Writer

As a writer, you'll come up with ideas for stories, plots, characters and names, or you'll help your readers discover facts and relevant information in non-fiction writing. Typically, you'll either be commissioned to write a piece by a publication or you'll submit a draft to an agent or publisher in the hope of securing a contract; for example, if you've written a novel.

As well as being creative, you'll also need to carry out in-depth research, such as for a non-fiction article, and develop your writing by editing and reworking it. You'll also need to proofread your work, though it's likely drafts will be professionally looked over by someone else and edited before publication.

Writing requires discipline, determination, and resilience. As a career in this industry offers relative freedom, you'll need to find what suits you in terms of working patterns and style to produce your best work.

Types of writing

As a professional writer, you could write in various forms, including:

• children's stories
• life writing, including biographies and memoirs
• magazine and newspaper articles, both print and online
• non-fiction texts, such as technical guides and manuals
• novels
• poetry
• screen and radio
• scripts for theatre
• short stories
• web content, such as reviews or commissioned blog posts.

There are also opportunities for writers in areas like mobile phone content and video game scripts. Some find avenues to diversify, writing in different forms, such as published novelists that also do reviews or engage in literary criticism.

For more information on the role of a technical writer in the science, engineering and pharmaceutical sectors, see technical author.

What does a writer do?

As a writer, you'll need to do some or all of the following:

• use your creative flair for language and structure to produce a piece of written work that's engaging, thoughtful, entertaining, and/or informative
• research the market, including reading relevant publications or blogs, and stay up-to-date with the type of work that's being produced in your chosen field
• select subject matter based on personal or public interest, or a topic commissioned by a publisher or agent
• undertake background research before planning and structuring a writing project, which includes desk-based research, as well as conducting site visits or interviews
• edit, revise, and review work to check for errors, that the piece is suitable for publication, and it conforms to editorial standards, especially in response to feedback
• work to tight deadlines, particularly for theatre, screen, and radio
• network and liaise with other writers, as well as those involved in the industry, such as publishers, booksellers, and organisers of literary events
• market your work, including maintaining an online presence through a website, blog, or social media presence
• talk about your work at events, including literary festivals, and conduct readings or book signings if your work reaches a wider audience
• teach writing in further or higher education settings, run workshops privately, or offer your own editing service, such as critiquing the work of other writers, to subsidise your income
• manage the business side of writing, which involves maintaining financial records, checking contracts, and submitting invoices and tax returns.

How much does a writer earn?

• Writer salaries are notoriously low, variable, and unpredictable, and it's common for a published writer to earn as little as £3,000 to £7,000 per year.
• The Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society reports that typical earnings from freelance writers, specifically those who work in journalism, are in the region of £17,500 per year.
• In rare cases, a writer may earn a significant amount for their work, such as a best-selling novel. In these cases, earning can be much higher.

Most writers in the UK are freelance. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Freelance Fees Guide sets out indications of average rates for different kinds of writing. The BBC offers standard rates, which are available on The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) - Rates and Agreements.

Having a good agent, business manager and/or accountant is essential for most high-earning writers.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a writer work?

Depending on your employment arrangements and personal life, your working pattern as a writer may be entirely flexible and varied, or it could follow a schedule. The latter is especially true if you work in industries like TV or film. It's likely you'll work from home to your own schedule, though it's also possible to be on-site during regular office hours, such as if you write for a digital marketing firm.

Many writers will use weekends and evenings to work, fitting their responsibilities around other employment or family commitments. Others adopt a disciplined approach, keeping strict hours and possibly working away from home to avoid distractions. There may also be opportunities to be employed as a writer in residence for organisations or communities.

How do I become a writer?

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects are particularly relevant and may provide knowledge of different styles and genres of writing:

• communication and media studies
• creative writing
• English language or literature
• journalism
• performing arts.

Entry without a degree, foundation degree or HND is common.

Most academic qualifications will help you develop strong writing skills, and a relevant degree will provide you with a good understanding of grammar and the structure of language.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but there are suitable Masters courses available. Typically, these combine academic study with practical experience and mentoring.

To get a place on a postgraduate course, you'll usually need a portfolio of recent creative writing, either published or unpublished. The subject of your first degree is not always relevant, as course providers are generally more interested in the quality of your portfolio. However, some institutions, such as the University of Oxford, will ask for a degree in English or a related discipline.

You may be able to get a place without a first degree if you have creative writing experience or other writing qualifications. Many courses have a specific focus, such as novel writing, screenwriting, or writing for performance. Do your research carefully to make sure courses match your career aims.

Search for postgraduate courses in creative writing.

What skills does a writer need?

To succeed as a writer, you'll need:

• literary skills and excellent written English, which includes imagination, creativity, and a passion for the industry
• an organised approach and the ability to work to tight deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail
• excellent research skills, both literary and business-related, which includes being able to understand new media tools for self-promotion and the ability to network with other professionals
• commitment, a desire to succeed, as well as persistence and resilience in an unpredictable market
• the necessary financial skills to manage yourself in the employment market
• the ability to understand and accept criticism, which is essential for improving your writing over time.

