Writer
Writers are involved in the creation and development of works of fiction and non-fiction.
This covers a number of wide and varied forms including poetry, prose, and material for the theatre, screen and radio (such as comedy/soap opera scripts, drama productions and documentaries). Writers may also create the content for websites or write articles for magazines or newspapers.
Most writers work freelance and are self-employed. They often have to support themselves through other types of employment, such as teaching, lecturing, editing or other roles in publishing, as well as entirely unrelated jobs outside the writing industry.
Typical activities are likely to include some or all of the following:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
Entry without a degree, foundation degree or HND is common.
Academic writing courses provide teaching in the technical aspects of writing, but creative talent is more valuable than qualifications. A good grounding in grammar and the structure of language, and knowledge of the field you want to work in, are of huge benefit. English graduates may make good critics.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but if you decide to do some postgraduate study, it is worth noting that many Masters degree courses aimed at potential writers require only portfolio entry and the subject of your first degree may be irrelevant. Many Masters level courses have a very specific focus, e.g. novel writing or writing for performance.
If you plan to write for the media, a short course in script writing or creative writing is worth considering and practical television and film courses may be helpful. Pre-entry experience in the industry is an advantage, but not obligatory. If you intend to write for television, film or radio, you will need to have knowledge of the requirements and technical constraints of the medium.
Experience of student radio or participation in a drama club could be beneficial. The BBC Work Experience scheme offers writers opportunities to do unpaid work placements in radio drama.
To succeed as a writer, you will need:
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. It is very important that you make speculative approaches in the style that is appropriate to the opening.
The age at which people start writing to earn money varies widely and maturity can be an advantage. In a recent survey of paid writers, the youngest was 15, while a high proportion (49%) were aged between 40 and 60.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most writers will tell you that there is no formal or informal training for what is, essentially, a creative role. Writers stress the importance of staying in contact with peers for feedback as well as support, which can also be found through critical appraisal services (provided by local arts organisations), writers' circles or writers' courses and workshops.
Because of the solitary nature of the work, membership of organisations such as The Writers' Guild of Great Britain and Society of Authors becomes essential for peer review and maintaining contact with the literary world.
It is also extremely important to keep abreast of what is happening in the sector you want to contribute to. For example, if you want to write for radio, it is useful to listen to radio programmes to get a feel for what is successful, and to sign up for the BBC Radio Entertainment Writers’ Newsletter - go to BBC writersroom . If you want to write novels, it will help if you are a keen reader and write about what you know or are interested in.
For more specific training, you could consider the following:
In order to progress in your career, it is essential constantly to market yourself and your writing. Writers often need their agents to assist with this, but you must also look for opportunities for publicity yourself, including interviews, readings, workshops and signings, setting up your own website or beginning a blog. This can be a frustrating process as it takes so much time away from actual writing. It is also vital to keep abreast of the styles of writing that are in demand and new technologies. It is equally important to push your writing forward; many radio and television programmes accept unsolicited scripts to read - check out the requirements before you send anything in. The BBC New Talent and BBC writersroom websites highlight opportunities for writers to move into new fields.
Discipline and determination to succeed are prerequisites for career development, but all writers stress that the rewards of seeing their work in print or production make it all worthwhile.
As practically all writers are self-employed freelancers, very few, if any, are employed by 'typical' employers.
When writers have a manuscript for a book, whether fiction or non-fiction, accepted by a publishing house, they may be commissioned to write more in the same style or for the same market, although this is usually much more likely once a writer is established with a publishing house or agent. Short-story writers may find their particular style of writing is suited to, and regularly accepted by, certain magazines or websites. Another possibility is to self-publish or produce a web based 'e-book'. These methods can be aimed either at a limited distribution, essentially used for promotion and to showcase ability, or at achieving independent sales through local book shops or by using online retailers.
There are several outlets for the publication or broadcast of poetry, although they are unstructured. Examples are specialist poetry magazines and occasional radio programmes. Generally speaking, little or no pay is involved. The Poetry Library publishes a list of poetry magazines and it is advisable to visit the library to investigate back copies. Poetry readings and festivals can provide a forum for publicising work and competitions can be lucrative and lead to opportunities for publication.
Script writers may have temporary contracts with:
Writers for theatre often work on attachment to a particular theatre or company, or may even form their own theatre company.
Many writers supplement their income with writing-related employment and there are teaching opportunities in colleges, universities and schools, in community/adult learning centres, on training courses and in therapeutic centres.
A basic web search will also uncover a plethora of forums and other sites aimed at or run by writers where opportunities are listed and advice, support and critical feedback are available.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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