Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Author Roles – 2025

Preparing for an author job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your writing skills, creativity, and experience in the publishing industry. Whether you’re applying for a role as a fiction writer, non-fiction writer, or copywriter, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your background in writing and how it led you to this position.
  Writing has always been my passion, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career as an author. I have a degree in English Literature, and I have been honing my writing skills by working in various industries such as marketing and journalism. This position aligns perfectly with my career goals and allows me to fully utilize my skills and creativity.
• 2. What motivated you to apply for this position?
  I am constantly looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow as a writer. The prospect of working with a team of talented individuals and contributing to the success of a well-established publishing house is extremely exciting to me.
• 3. How would you describe your writing style?
  My writing style can be best described as versatile and adaptable. Depending on the audience and purpose, I am able to switch between different styles, whether it's formal, conversational, or persuasive. However, I always strive to maintain a strong and clear voice in all my writing.
• 4. How do you handle feedback and criticism on your writing?
  I welcome constructive feedback and always look for ways to improve my writing. I understand that the publishing industry is a collaborative process, and I am open to working closely with editors and other team members to produce the best possible result.
• 5. Can you walk us through your writing process?
  I typically start by brainstorming ideas and creating an outline to guide my writing. Then, I do thorough research and gather all the necessary information before starting to write. I always leave time for revisions and edits to ensure my work is polished and error-free.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How familiar are you with the publishing industry and current trends?
  I have been following the publishing industry closely and have a strong understanding of the current trends. I am always interested in expanding my knowledge and keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
• 7. What are your strong points as a writer?
  I believe my strongest points as a writer are my ability to tell a captivating story, maintain a clear and engaging tone, and create well-developed and relatable characters. I also excel at conducting thorough research and presenting complex information in a digestible manner.
• 8. How do you approach writing for different genres and audiences?
  I approach each genre and audience with open-mindedness and adaptability. I do extensive research on the market and readers' preferences, and then I immerse myself in the genre to understand its unique conventions and expectations. I also make sure to communicate effectively with the target audience to create a connection with my writing.
• 9. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?
  I am capable of working efficiently under tight deadlines and handle pressure well. I am a highly organized individual and make sure to prioritize my tasks and manage my time effectively. I also communicate clearly and frequently with my team to ensure we meet our goals and deliver quality work on time.
• 10. How do you incorporate feedback and edits from editors into your writing?
  I welcome editors' input and incorporate their feedback and edits into my writing by closely following their guidelines and suggestions. I make sure to maintain the writer's voice and intent while addressing any concerns or issues raised by the editor.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to deal with writer's block? How did you overcome it?
  As a writer, I have faced writer's block multiple times. One instance that stands out to me is when I was working on a novel, and I had reached a point where I couldn't seem to move forward with the story. To overcome it, I took a step back and focused on a different project for a while. I also went for walks and practiced free writing to clear my mind. Eventually, I was able to come back to the novel with a fresh perspective and finish it successfully.
• 12. Tell us about a time when you had to handle conflicting feedback on your writing. How did you resolve it?
  While working on a marketing campaign, I received feedback from different team members that seemed to contradict each other. Instead of getting frustrated, I scheduled a meeting with everyone involved and had a candid discussion about the feedback. I listened to their perspectives and found a way to incorporate elements from each into the final piece. In the end, the result was well-received, and I was commended for my effective communication and collaboration.
• 13. How do you handle criticism from readers, especially when it's negative?
  I understand that not everyone will like everything that I write, and I am okay with that. In fact, I see constructive criticism from readers as an opportunity for growth and improvement. I take the time to read the feedback carefully and learn from it. If the criticism is particularly harsh, I step back and reflect on how I can address the issue in my future writing.
• 14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to revise a piece of writing multiple times? How did you handle it?
  As a copywriter, I have had to revise my work multiple times based on client feedback and changes in the project. One project, in particular, involved over 10 rounds of revisions. While it was challenging, I remained patient and communicated effectively with the client to understand their needs and deliver a final product they were happy with.
• 15. Tell us about a time when you had to work on a collaborative writing project. How did you contribute to the team's success?
  I have worked on many collaborative writing projects, and one that stands out to me is when I was part of a group tasked with creating a guidebook for a client. In addition to writing my assigned sections, I also took on the responsibility of compiling and editing all the content from various team members. I made sure to stay organized, communicate clearly, and maintain consistency throughout the guidebook. As a result, we were able to deliver a high-quality product that met the client's expectations.

Situational Questions

• 16. If you encountered a major plot hole in a novel you were writing, how would you address it?
  First, I would take a step back and analyze the plot in its entirety. I would then brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate their impact on the story. Finally, I would choose the one that best fits the overall narrative and make the necessary changes to ensure continuity in the plot.
• 17. If you were assigned a writing project with a very tight deadline, how would you manage your time and ensure the quality of your work?
  In such a scenario, I would immediately start by creating a detailed timeline that breaks down the project into smaller tasks and sets realistic deadlines for each. I would also prioritize my tasks and eliminate any potential distractions to ensure maximum productivity. Additionally, I would communicate with my team and delegate some responsibilities if needed.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a superior's feedback on your writing?
  I would approach the situation professionally and respectfully communicate my concerns. I would provide reasoning for my choices and offer alternative suggestions. If the feedback is not negotiable, I would still make the necessary changes without compromising the overall quality of my work.
• 19. If you were tasked with writing about a subject you had no prior knowledge or experience in, how would you approach it?
  I would start by doing thorough research on the subject and familiarizing myself with its key concepts and terminology. Next, I would consult subject matter experts and ask relevant questions to gain a deeper understanding. I would also use my writing skills to break down complex information and make it more accessible to the target audience.
• 20. If you discovered that a piece of writing you submitted contained errors after it was already published, what would you do?
  I would immediately inform my supervisor and take responsibility for the mistake. I would also offer a corrected version and apologize for any inconvenience caused. In the future, I would take extra precautions to ensure the accuracy of my work before submitting it for publishing.