Working as a writer in Canada

A writer is an incredibly interesting and creative profession. Almost no company can do without them, because they write articles for websites, advertising publications, social networks, and develop instructions for products. And what would people do without fiction and documentary works? After all, despite the transition of literature to digital format, books are still in demand.

The good news is that the writing profession is in demand in Canada. According to Job Bank, authors and writers have the most job opportunities in the province of Saskatchewan.

Salaries

A writer's salary in Canada depends on different factors: job requirements, qualifications, working hours, working conditions and the location of the employer. Experienced professionals earn more than beginners. Salary may also depend on what kind of texts the writer writes: technical writers are usually paid more.

According to official information, writers in Canada earn an average of $38,363 CAD per year or $3,197 CAD per month.

The highest salaries, according to Job Bank, are for writers in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec — there the average hourly rate starts at $30 CAD.

Sometimes aspiring writers have to work for free or for a very small fee at first to gain experience and build their portfolio.

Writers in Canada — what do they do?

According to the Canadian Occupational Handbook, authors and writers in Canada can have different responsibilities, depending on the specifics of the job.

Novelists, playwrights, screenwriters, poets and other creative writers:

• devise and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation;
• can conduct research to establish factual content and obtain other necessary information.

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Technical writers:

• review materials such as specifications, notes and drawings, as well as instruction manuals, user manuals and other documents to clearly and concisely explain the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment.

Copywriters:

• study and define the sales of products and services and write texts for advertisements and commercials;
• may specialize in a particular subject or type of writing.

Where and how writers work in Canada

Writers may work for advertising agencies, large corporations, the government, private consulting firms, publishing houses, and the media. They may also be self-employed, writing for companies, or publishing their own work.

Most writers work full-time (40 hours a week), but part-time or project work is possible. Writers can work either in offices or remotely.

Examples of posts:

• advertising copywriter;
• copywriter;
• essay writer;
• novelist;
• medical writer;
• playwright;
• poet;
• science writer;
• scriptwriter;
• speechwriter;
• technical writer;
• the writer.

Employment requirements

Generally, writers require a university degree, and the field depends on what exactly you will be writing. If it's technical writing, a degree in a relevant field such as IT or engineering may be required. Copywriters are usually required to have a degree in marketing, advertising or related disciplines.

It will be an advantage if you have had creative writing programs during your studies. It is also important for many employers to have a portfolio from which they can assess your abilities.

Membership in writing-related associations and clubs, such as the Writers' Union of Canada, may also be required.

A writer must have an excellent understanding of the topic he or she is writing on, and a very good knowledge of English or French. In addition, successful work requires the skill to quickly search and analyze information, the ability to conduct research work.

How to immigrate to Canada

If you have experience as a writer, you can move to Canada through one of the immigration programs suitable for this profession.

Writers, for example, are suitable:

• federal immigration program for the self-employed;
• Quebec immigration program for skilled professionals;
• Newfoundland and Labrador priority skills program.

For more immigration programs for authors and writers, see here.