Author job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Author?
The terms Authors and Writers can sometimes be used interchangeably.
Authors are typically referred to as creative professionals who develop and write books, stories, manuscripts, and other written material.
On the other hand, any professional who creates written or online content can be called an Author.
They usually write promotional content for magazines, articles, advertising copy, movie scripts, etc.
Since the term Author is a wide profession, there are many different types based on their primary responsibilities and related industry.
Thus, Authors can be content writers, copywriters, novelists, bloggers, biographers, screenwriters, etc.
The top Author skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are hiring an Author with a sharp and innovative mind to join our company. As our Author, you will be responsible for developing unique ideas and turning them into engaging written content. You will be responsible for writing stories, scripts, online content, articles, advertisements, and other materials based on the company’s or clients’ needs and guidelines. Your job will also be to conduct research to support your work with factual information and expand your knowledge.
In this position, you should ensure that the language, style, and tone of your work match the company’s or clients’ needs and requirements. To ensure the highest quality, accuracy, and consistency of your work, you should edit and proofread it before submitting the final draft.
To ensure success as an Author, you must have a natural talent for writing, as well as outstanding research, editing, communication, creativity, and adaptability.
Duties and responsibilities
- Create content for various types of media, such as advertisements, stories, magazines, articles, books, scripts, etc
- Develop story elements, including characters, plots, dialogues, style, etc
- Research factual information to support the topic
- Write advertising copy for social media, newspapers, websites, broadcasts, etc
- Present manuscripts and drafts to clients and editors for feedback
- Collaborate with editors and other professionals to shape the written piece for publishing
- Research and implement creative ideas
- Edit and rewrite the content to match the style, tone, language, and other requirements with the client’s or publisher’s needs and guidelines
- Follow market trends and assess the competition
- Brainstorm and share ideas with other professionals
- Edit other authors’ work if needed and recommend changes and improvements
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications
- Previous working experience as an Author
- Basic understanding of marketing concepts and processes
- Extraordinary writing and editing skills
- Strong research abilities
- Creative and innovative mindset
- Ability to accept various writing topics and overcome challenges
- Adaptability and determination
- Great communication
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
The most useful educational path for Authors is a Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications.
Candidates will learn the basics of writing and acquire the necessary grammar, spelling, and punctuation knowledge through these degrees.
Although formal certification is not the requirement for Authors, candidates can expand their knowledge and gain valuable experience by joining the American Grant Writers’ Association (AGWA) and earning a Certified Grant Writer credential.
Certified Grant Writer
Demonstrates expertise in grant writing and funding proposal development.
American Grant Writers’ AssociationSample interview questions for an Author.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- How would you describe your writing style in three words?
- What was the last book you read?
- How is your favorite writer?
- Do you have any specific career goals that you strive for?
- When did you start writing professionally?
- What makes your writing unique and attractive?
- How do you typically come up with ideas for your content?
- How do you conduct research and learn about a topic you know nothing about?
- How would you inspire and encourage a young author?
- What do you think is the ideal length for a magazine article?
- What would you do if you noticed several mistakes in the final draft of your work?
- What is your experience with creating advertising content?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $12 at the 10th percentile to $56 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Writer
The definition of a Writer can go in many different directions since versatility is what makes this position so unique.
$62,236 medianFrequently asked questions.
What do Authors do?
Authors are creative professionals who develop innovative ideas and turn them into engaging and unique written content for various media and purposes.
Authors can write books, newspaper and magazine articles, blogs, social media content, movie and theater scripts, advertisements, etc.
What are the different types of Authors?
Depending on the industry and related topics, Authors can be:
- Novelists
- Biographers
- Content Writers
- Copywriters
- Bloggers
- Playwrights
- Screenwriters, etc
What are the educational requirements for Authors?
Authors typically earn a Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications.
How much do Authors earn annually?
Authors usually earn between $23,500 and $116,500 per year.
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