Author Resume Examples & Templates
4 free customizable and printable Author samples and templates for 2025. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
Author Resume Examples and Templates
1. How to write an Author resume
Getting noticed as an Author can be tough when so many talented writers are competing for the same opportunities. How can you ensure your resume stands out? Hiring managers want to see your unique voice and measurable achievements, not just a list of publications. Unfortunately, many authors focus too heavily on titles and forget to highlight the impact of their work.
This guide will help you craft a resume that showcases your writing journey effectively. You’ll learn how to transform basic statements into powerful narratives, like changing 'Wrote articles' to 'Authored 20 articles published in top literary magazines.' We'll assist you with key sections such as your work experience and writing summary. By the end, you’ll have a resume that captures your literary essence.
Use the right format for an Author resume
When crafting a resume as an Author, the chronological format is often the best choice, especially if you've built a steady career in writing. This format highlights your work history and progression, showcasing how your writing skills have developed over time. However, if you're a budding writer or transitioning from another field, a functional format can help emphasize your skills and relevant experience instead.
Whichever format you choose, ensure it remains ATS-friendly. This means clear sections without columns, tables, or complex graphics. Keep it simple and straightforward to make sure hiring managers can easily read your qualifications.
Craft an impactful Author resume summary
A resume summary is crucial for showcasing your experience and skills as an Author. For seasoned writers, this brief section highlights your background, specialization, and key achievements. If you're new to the field or changing careers, consider an objective statement instead, focusing on your motivation and relevant skills. A strong summary follows this formula: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. This structure helps you present yourself concisely and effectively.
For example, a summary might highlight your published works, writing style, or specific genres you excel in. Tailor this summary to the job description, using keywords to align with what employers are seeking.
Good resume summary example
'Accomplished Author with 10 years of experience in fiction and non-fiction writing. Skilled in character development, narrative structure, and engaging storytelling. Authored three best-selling novels and numerous articles in renowned publications.'
Why this works: It clearly outlines experience, specialization, and a notable achievement that captures attention.
Bad resume summary example
'I am a writer looking for an opportunity. I have some experience in various writing styles and am passionate about storytelling.'
Why this fails: It lacks specifics, doesn't highlight achievements, and fails to show the writer’s unique strengths.
Highlight your Author work experience
List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Each entry should include your Job Title, Company Name, and Dates of Employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, starting each point with strong action verbs.
For an Author, quantifying your impact is essential. Instead of saying 'Responsible for writing books', say 'Wrote and published three novels, selling over 100,000 copies combined'. Consider the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate how you contributed to your projects.
Good work experience example
- 'Developed and published five novels, leading to a 150% increase in readership and positive reviews across literary platforms.'
Why this works: It uses quantifiable achievements and strong action verbs, showing clear impact.
Bad work experience example
- 'Wrote various articles and books on different topics.'
Why this fails: It lacks specific details and measurable outcomes, making it less impactful.
Present relevant education for an Author
In your education section, include your School Name, Degree, and Graduation Year or Expected Date. For recent graduates, make this section more prominent, including your GPA or relevant coursework if applicable. If you have significant work experience, keep this section concise. Additionally, include relevant certifications like writing workshops or courses that bolster your qualifications as an Author.
Formatting should stay clean and straightforward, ensuring it's easy to read. This helps emphasize your qualifications while keeping the focus on your writing experience.
Good education example
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of California, 2015. GPA: 3.8. Completed coursework in Creative Writing and Literary Analysis.
Why this works: It highlights the degree, relevant coursework, and GPA, establishing a solid educational background.
Bad education example
English Degree, 2015.
Why this fails: It's vague and lacks specifics on the institution and achievements, making it less impressive.
Add essential skills for an Author resume
Technical skills for a Author resume
Soft skills for a Author resume
Include these powerful action words on your Author resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for an Author
Consider adding sections for Projects, Certifications, Publications, Awards, or Volunteer Experience. These can showcase your versatility and achievements as an Author. Including a section for languages can also be beneficial, especially if you write in multiple languages or target diverse audiences.
