How to become a writer or editor
Produce and revise written work including novels, articles, and digital content.
What does a writer or editor do?
Writers transform ideas and concepts in pieces of written content. Editors polish and refine writers’ work—checking spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Finished work can be published as print or online content in newspapers, handbooks, manuals, or works of fiction.
Duties and tasks
- Appear in public to promote latest works.
- Find places to publish works.
- At times, teach creative writing courses.
- Edit works for clarity, cohesiveness, and quality.
- Formulate ideas for creative works.
- Outline and plan the broad outlines of works.
- Write drafts of stories, plays, novels, etc.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
- Associate editor
- Book editor
- Copywriter
- Journalist
- Novelist
- Playwright
- Poet
- Proof-reader
- Resume writer
- Screenwriter
- Script writer
- Technical writer
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate CUR-PWP-DEG
Postgraduate MAQ-EEP-GCE
Postgraduate GRF-CPW-GCE
Discover related subjects
Undergraduate CUR-PWP121
Related degrees
- Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing) (Visual Culture)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Publishing
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)
- Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
- Bachelor of Arts (Chinese)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media)
- Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies)
Postgraduate MAQ-ENGX8015
Related degrees
Postgraduate SWI-PWR70001
Related degrees
Undergraduate USA-COMM3073
Step up your career with these resources
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
Humans of Open Universities Australia: Meet our Content Lead, Cat
A ‘braided river’ career path, a crystal ball moment from Bill Gates, and a heartfelt letter with complete disregard for the third wall—here's Cat.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.