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Fiction writer skills for your resume and career
Updated January 8, 2025
1 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.,
Ted Anton
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical fiction writer skills. We ranked the top skills for fiction writers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 71.4% of fiction writer resumes contained fiction as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a fiction writer needs to be successful in the workplace.
4 fiction writer skills for your resume and career
1. Fiction
Here's how fiction writers use fiction:
- Edit and post my own blog on my fiction website and post to Facebook Fan Page and Twitter Account.
- Write and self-publish short fiction on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and other retail sites.
2. Non-Fiction
Here's how fiction writers use non-fiction:
- Co-authored and published a non-fiction book available on Amazon.com
- Published several works including the publication of one non-fiction title.
3. Poetry
Here's how fiction writers use poetry:
- Organized Spitting Fire campus-wide poetry activity.
- Composed poetry to creatively, linguistically, and thematically appeal to readers.
4. Short Stories
Here's how fiction writers use short stories:
- Produced two completed manuscripts, as well as a trilogy of short stories within the thriller genre.
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail for short stories and plays.
What skills help Fiction Writers find jobs?
Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.
What fiction writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Manhattan College
I think it is important for graduates to be flexible and welcome challenges. It is critical for students to be confident in their academic foundation. An English related field will undoubtedly require strong critical thinking and writing skills. To that end, it is important to read and practice one's craft daily.
What type of skills will young fiction writers need?
Ted Anton
Professor, DePaul University
They will need to know how to understand and communicate complex information, often contradictory, in a catchy and understandable way. They will have to read professional data online, in business, medicine, health, you name it and then create a sales or summary pitch for investors. So, reading, writing, communication skills will continue to be important. Math, of course, is a big plus, but up to the advanced algebra level... Statistical skills will be helpful. Overall, employers are seeking curious, adventurous, bold, and creative thinkers and communicators for an ever-changing world.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about fiction writerList of fiction writer skills to add to your resume
The most important skills for a fiction writer resume and required skills for a fiction writer to have include:
- Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Poetry
- Short Stories
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025