Writer

Alternative titles for this job include Author

Writers create written work such as books, scripts, poems, blogs and technical guides.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 develop these skills, you could get a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • 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.

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

More Information

Volunteering

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

  • joining a local writers' group
  • entering writing competitions
  • blogging online

Direct Application

You might be able to apply directly for technical writer jobs in industries like engineering or pharmaceuticals, if you've got the relevant background and qualifications.

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

Other Routes

You could work in TV or radio as a scriptwriter. BBC Writersroom has 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 taught yourself. A literary agent may be able to help you with this.

More Information

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.

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers in writing through the National Association of Writers' Groups.

The Poetry Society and Writers & Artists have more details on writing competitions.

Writers & Artists also has industry advice on being a writer and submitting work for publishing or self-publishing. It publishes the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, which has information on literary agents, publishers, newspapers and magazines.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of English language
  • excellent written communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • choose a subject based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher
  • come up with ideas, plots or content headings
  • research information using the internet, libraries, site visits and personal interviews
  • develop your story, article, blog, review or instruction manual
  • submit your draft to a publisher or editor
  • revise your work after getting feedback
  • upload your work to websites or social media, or look for publishing opportunities
  • attend book signings, readings and discussions of your work
  • run writing workshops

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

You might be able to promote your work by entering literary competitions, become a book critic or teach creative writing in colleges.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a writer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Creative Writing

  • Provider: EAST SUSSEX COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 17 September 2024
  • Location: Lewes

Creative Writing

  • Provider: LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 08 April 2024
  • Location: Leicester

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.