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Science Fiction Writer

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April 13, 2024 Updated June 11, 2024 4 minute read

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Science fiction writing is a fascinating and rewarding career that allows writers to explore their imaginations and create new worlds and stories. As a science fiction writer, you will be responsible for writing novels, short stories, and other works of fiction that explore the impact of science and technology on society. You may also write about other topics, such as space exploration, time travel, and alien life.

How to Become a Science Fiction Writer

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Salaries for Science Fiction Writer

City

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Median

New York

$82,000

$96,000

$120,000

$96,000

San Francisco

$103,000

$127,000

$147,000

$127,000

Seattle

$98,000

$120,000

$146,000

$120,000

See all salaries

City

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Median

New York

$82,000

$96,000

$120,000

$96,000

San Francisco

$103,000

$127,000

$147,000

$127,000

Seattle

$98,000

$120,000

$146,000

$120,000

Austin

$90,000

$120,000

$155,000

$120,000

Toronto

$48,000

$59,000

$69,000

$59,000

London

£42,000

£65,000

£103,000

£65,000

Paris

€43,000

€50,000

€57,000

€50,000

Berlin

€42,000

€52,000

€74,000

€52,000

Tel Aviv

₪10,400

₪13,200

₪17,800

₪13,200

Singapore

S$47,000

S$54,000

S$64,000

S$54,000

Beijing

¥155,000

¥245,000

¥342,000

¥245,000

Shanghai

¥103,000

¥160,000

¥236,000

¥160,000

Shenzhen

¥1,224,000

¥2,430,000

¥3,200,000

¥2,430,000

Bengalaru

₹312,000

₹516,000

₹772,000

₹516,000

Delhi

₹292,000

₹500,000

₹620,000

₹500,000

Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Science Fiction Writer

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We've curated one courses to help you on your path to Science Fiction Writer. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.

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¿Cómo (nos) cambia la Tecnología?

¿Cómo (nos) cambia la Tecnología?

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2001: A Space Odyssey

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This classic novel and film follows the journey of a group of astronauts on a mission to Jupiter. It profound and awe-inspiring work that has influenced generations of scientists and science fiction enthusiasts.

2001: a Space Odyssey (Space Odyssey Series)

Mass Market Paperback

The Complete Arthur C. Clarke's Space Odyssey...

Mass Market Paperback

[ 2001: A Space Odyssey By Clarke, Arthur Charles (...

Penguin Galaxy Series 6 Books Set (Hardcover) -...

(中文) 2001 A Space Odyssey (Chinese Edition)

(中文) The Complete Arthur C. Clarke's Space Odyssey...

2001: A Space Odyssey (2022 Masterpieces of Science...

(Español) 2001: una odisea espacial / 2001: a Space Odyssey...

2001 : A Space Odyssey #10

(日本語) 2001: A Space Odyssey [In Japanese Language]

Paperback Bunko

2001: A Space Odyssey (Space Odyssey Series)

(Deutsch) 2001: Odyssee im Weltraum - Die Saga: Vier Romane...

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The Fifth Season

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This award-winning trilogy explores the themes of race, class, and the power of storytelling. It powerful and moving work that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, The...

The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth, 1)

La quinta estación / The Fifth Season

Broken Earth Trilogy 3 Books Collection Set By N....

[The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth (1))] [By:...

Unknown Binding

The Broken Earth Series 3 Books Collection Set By...

(中文) The Fifth Season/ The Broken Earth (Chinese Edition)

(Deutsch) Zerrissene Erde: Roman | Die außergewöhnliche...

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This epic space opera follows the rise and fall of a galactic empire. It complex and ambitious work that explores the themes of history, power, and the human condition.

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The Left Hand of Darkness

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This groundbreaking novel explores the themes of gender, identity, and the nature of humanity. It beautifully written and thought-provoking work that will challenge your assumptions about the world.

The Left Hand of Darkness

The Left Hand of Darkness

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This groundbreaking novel is credited with coining the term "cyberspace." It seminal work of cyberpunk fiction that explores the intersection of technology and humanity.

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This collection of short stories explores the themes of language, communication, and the nature of reality. It thought-provoking and challenging work that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Arrival (Stories of Your Life MTI)

Arrival (Stories of Your Life MTI)

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This epic space opera follows a group of pilgrims on a journey to the Time Tombs. It complex and ambitious work that explores the themes of religion, faith, and the meaning of life.

Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos)

Mass Market Paperback

Hyperion Cantos Book Series (Complete Set)

Mass Market Paperback

The Fall of Hyperion

Mass Market Paperback

Endymion (Hyperion)

Mass Market Paperback

The Rise of Endymion (Hyperion)

Mass Market Paperback

Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos) by Dan Simmons (1990-03...

Mass Market Paperback

The Fall of Hyperion (GOLLANCZ S.F.) by Simmons,...

Hyperion Omnibus (Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion)

(Español) Hyperion (Spanish Edition) (LOS CANTOS DE HYPERION...

Mass Market Paperback

Unknown Binding

Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, Book 1)

The Fall of Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, Book 2)

Rise of Endymion (Hyperion Cantos, Book 4)

Endymion (Hyperion Cantos, Book 3)

The Hyperion Cantos 4-Book Bundle: Hyperion, The...

(Español) Hyperion (Los cantos de Hyperion 1) (Spanish...

(Español) La caída de Hyperion (Los cantos de Hyperion 2)...

(Español) El ascenso de Endymion (Los cantos de Hyperion 4)...

(Español) Endymion (Los cantos de Hyperion 3) (Spanish...

(Français) Hypérion (AILLEURS DEMAIN t. 1) (French Edition)

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The Three-Body Problem

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This Hugo Award-winning novel tells the story of humanity's first contact with an alien civilization. It raises profound questions about the nature of intelligence and the future of our species.

The Three-Body Problem

The Three-Body Problem

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Set on the desert planet of Arrakis, this classic novel explores themes of ecology, politics, and religion. It complex and thought-provoking work that has had a significant impact on science fiction.

Frank Herbert's Dune Saga 3-Book Boxed Set: Dune,...

Frank Herbert's Dune Saga 6-Book Boxed Set: Dune,...

Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)

DUNE: The Graphic Novel, Book 3: The Prophet (Dune:...

Children of Dune

Dune Book Series Set II (3 Books): Book 4 of God...

Mass Market Paperback

DUNE: The Graphic Novel, Book 1: Dune: Book 1...

God Emperor of Dune

Heretics of Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune Saga Collection: Books 1 - 6

Children of Dune

God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune Saga Collection: Books 1-3

Heretics of Dune

Chapterhouse: Dune

(Español) Dune (Nueva edición) (Las crónicas de Dune 1)...

(Español) Saga Dune 1-6. La mayor epopeya de todos los...

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Follows the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his ingenuity to survive and find a way to contact Earth. It provides a fascinating and realistic portrayal of the challenges and possibilities of space exploration.

Project Hail Mary: A Novel

Artemis: A Novel

The Martian: Classroom Edition: A Novel

Andy Weir 3 Books Collection Set(Project Hail Mary...

Broadway Books The Martian (Mass Market MTI): A...

Mass Market Paperback

(Español) El marciano [The Martian]

Audible Audiobook

(Deutsch) Der Marsianer: Roman (German Edition)

(Italiano) Sopravvissuto - The Martian (eNewton Narrativa)...

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The Handmaid's Tale

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This dystopian novel explores the consequences of a totalitarian regime that oppresses women. It powerful and disturbing story that serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency.

The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

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This hard science fiction novel explores the themes of consciousness, identity, and the limits of human understanding. It challenging and rewarding work that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

BLINDSIGHT (Firefall, 1)

(Español) Visión ciega

(中文) Blindsight (Chinese Edition)

The Firefall Series: Blindsight, Echopraxia, The...

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

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This humorous and philosophical novel follows the adventures of Arthur Dent after the Earth is destroyed. It offers a unique perspective on the universe and our place in it.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Five...

The Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Illustrated...

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe: The...

Audible Audiobook

Last Chance to See

Life, the Universe and Everything (Hitchhiker's...

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy Collection...

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: The Complete...

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Audible Audiobook

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This mind-bending thriller explores the themes of memory, time travel, and the nature of reality. It fast-paced and suspenseful read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Recursion: A Novel

Pines: Wayward Pines: 1 (The Wayward Pines Trilogy)

The Last Town: Wayward Pines: 3 (The Wayward Pines...

Wayward: Wayward Pines: 2 (The Wayward Pines...

Upgrade: A Novel

Abandon: A Novel

Blake Crouch 2 Books Collection Set (Dark Matter,...

Blake Crouch Collection 3 Books Set (Upgrade,...

(Español) Recursión (Spanish Edition) / Recursion

Recursion: A Novel

(Español) Recursión (El día siguiente) (Spanish Edition)

(Deutsch) Gestohlene Erinnerung: Roman (German Edition)

(Français) Récursion (Science-fiction) (French Edition)

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