Writer

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

37 to 39 variable

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How To Become a Writer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
volunteering
applying directly
specialist training or self-teaching

College / University

You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent. To develop these skills, you could get a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

creative writing
English language or literature
creative and professional writing
journalism

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any subj

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You might be able to apply directly for technical writer jobs in industries like engineering or pharmaceuticals, if you've got the relevant background and qualifications.

Experience in journalism could also help you to get into travel or broadcast writing.

Other Routes

You could work in TV or radio as a scriptwriter. BBC Writersroom has information, advice and workshops on writing and submitting scripts.

You may be able to publish and sell your work without formal training or qualifications, if you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself. A literary agent may be able to help you with this.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
excellent written communication skills
persistence and determination
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
ambition and a desire to succeed
knowledge of media production and communication
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day activities may include:

choosing a subject based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher
coming up with ideas, plots or content headings
researching information using the internet, libraries, site visits and personal interviews
developing your story, article, blog, review or instruction manual
submitting your draft to a publisher or editor
revising your work after getting feedback
uploading your work to websites or social media, or looking for publishing opportunities
attending book signings, readings and discussions of your work
running writing workshops

Working Environment

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression

You could self-publish, in traditional print format, online or through e-books.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can do several things to develop your writing skills and learn more about the world of publishing. These include:

joining a local writers' group
entering writing competitions
blogging online

Tips & Information

Career tips

You'll need:

creative ideas that will sell
good research skills
the ability to express ideas in a style suited to your intended audience

You'll also need to have confidence in your writing, be able to accept criticism and remain positive.

You'll need a portfolio of your work to show to employers and commissioning editors.

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers in writing through the National Association of Writers' Groups.

The Poetry Society and Writers & Artists have more details on writing competitions.

Writers & Artists also has industry advice on being a writer and submitting work for publishing or self-publishing. It publishes the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, which has information on literary agents, publishers, newspapers and magazines.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.