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How to Become a Novelist: Australian Careers in Writing

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What is a Novelist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Novelist?

A novelist writes original book-length stories. They create characters, plot, and setting, then refine the manuscript until it is ready for readers. This career is open to anyone who can write well and persist with a long creative project.

Day to day, novelists research, plan, draft, and edit their work. Most spend several years on a single manuscript. They may work alone, but they also work with editors, agents, and publishers to shape the final book.

Publishing paths in Australia include traditional publishing (via a literary agent), hybrid publishing, and self-publishing. Each path has different demands on the author’s time and business skills. Many Australian novelists maintain other paid work while writing, especially early in their careers.

The role suits people who enjoy deep, solitary creative work and are open to feedback. Strong reading habits, patience, and the ability to revise without losing heart are just as important as raw writing talent.

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Career snapshots For Novelists

Novelists in Australia work in a creative and competitive field, with more publishing options than ever.

  • Median weekly pay: $2,500 per week for Authors (ANZSCO 212211) (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024)
  • Future demand: Strong (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024)
  • Median age: About 48 years (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024)
  • Gender: About 63% female (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024)
  • Work pattern: Many novelists work part-time, especially early in their career
  • Creative income: 45% of full-time creators earn under $15,000 from their practice (ASA Annual Survey, 2025)
  • Audiobook growth: 6% rise in audiobook rates for Australian authors (ASA Annual Survey, 2025)

What will I do?

Novelists write book-length fiction. Each project moves through several stages, from the first idea to the finished manuscript. The work is varied and demands both creative energy and careful planning.

  • Idea development: creates and develops ideas, themes, and characters for original fiction.
  • Research: gathers information from books, interviews, and other sources to give the story depth and accuracy.
  • Drafting: writes new content each day, working toward a complete first draft of the manuscript.
  • Editing and revision: revises the manuscript for clarity, pacing, and consistency across multiple drafts.
  • Working with editors: responds to editorial feedback from publishers or freelance editors to improve the book.
  • Agent and publisher liaison: submits manuscripts, negotiates contracts, and works with publishing teams on production.
  • Marketing and promotion: attends book launches, literary festivals, and signings to connect with readers and promote new titles.
  • Continuing development: reads widely and takes part in workshops and writing groups to keep improving their craft.

What skills do I need?

A novelist needs strong writing skills above all else. Clear expression, a feel for rhythm, and the ability to build tension through prose are core. These skills come with practice and honest feedback.

Research ability matters too. Novelists often write about places, time periods, or professions they have not lived. They must gather facts quickly and use them naturally in the story. Good organisation helps them keep track of characters, timelines, and plot threads across hundreds of pages.

Resilience is also essential. A novelist faces rejection from agents and publishers, long gaps between contracts, and slow sales. The ability to keep writing through setbacks separates those who build a career from those who stop after one book.

Skills/attributes

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Strong written expression
  • Research and fact-checking
  • Story structure and plot development
  • Character development
  • Attention to detail
  • Self-editing and revision
  • Time management and self-discipline
  • Resilience and persistence
  • Openness to feedback and critique
  • Understanding of publishing and contracts
  • Networking and relationship-building

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.