Author/ Book Editor

Advanced Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing)

2008 - Semester One

Whether its Shakespeare, Quentin Tarentino or the writing team responsible for The X-Files, there's no doubt that authors leave their creative mark on the world. By utilising many different mediums, including theatre, fiction, non fiction, television, cinema and even CD ROMs, they can fashion an idea into a tangible work.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Artistic and Creative

Actor,  Artist,  Author/ Book Editor,  Baker and Pastry Chef,  Beauty Therapist,  Dancer and Choreographer,  Fashion Designer,  Film,Stage, TV and Radio Director,  Florist,  Graphic and Multimedia Designer,  Interior Decorator,  Jeweller and Gem Cutter,  Marketing Specialists,  Musician,  Painters and Decorator,  Photographer,  Signwriter,  Sound Engineer / Sound Technician

Influencing and Personal Contact

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker,  Actor,  Author/ Book Editor,  Bar Attendant,  Beauty Therapist,  Building Surveyor,  Butcher,  Child Care Worker,  Counsellor and Community Worker,  Fashion Designer,  Film,Stage, TV and Radio Director,  Florist,  Gaming Workers,  Hotel Motel Manager,  Human Resources Manager,  Marketing Specialists,  Musician,  Nursing (enrolled),  Occupational Health & Safety Professional,  Police Officer,  Project and Program Administrator,  Real Estate Agents & Property Managers,  Restaurant and Catering Manager,  Retail Buyer,  Retail Sales,  School Services Officer,  Security Officer,  Tourist Information Officer,  Travel and Tour Consultant,  VET in Schools Teachers,  Youth Worker and Disability Worker

Literary

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There are no educational requirements to become an author. It is recommended however to undertake further study to hone your written skills. Currently of those employed in this Industry 28% have Bachelor Degrees, 26% have Graduate Diplomas or Graduate Certificates, 6% have Advanced Diploma's or Diploma's, 6% have Certificate III or IV and the remaining 35% have no post school qualification. To maximise opportunities for employment in this industry is recommended that people undertake further study in this area.

TAFE SA offer the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation; Advanced Diploma Arts (Professional Writing), Certificate III Education (Library Assistant) and the Certificate II Visual Arts & Contemporary Craft.

Still Unsure! Then enrol in a short course also offered through TAFE SA such as Online Creative Writing. For further information about these and related courses go to the TAFE SA website at http://www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

''Writing is a calling. Its a matter of the heart,'' says another Australian author. There are limited opportunities for fiction writers (novels, poetry and short stories) and with the existence of three State publishing houses, only the most talented will be successful. Most publishing firms will not accept unsolicited manuscripts and the general procedure is for authors to go through a reputable agent. Self publishing may be a solution or branching out into the more lucrative non fiction market, writing speciality books, such as gardening, self help, craft or religion. The growth in new technologies like interactive videos and CD ROMs may provide a niche market. Script writers can work in a number of production areas, but due to the high levels of team input and story conferences, those wanting to write for television serials or soap operas will have to go to Sydney or Melbourne. Work is also affected directly by dwindling audience numbers attending live performances. Additional employment opportunities may exist in unlikely industries, such as companies like Alcoa, or in hospitals where writers facilitate workshops.

Communication Services,  Cultural and Recreational Services,  Health and Community Services

To be updated.

Not all authors are cloistered away in a garret somewhere! Authors develop their work in different ways, depending on the genre and particular working style of the author. Non fiction work, such as biographies or self help books are researched thoroughly using libraries, the Internet, academic resources and even interviewing people about the subject matter. Novelists and poets are usually guided by the richness of their own imagination and life experience. Although they may consult with editors and publishers at some stage on re-writing and re-working the manuscript, they are autonomous in the creative process. Other collaborative works, such as theatre, television or radio scripts and anthologies may be workshopped as part of a team project. A community writer may work with indigenous, migrant or people with disabilities, helping to facilitate group projects and helping them find their voice of expression.

Each writer develops the style of working which suits him or her. A diverse award winning poet, playwright and community writer, finds the creative process can vary. ''Most writers have learned their seasonal rhythms. I know I can write between 9am and 3pm and then 8pm to 3am in the morning. At the beginning of a piece of a work you may not want to stop at all. And then you may not write for weeks. Poetry is different. Poetry is really the muse (source of inspiration) the voice speaks in a sense and then you explore.''

Simply put, authors need to have something to say. They also need to know their target audience, whether its young adults or gardening enthusiasts and have the excellent written skills to achieve this aim. Most writers work using word processors, writing journals and their highly developed written and editing skills. For a larger work, a précis (summary outline) may be mapped out to help an author shape the information into the best possible structure. Other methodologies incorporating basic elements of style, characterisation, plot structure and thematic development, may also be brought into play. Some skills though can't be learned. A fiction author without imagination would be akin to an artist without a brush! ''You need to have a lively imagination or curiosity. An ordinary guy goes to a cheese factory and buys a lump of cheese. A writer forages and fossicks around the factory for other information,'' says an industry professional.

For further information, contact:

SA Writers' Centre Inc
PO Box 43 Rundle Mall SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8223 7662
Fax: (08) 8232 3994
Email: sawriters@sawriters.on.net
Internet Address: http://www.sawriters.on.net

Australian Society of Authors (National)
PO Box 1566 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Ph: (02) 9318 0877
Fax: (02) 9318 0530
Email: asa@asauthors.org
Internet Address: http://www.asauthors.org

Innovation and Business Industry Skills Council (National Office)
Level 7, 163 Eastern Rd South Melbourne VIC 3205
Ph: (03) 9645 7555
Fax: (03) 9645 7556
Email: sharon@bsitab.org
Internet Address: http://www.ibisc.com.au

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (SA/NT)
First Floor 241 Pirie St Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8223 6055
Fax: (08) 8223 7176
Email: sa@alliance.org.au
Internet Address: http://www.alliance.org.au

Not everyone can be like J.K. Rowling and make millions from their first book. Due to the vastness of possibilities within this industry exact salary figures are not set in stone. Teaching at universities and schools, running workshops, doing readings, getting funding grants and entering literary competitions are all possible ways to make extra income. Money can also be made from foreign sales and the Educational Lending Rights. For example, each time Brigid's novel Guitar Highway Rose is borrowed from a library, she receives 20 cents (so keep borrowing those books!).

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au