Skip to content
ESCO occupation

writer

Back to ESCO occupations

Writers develop content for books. They write novels, poetry, short stories, comics and other forms of literature. These forms of writing can be fictional or non-fictional.

2641.4 ISCO 2641 ESCO source
Competences
32
Groups
4
Essential
18
Optional
14

Competences and skills

32 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
publishing market

The trends in the publishing market and the type of books that are are appealing to a certain audience.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

7 competences
copyright legislation

Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

ESCO source
grammar

The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.

ESCO source
literature

The body of artistic writing characterized by beauty of expression, form, and universality of intellectual and emotional appeal.

ESCO source
publishing industry

Key stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.

ESCO source
spelling

The rules concerning the way words are spelled.

ESCO source
types of literature genres

The different literary genres in the history of literature, their technique, tone, content and length.

ESCO source
writing techniques

The different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
critically reflect on artistic production processes

Critically reflect upon processes and outcomes of the artisitc production process in order to ensure quality of experience and/or product.

ESCO source
develop an artistic framework

Develop a specific framework for research, creation and completion of artistic work.

ESCO source
perform background research on writing subject

Run thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.

ESCO source
use specific writing techniques

Use writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.

ESCO source
write dialogues

Write conversations between characters.

ESCO source
write storylines

Write the plot of a novel, play, film, or other narrative form. Create and develop characters, their personalities, and relationships.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
apply grammar and spelling rules

Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.

ESCO source
consult information sources

Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.

ESCO source
develop creative ideas

Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

ESCO source
select subject matter

Select subject matter based on personal or public interest, or ordered by a publisher or agent.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

1 competence
linguistics

The scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 13 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
critique other writers

Criticise the output of other writers, including sometimes providing coaching and mentoring services.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

8 competences
evaluate writings in response to feedback

Edit and adapt work in response to comments from peers and publishers.

ESCO source
liaise with book publishers

Establish working relationships with publishing companies and their sales representatives.

ESCO source
manage writing administration

Manage the financial and administrative side of writing including making up budgets, maintaining financial records, checking contracts, etc.

ESCO source
negotiate artistic productions

Negotiate the terms for artistic productions with the selected companies, keeping within the budgetary limits prepared by the business leadership.

ESCO source
negotiate publishing rights

Negotiate the sale of the publishing rights of books to translate them and adapt them into movies or other genres.

ESCO source
promote one's writings

Talk about one's work at events and conduct readings, speeches and book signings. Establish a network among fellow writers.

ESCO source
teach writing

Teach basic or advanced writing principles to varying age groups in a fixed eduction organisation setting or by running private writing workshops.

ESCO source
write to a deadline

Schedule and respect tight deadlines, especially for theatre, screen and radio projects.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
attend book fairs

Attend fairs and events to get familiar with new book trends and to meet with authors, publishers, and others in the publishing sector.

ESCO source
consult with editor

Consult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.

ESCO source
proofread text

Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.

ESCO source
respect publication formats

Submit text material for printing purposes. Always respect the required and expected publication formats.

ESCO source