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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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51111.01 – Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers

Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Essayist
  • Literary writer
  • Novelist
  • Playwright
  • Poet
  • Script writer
  • Speech writer
  • Writer

Core competencies

  • Writing to demonstrate command of grammar, syntax, style and narrative structure, using these to craft authentic dialogue, precise pacing and cohesive, impactful storytelling
  • Reading Comprehension to analyze and interpret complex themes, character motivations and emotional nuances to inform writing and get insights into different genres, styles and storytelling techniques
  • Fluency of Ideas to generate various ideas about storylines, character development, and plot twists, to enrich their narratives and enhance the complexity and accessibility of their work
  • Written Expression to craft vivid, compelling narratives, using rich vocabulary, precise syntax and emotional resonance to engage audiences and evoke complex themes and strong imagery
  • Creativity and Innovativeness to conceptualize compelling, unique narratives and characters, develop intricate plotlines and communicate complex themes in innovative ways that captivate audiences
  • Knowledge in Languages to understand how word choice can change meaning, tone and style to convey the precise emotions, imagery and characterization within writing

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation
  • May conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information.

Additional information

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

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Editors (51110)
  • Journalists (51113)
  • Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (11202)
  • Technical writers (51112)
  • Translators, terminologists and interpreters (51114)
  • Songwriter (in 51121.02 Composers)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

51 – Professional occupations in art and culture

Sub-major group

511 – Professional occupations in art and culture

Minor group

5111 – Writing, translating and related communications professionals

Unit group

51111 – Authors and writers (except technical)

Occupational profile

51111.01 – Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.