CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Reviewer: Australian Careers in Writing

0 Course

On this page

What is a Reviewer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Reviewer?

A Reviewer reads manuscripts, scripts, and written works to check if they are ready to publish or produce. They give clear feedback to authors and publishers to make the final product better.

Reviewers work in publishing houses, media companies, and film and theatre production. Some work as freelancers, taking on scripts and drafts for a range of clients. The role suits people who read widely, write well, and enjoy helping others refine their work.

Daily tasks include reading drafts, writing feedback reports, and meeting with authors and editors. Reviewers check that the story flows well, characters are consistent, and style suits the target reader. They also advise on whether a draft is ready to publish.

Demand for Reviewers in Australia is rated strong (YourCareer.gov.au, 2024). The career suits people with a background in English, media, or the arts. It pairs sharp thinking with a love of reading and writing.

Icon

Career snapshots For Reviewers

Around 1,100 people work as Reviewers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021). Work is concentrated in New South Wales (37%) and Victoria (37%). The female share of employment is 77% (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021).

Demand is rated strong, with growth expected in coming years (YourCareer.gov.au, 2024). Around 49% of Reviewers work full-time. Many others take on part-time or freelance roles. The median age is 47.

Average weekly earnings are around $2,500, equivalent to about $130,000 per year (YourCareer.gov.au, 2024). Reviewers work mainly in media, arts, publishing, and education sectors.

What will I do?

A Reviewer reads and assesses manuscripts, scripts, and written works to help publishers and producers decide what to take forward. They work across publishing, film, television, radio, and stage productions.

  • Evaluate Manuscripts – Reads novels, biographies, educational texts, and other works for coherence, style, and thematic development.
  • Provide Feedback – Offers clear, constructive feedback to authors on plot, characters, and narrative structure.
  • Advise Publishers – Consults with publishers on whether works are suitable for publication and the terms of publication contracts.
  • Negotiate Terms – Discusses publication details such as royalties, release dates, and print quantities with authors and agents.
  • Assess Scripts – Reads and assesses scripts for film, television, radio, and stage productions to check they meet industry standards.
  • Direct Script Preparation – Oversees preparation of scripts for announcers and performers, ensuring clarity and flow.
  • Collaborate with Teams – Works with editors, authors, and production teams to align on project goals and timelines.
  • Stay Current – Keeps up with industry trends and standards to provide relevant, informed feedback.

What skills do I need?

A successful Reviewer has strong reading and writing skills. They have a sharp eye for detail and can give honest, helpful feedback. They understand story structure, genre rules, and editorial standards used in Australian publishing and media.

Good communication is key. Reviewers must explain issues clearly in writing and in person. They need good time management, as they often work across multiple projects at once. Knowledge of publishing contracts and industry terms is also a practical advantage.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong reading and analytical skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of narrative structure and genre conventions
  • Ability to give constructive feedback
  • Understanding of publishing and production processes
  • Negotiation skills for contract and publication terms
  • Time management and ability to meet deadlines
  • Research skills
  • Familiarity with Australian editorial standards
  • Adaptability across genres and formats
  • Collaboration skills for working with authors and teams

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!

Related Careers

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.