How to Become a Writer

It takes 3 years of professional experience to become a writer. That is the time it takes to learn specific writer skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 6 to 8 years years to become a writer.

No, the terms "writer" and "author" are similar, but not the same. A writer is a person who writes a book, article, blog, or short story but is not the creator of the idea behind the written piece. Writers have the skill and ability to communicate ideas clearly.

They are hired to apply these skills to another's idea. A company may need a writer to create a user's manual for a product, or a person with an interesting life experience may hire a writer to communicate that idea in an entertaining way to the public.

An author is both a writer and the creator of the idea behind the writing. Authors create novels, short stories, movie scripts, poetry, and other creative expressions to convey their original ideas to the public.

Starting a career as a writer typically begins with an educational background in the English language, creative writing, or literary theory. While there are many different types of writing careers, some level of formal education will prepare a beginning writer.

Many aspiring writers will obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study. English, literature, and social studies are several of the most useful majors for someone pursuing a writing career.

There are opportunities for an aspiring writer who has industry-specific knowledge and solid writing skills. Candidates with degrees in the sciences and technology will be able to pursue opportunities as technical writers.

With so many different types of writing opportunities available, anyone with solid writing skills and the knowledge or passion for a particular field within the writing profession has the opportunity to be successful.

A writer is defined as anyone who writes books, stories, or articles. Today, the scope of a writer is more diverse than ever.

Traditionally, writers worked independently or were contracted by a newspaper or magazine to produce specific content. These writers relied on their creativity to craft writing that captured readers' interest, often for entertainment.

Today the field of writing has evolved to include several industry-related opportunities. Technical writing is a field growing faster than many other job sectors. Technical writers work to create industry-specific manuals and guides that simplify the technical language associated with a product.

These writers rely less on creativity and more on breaking down the unapproachable language associated with science, technology, and industry.

A writer makes an average of approximately $64,000 per year. This salary takes into consideration the vast variety of writing career paths. Remember, writers can work for themselves or as employees in nearly any form of industry.

Writer's salaries range from the low end of $21,000 to the high end of $98,000 annually. These earnings are reflective of writers working in the field of freelance work as well as technical writing. Novelists have the potential to earn millions but, on average, earned $49,000 in 2020.

Cities like Chicago and Newark, N.J. show writers earn 10% to 15% over the national average. Both of these cities show a very active job market for many different types of writers.

No, becoming a writer is not difficult as there are many platforms for individuals to express themselves through the written word. Writing as a profession is more difficult and will most likely require some formal training.

Today, anyone can self-publish their writing. The internet provides a place for individuals to post blogs and express themselves through various special interest forums. This type of writing can become profitable if a blog becomes popular and gains a following.

Most writers that earn money from their craft are professionals. Becoming a professional writer typically involves some formal training. Two or four-year degrees in English, Literature, or History are often paths aspiring writers will take. A degree in journalism or communication will also prepare you for one of the various writing careers available.

The qualifications needed to become a writer are largely educational. Most writers have received a degree relevant to writing before entering the workforce.

Candidates interested in a writing career typically pursue a bachelor's degree in English, literature, communications, or history. These majors prepare candidates through both instructions on writing and responding to various topics in a written format.

Often students will volunteer to work for a college newspaper. This allows them to put their instruction to use and gain valuable experience.

Other ways that aspiring writers prepare themselves for their future careers include internships. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and gain related experience.

Writers hoping to enter the field may also choose to acquire a form of certification. Candidates can obtain a certified grant writer's credential showing their qualification to write grants for various organizations.

The most famous writer is William Shakespeare. While Shakespeare has been read by more people than any other writer, there are modern writers whose popularity has made them multimillionaires.

Nearly 50% of all Americans have read a work by Shakespeare. High schools and colleges across the country have included his 37 plays as part of their curriculum for decades.

Shakespeare's popularity is tied to his universal themes of love, guilt, and revenge. His works are also part of the public domain which means the institutions using Shakespeare do not have to pay royalties.

Modern writers such as James Patterson and J.K. Rowling are extremely popular and earn millions of dollars per year based on their novels. In 2018, Patterson earned $87 million, and Rowling earned $57 million that same year.