Good example
Published works: 'The Journey of Dreams' (2020), 'Whispers of the Night' (2021) - Both novels received critical acclaim and were featured in major literary reviews.
Why this works: It directly showcases published works and highlights their recognition, enhancing credibility.
Bad example
Wrote some short stories and articles in various magazines.
Why this fails: It’s too vague and lacks specific titles or impact, making it less compelling.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for an Author
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that help employers manage the recruitment process. They scan resumes for specific keywords and format styles, which means optimizing your resume is crucial for an Author role. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords or follows a poor format, it might get rejected before a human even sees it.
To optimize your resume, start by using standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'. Incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions, such as 'creative writing', 'editing', 'storytelling', and any specific genres you excel in. Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, or images since ATS can struggle with those. Stick to standard fonts and file formats like PDF or .docx to ensure readability.
Common mistakes include using synonyms for keywords instead of the exact terms found in job descriptions. You should also avoid relying on headers or footers that ATS might misinterpret. Make sure to include critical keywords related to your writing skills, genres, or certifications relevant to the Author position.
ATS-compatible example
Skills: Creative Writing, Editing, Storytelling, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry
Why this works: This skills section directly lists relevant keywords an ATS would scan for. It clearly indicates the applicant's expertise in areas pertinent to the Author role.
ATS-incompatible example
My Proficiencies: I have a knack for writing compelling stories and have experience in diverse genres, including thrillers and romance.
Why this fails: While the content is good, the heading 'My Proficiencies' is non-standard and could confuse the ATS. Additionally, it lacks specific keywords like 'fiction' or 'editing', which are crucial for the Author role.
3. How to format and design an Author resume
Choosing the right resume template is key for an author. A clean, professional layout works best, especially one that's reverse-chronological. This format highlights your writing experience and makes it easy for readers to follow your career path.
Keep your resume to one page if you're early in your career. For more experienced authors, two pages may be acceptable, but be concise. Focus on your most relevant publications and achievements to keep the reader engaged.
Use professional, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri or Arial, with font sizes between 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Ensure there's plenty of white space to avoid a cluttered look. Simple formatting helps both human readers and ATS systems to easily scan your resume.
Avoid common mistakes like using overly complex templates with graphics or too many colors. These can confuse ATS and distract from your content. Stick to clear section headings and consistent spacing for the best results.
Well formatted example
Experience
Author, Haley, Walker and Turner
June 2020 – Present
- Published five novels and contributed articles to various literary magazines.
This clean layout ensures readability and is ATS-friendly.
Poorly formatted example
Work History
Author, Borer-Macejkovic
2020 - Present
- Wrote several bestsellers.
- Participated in numerous literary events.
ATS may struggle to parse the small font and this layout lacks adequate white space, making it harder for readers to focus.
4. Cover letter for an Author
Writing a cover letter for an Author position is essential to showcase your creativity and passion for storytelling. This letter complements your resume by providing a glimpse into your personality and writing style. It also shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
Start with your header, including your contact information and the date. Then, make your opening paragraph memorable. State the specific Author position you're applying for, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity, and mention a compelling qualification or where you found the job listing.
In the body paragraphs, connect your writing experience to the job requirements. Highlight key projects or publications, specific writing styles you excel in, and any relevant soft skills like creativity and discipline. Tailor your content to the company and the role, using keywords from the job description to show you’re a great fit.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Author position and the company.
- Express confidence in your ability to contribute to their team.
- Include a clear call to action, inviting them to discuss your application further.
Maintain a professional yet enthusiastic tone throughout. Customizing your letter for each application is key; avoid generic templates and make it feel personal.
Sample an Author cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am excited to apply for the Author position at Penguin Random House, as advertised on your careers page. With a deep passion for storytelling and a background in various writing styles, I am eager to contribute my creativity to your esteemed team.
I have published three novels and numerous short stories in literary magazines, which have helped me hone my voice and engage readers effectively. My latest novel, which explores the intricacies of human relationships, received critical acclaim and was selected for the 2022 Best New Fiction list. Additionally, I have a strong social media presence, fostering a community of over 10,000 followers who appreciate my insights into the writing process.
