Writer

Writers create written work like books, scripts and poems. They also write blogs, articles and reviews, as well as manuals and educational guides.

Also known as: Author

What you'll do

As a writer, you could:

• choose a subject or genre based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher
• come up with plot ideas, characters and a structure
• research information online, through interviews, and in libraries and archives
• research and write about developments in technical subjects
• redraft sections of your work to refine your story, article or review
• submit drafts to a publisher or editor for feedback and revisions
• upload your work to websites or social media, or look for publishing opportunities
• attend signings, readings and discussions of your work
• run writing workshops

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a writer

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent to be successful. To develop your skills, you could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject, such as:

• creative writing
• communication and media
• English language or literature
• creative and professional writing
• journalism

You could also do a postgraduate writing course to get into this career.

To work as a technical author , you'll usually need a higher education qualification in the subject you want to write about, for example engineering, technology or healthcare.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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 subject for a postgraduate course

Volunteering

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

• joining writers' groups in person or online
• entering writing competitions
• blogging on websites

Direct application

You may be able to apply directly for technical writing jobs in industries, such as engineering, computing or scientific research, if you've got the relevant background and qualifications.

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

Other routes

You could work in TV or radio as a scriptwriter. BBC Writers and Channel 4 Talent Schemes have 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 original ideas. A literary agent may be able to help you with this.

Career path and progression

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

You might be able to promote your work and reputation by attending literary festivals, entering competitions, writing book reviews or teaching creative writing in colleges or universities.

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.

Guides for this industry

• Creative & Media: pay, interviews and getting started →

Related roles

• Job roleNewspaper or magazine journalist
• Job roleScreenwriter
• Job roleTechnical author
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• Job roleWeb content editor

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