Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Common Activities

Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

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