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Authors and Writers  (NOC 5121)
Cape Breton Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Authors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches, manuals, specifications and other non-journalistic articles for publication or presentation. They are employed by advertising agencies, governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, multimedia/new-media companies and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

advertising copywriter, copywriter, essayist, interactive media writer, novelist, playwright, poet, scientific writer, script writer, specifications writer, speech writer, technical writer, writer.

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The following is a summary of the main duties of some occupations in this unit group:
  • Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation and may conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information.
  • Technical writers analyze material, such as specifications, notes and drawings, and write manuals, user guides and other documents to explain clearly and concisely the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment.
  • Copywriters study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials.

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

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Belgiumtown, Bras d'Or, Bridgeport, Caledonia, Centreville Reserve Mines, Dominion, East Slope, Florence, Gannon Road, Glace Bay, Havenside, Hub, Kaneville, Little Bras d'Or, Louisbourg, McKays Corner, McLeods Crossing, Morien Hill, New Aberdeen, New Victoria, New Waterford, North Sydney, Passchendaele, Reserve Mines, Reserve Rows, River Ryan, Scotchtown, Steeles Hill, Sterling, Sydney Mines, Table Head, Tomkinsville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Authors and Writers in Cape Breton Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Authors and Writers in Cape Breton Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Cape Breton Region Fair 2011-05-13

Currently the chances of qualified Authors and Writers finding employment are considered to be fair in the local area. There are a wide variety of writers within this occupational group. There are occasional advertised vacancies for copywriters, technical and multimedia writers. Media consolidation in recent years has limited demand for writers. Advertising copywriters need to be aware of writing for a variety of media, including internet advertising, and marketing experience is usually necessary to gain employment. Contract work is common for this group, and some writers are self employed.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Authors and Writers in Nova Scotia is expected to be fair over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Authors and Writers (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.