Explore a possible path

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
  • Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
  • Present drafts and ideas to clients.
  • Edit or rewrite existing written material as necessary, and submit written material for approval by supervisor, editor, or publisher.
  • Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
  • Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
  • Write articles, bulletins, sales letters, speeches, and other related informative, marketing and promotional material.
  • Write advertising material for use by publication, broadcast, or internet media to promote the sale of goods and services.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.0 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.3 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

6.7 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.9 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.8 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.3 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2026-08

5.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2026-08

4.1 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2026-08

3.8 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2026-08

3.8 / 5

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

2026-08

3.8 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2026-08

3.6 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2026-08

3.1 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2026-08

3.1 / 5

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

2026-08

3.0 / 5

Persuasion

Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

2026-08

3.0 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 4 of 5 · 2026-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Communication, General →

Speech Communication and Rhetoric →

Mass Communication/Media Studies →

Journalism →

Broadcast Journalism →

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other →

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Communication →

Writing, General →

Creative Writing →

Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing →

Rhetoric and Composition →

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 27-3043.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.