I am particularly drawn to Penguin Random House because of your commitment to diverse voices in literature. I believe my unique perspective and dedication to exploring complex themes align perfectly with your mission. I am confident that my skills in character development and narrative structure will contribute positively to your publishing endeavors.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and passion for storytelling can benefit the Penguin Random House team. I am eager to bring my creativity to your esteemed company.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing an Author resume
Crafting a great resume as an author means showcasing your unique voice and writing style. It's crucial to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your talent. Paying attention to detail can make a significant difference in how potential publishers or employers see you.
Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of when creating your author resume.
Avoid vague descriptions of your work
Mistake Example: "Wrote several articles and stories."
Correction: Be specific about what you've written. Instead, write: "Authored over 20 articles on cultural history for renowned magazines like The Literary Review."
Generic applications
Mistake Example: "I am looking for opportunities to write."
Correction: Tailor your resume for each opportunity. Instead, try: "Seeking a position to contribute my storytelling skills to children's literature, focusing on educational themes."
Typos and grammatical errors
Mistake Example: "I have a passion for writting and creating compelling narritives."
Correction: Always proofread your work. A better example would be: "I have a passion for writing and creating compelling narratives."
Irrelevant information
Mistake Example: "I enjoy hiking and cooking in my free time."
Correction: Focus on relevant experiences. Instead, say: "Participated in writing workshops and literary festivals to enhance my craft and network with other authors."
Poor formatting for readability
Mistake Example: "Experience: Wrote books, articles, and poems."
Correction: Use clear sections and bullet points for better readability. Instead, format it like this:
- Books: "The Journey Within" (2022)
- Articles: "Exploring Modern Fiction" (2021)
- Poems: Featured in "Poets of Today" (2023)
6. FAQs about Author resumes
Creating a resume as an author involves showcasing your writing skills, published works, and unique voice. This section offers FAQs and tips to help you present your literary journey effectively.
What skills should I highlight on my author resume?
What skills should I highlight on my author resume?
Your resume should emphasize skills like:
- Creative writing
- Editing and proofreading
- Research proficiency
- Time management
- Storytelling abilities
What's the best format for an author resume?
What's the best format for an author resume?
Use a clean, professional format. Start with your contact information, followed by a summary, skills, publications, and experience. Keep it easy to read and visually appealing.
How long should my author resume be?
How long should my author resume be?
A one-page resume is ideal, especially if you're early in your career. If you have extensive publications, two pages is acceptable, but ensure every word counts.
How can I effectively showcase my published works?
How can I effectively showcase my published works?
List your publications in a dedicated section. Include the title, publication name, and date. You might also add a brief description of your work to provide context.
What should I do about employment gaps on my author resume?
What should I do about employment gaps on my author resume?
Address gaps honestly. If you've worked on personal projects, freelance writing, or volunteer work, include these experiences. They show your commitment to writing.
Pro Tips
Emphasize Your Unique Voice
Your writing style sets you apart. Use your resume to reflect your voice, whether through your summary or the descriptions of your works.
Include Relevant Certifications
If you've taken writing courses or received certifications, list them. They show your dedication to improving your craft and can impress potential employers.
Be Selective with Your Publications
Choose to showcase your best or most relevant works. Quality over quantity matters. Tailor your selection to the job you're applying for.
Keep It Professional
Even though you're a creative, your resume should maintain professionalism. Avoid overly artistic designs that may distract from the content.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Author resume
Writing a great resume as an Author can help you land your next big project. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Use a clean, professional format that’s easy for hiring managers to read.
- Highlight your writing skills and experiences that relate specifically to the type of writing you do, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or content writing.
- Employ strong action verbs and quantify your achievements, like the number of books published or awards won.
- Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including relevant keywords from job descriptions naturally.
Take the time to refine your resume, and consider using templates or resume-building tools to make the process easier. Good luck with your writing journey!
Similar Resume Examples
Simple pricing, powerful features
Upgrade to Himalayas Plus and turbocharge your job search.