This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.
Explore all careersNovelists are writers who create fictional works, developing story ideas, writing manuscripts, and pursuing publication through various means.
There are no clear salary figures for novelists in Australia at this time. Many novelists have day-jobs and supplement their income by freelance writing, blogging, creating informational products, conducting writing workshops and online courses.
There are approximately 3,300 dedicated book authors working in Australia right now. Some of these are novelists.
While you don’t need a specialist qualification to become a novelist, the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing and the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing are excellent introductions to the publishing industry in Australia. These qualifications will help you develop professional-level writing and editing skills. All aspiring novelists should consider the Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) or Bachelor of Creative Writing plus supporting qualifications in your specialist genre. So if you wanted to write psychological thrillers, a Bachelor of Psychology would help, or historical fiction (Bachelor of History), crime fiction (Bachelor of Justice Studies/Criminology) and others related courses.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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