How to become a writer without a degree

To become a writer without a degree you must read as much as possible, write and edit your work as much as possible, and find a publisher.

By no means does becoming a writer require a degree. However, that does not mean it is at all easy. Good writers must read as much as possible to discover what types of writing they are drawn to and to help them pick up on different styles, tones, and formatting from professional writers.

A good rule of thumb is to consume a tremendous amount of literature or whatever type of writing you are trying to produce, before actually starting to write on your own.

Once you feel confident enough you can start to write your work. Write as much as possible. The only way to learn how to become a good writer is to write, make mistakes, learn from these mistakes, and then start to develop a style and voice of your own.

If you can get menial paying writing gigs, go for it, but even if you can't, you should still write in your spare time like it's a second job.

You should also have others read your work. Seek someone who isn't afraid to be critical and provide feedback. Other writers are a great resource for critiques, as are teachers or creative writing professors.

If you don't have any of these resources at your disposal you can also pay online companies to provide feedback on your work.

You can learn a lot from feedback, whether it comes from a company or an individual. It is a valuable asset that helps you see your writing from a more objective point of view for future editing.

Writers are typically thinkers. If you want to be a great writer, it is important to constantly observe and reflect on societal issues, philosophical quandaries, or just human behavior in general. In nearly all cases, you need to be someone who applies lots of thought to the things you write about.

Research is also a key feature of becoming a writer. You should be knowledgeable of the subject you are writing about. This holds even with characters in fictional stories. For instance, if you are writing a story in which a character is depressed, you should do a fair amount of research on what depression is and what causes it.

Next, find a good editor. If you are confident and capable enough to self-edit your work that's great, but be honest with yourself, because having a good editor can bring your writing to the next level.

Finally, find a publisher. Getting a publisher is difficult but not impossible. You can try to get noticed by entering writing contests and other similar events. Networking with other writers and anyone in the literary industry is also extremely helpful.

If you can't find a publisher, you can self-publish. This has become massively popular in recent times. You can self-publish your work through Amazon and other book retailers.

While a writer does not have to possess a degree they still need to put in a tremendous amount of work, while exhibiting patience, discipline, and follow-through.