Where can I get work experience as a writer?

Work experience in related industries such as bookselling, publishing, film, or television may be helpful, but isn't necessary. A portfolio of published or unpublished work is crucial to showcase to potential publishers, contacts, or even employers. Securing a publishing contract can be challenging with significant levels of competition.

Students can improve their chances by getting relevant experience while at university, including writing for student newspapers or magazines, or taking part in a radio or a drama club.

You can break into the profession by winning local or national writing competitions. These include fiction, poetry, screen, and playwriting, and can usually be found by searching for 'creative writing competitions', 'screenwriting competitions', or something similar.

Some publishers run competitions to find new talent, and the prize usually includes publication. For example, the children's fiction publishers Chicken House, in conjunction with The Times, runs an annual children's fiction competition.

Other useful ways to gain work experience as a writer include joining a local writing group. For a list of groups, see the National Association of Writers and Groups (NAWG). You could also start your own blog to hone your craft or gain a following.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs writers?

Most writers in the UK work freelance and are self-employed. Many manage their work alongside full or part-time jobs, as well as other commitments. This income may be related to their writing, such as lecturing on courses, or entirely unrelated.

It's also common for writers to supplement their income with other related activities, including author visits, workshops, and speaking as guests at events like the Hay Festival.

Because writing is largely a freelance occupation, very few vacancies are advertised, and most opportunities are found by making speculative approaches or by answering calls for submissions.

Writers of fiction and non-fiction who want to be traditionally published will need to seek an agent, as most publishers will not look at uncommissioned work unless it comes via a literary agency.

Approaching an agent usually involves submitting the first three chapters, or first 15,000 words, of a novel with a synopsis and a cover letter (for fiction). Be sure to check each agent's list before submitting to ensure they represent the genre you write in. The writer/agent relationship is important, so it's worth taking the time to find one that's right for you. For submission guidelines to agents, publishers, and magazines, see the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.

It's also possible to self-publish or produce an e-book, and these methods are increasing in popularity. This can be an effective way to showcase your work and achieve independent sales through local bookshops or online retailers. However, taking on the role of both writer and publisher can be demanding, requiring you to understand issues such as permissions and rights.

Depending on the genre you write in, you may want to consider submitting short stories or poems to magazines, websites, competitions, and even radio programmes. See the National Poetry Library for a list of poetry magazines.

If you're a scriptwriter, you may find temporary contracts with:

• the BBC - through its Open Call script submission system
• commercial and independent television and radio companies
• film and video production companies.
• large advertising companies.

Writers for theatre often work for a particular theatre or company. They may even form their own company

It's possible to supplement your income with teaching opportunities at:

• colleges
• community and adult learning centres
• therapeutic centres
• training courses
• universities and schools.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Arts Council England
• Arts Council of Wales
• British Council - Arts
• Creative Scotland

Where can a career in writing lead?

As you build a back catalogue of publications, income from new work (often in the form of advances) may be complemented by income from previous work in the form of royalties on published works or public lending rights payments.

As your profile increases, there may be more potential to earn from teaching, lecturing, and/or appearing at events and literary festivals. In addition, some organisations offer salaried posts for writers in residence. These are often restricted to published professionals with a strong track record.

The career of a writer can be unpredictable so you must be resilient and keep up-to-date with what kind of writing is selling. Producing a steady output is one of the best ways to stay ahead in the industry.

As well as your creative output, you'll need to be able to market yourself and your work. An agent or a publisher is likely to help with publicity, but it's important that you also look for opportunities yourself, such as by:

• creating a presence on social media
• doing interviews to talk about upcoming or newly published work
• doing readings of your work at local and independent bookshops
• setting up your own website
• conducting workshops and signings, especially if you've written something that's become well known
• writing and maintaining a blog.

Discipline and determination to succeed are prerequisites for career development, but writers stress that the reward of seeing their work in print or production makes it worthwhile.

There's little in the way of formal training. However, most writers agree on the importance of staying in contact with peers for feedback as well as support, which can also be found through:

• critical appraisal services
• writers' circles
• writers' courses and workshops.

Because of the solitary nature of writing, memberships of organisations, such as the Society of Authors and the Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB), can be useful for peer review and maintaining contact with the literary world.

It's also important to keep abreast of what’s happening in the sector you want to contribute to. For example, if you want to write for radio, it's useful to listen to radio programmes to get a feel for what's successful. If you want to write poetry, it will help if you're a keen reader of poetry and subscribe to specialist publications, such as Granta. If you're interested in scriptwriting, visit BBC Writers for a range of resources, including interviews, advice, and toolkits.

For more specific development, you could consider the following:

• Organisations such as the Arvon Foundation and Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre provide courses and accommodation for writing retreats.
• Look out for courses in creative writing at your local adult education centre.
• Attend conventions and conferences, like Crimefest, the international crime fiction convention held in Bristol.
• Some towns and cities have a resident writer who runs courses and gives advice. Ask your local library for details.
• There are many literary consultancy agencies, such as Cornerstones, which offer detailed feedback and advice to writers seeking publication.