How to Become a Writer

From the copywriter working on Madison Avenue in New York to the self-employed screenwriter trying to find a break in Hollywood, writing is an extensive and diverse professional field. Although it offers multiple ways to break into the industry, there are three consistent factors to achieving success: talent, training and experience. Learn more about what it takes to start a writing career, the type of training available, and the overall occupational outlook for writers today.

What Does a Writer Do?

Writer Career Basics

Using their command of the common language of their audience, writers conceptualize, research, write, and edit polished manuscripts, poems, articles, and other types of written content. In their role, they may work across genres, from nonfiction to poetry, fiction to satire. In a business environment, writers may work as copywriters, technical writers, blog and feature writers, and as editors.

Writer Careers In-Depth

There are numerous different types of writers, such as copywriters, journalists, novelists, web writers and editors. Writing professionals are broadly employed in different industries, ranging from academia to business, journalism to entertainment. It's a unique occupation, as a majority of writers are self-employed (approximately two-thirds), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Along with superior writing skills, it often falls upon writers to do exhaustive research when writing, so they must have superior research skills as well. They may be called upon to parse data and find the story within that data and write about it, so they should be able to understand data and data sets.

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Writer Salaries & Job Growth

Writer Salaries Across the US

Writing is a diverse field, with a broad assortment of well-paying career paths. The national median salary for writers and authors was slightly above $60,000 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the top paying industries include science writing ($64,380), grant writing ($58,920), and arts & entertainment writing ($58,400). Explore the earning potential for writing careers in different locations using the map below.

Writer Job Growth

The Internet, online publishing and social media have not only transformed publishing, but the entire communication industry as well. This disruption has led to the emergence of new writing careers, those with a greater emphasis on Web writing, editing, and media production. These changes have created a more competitive marketplace for talented writers with digital skills. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2 percent growth for writers between 2014 and 2014. Learn more about the occupational outlook in each state using the map below.

Steps to Becoming a Writer

Not all writers work as or want to be novelists, poets or authors. Writing is an extremely diverse occupational field with multi-faceted career paths. There isn't a single route to becoming a writer, which is one of the major benefits of the profession. Yet, two-thirds of writers are self-employed freelancers and the information below outlines example steps someone can take to become a writer.

Choosing the Right Writing Degree Program

Preparing for a Writing Career: Writing Degrees & Programs

Not every writer has a degree in English. However, an English degree is one great way to get started on a career in writing. Prospective writers can concentrate their studies at the undergraduate or graduate level in an area that aligns with their professional goals. Learn more about these degrees and academic specializations below.

Certificate in Writing

Writing certificates are short-term instructional programs that teach students applied writing skills, knowledge about mechanics and style, and insight into how to write for different audiences. As professional development programs, certificates include curriculum in multiple niche areas. These areas range from fiction to feature film writing, television writing to grant writing. The length of certificate programs vary, but typically require five to eight classes to complete.

Associate Degree in Writing

The associate degree is an industry-focused academic program. It provides students with practical knowledge they can use to transition into an entry-level career or continue into a four-year bachelor's degree program. They typically require between 60 and 66 credit hours to complete, which usually requires at least two years of full-time study. The curriculum is designed to nurture student's creativity while helping them build writing proficiencies they can use to become a professional writer or editor.

At this level, there are two types of emphases within the Associate of Arts in English: writing and creative writing. The creative writing major serves as an introduction to genre writing, nurtures student interest in creative writing, and uses workshops and classroom-based instruction to improve their writing. The writing emphases major covers both literature and writing. Students study the fundamentals of literary theory and take classes aimed at professional skill development in technical writing, business communication, advanced composition and editing, and news and informational writing.

Throughout the program, students craft a writing portfolio they can use as a building block to employment or future studies.

Bachelor's Degree in Writing

Bachelor's degree programs generally require four-years of full-time study and expose students to general education coursework and classwork in their chosen writing specialty. At this level, the most common majors include English literature, creative writing and English with a writing emphasis (composition). These writing degrees offer students multiple academic pathways that can lead to either work as a writer or into further graduate studies. Below is an overview of the different writing majors at the bachelor's level.

English Literature

This major blends the study of writing and literature. Along with an introduction to different elements of writing (e.g. fiction, novel, expository writing), the curriculum also includes coursework in contemporary American and English literature. These programs teach students how to critically analyze written texts and use workshops to help students gain insight into how to improve their own writing.

English Composition

This major exposes students to the fundamentals of professional writing, skills required across writing careers in nonprofit groups, government agencies, publications, entertainment, media and business. The curriculum provides an overview of composition, business writing, grammar and rhetoric, and language theory. Through this curriculum, students develop talents in critical writing, research and analysis.

Creative Writing

Creative writing traditionally covers one of six genres: non-fiction, fiction, children's literature, young adult literature, poetry, and scriptwriting. This major integrates literary theory and experiential practice in composition and revision. The goal of the major is to prepare students for professional opportunities as writers and, most importantly, to become published authors. Many creative writing programs also include hands-on internships that allow students to gain real-world experience.

Master's in Writing

The master's in writing can take several forms, including a Master of Arts in rhetoric and composition, Master of Arts in literature with a writing emphasis, Master of Arts in creative writing, Master of Arts in professional writing, and a Master of Fine Arts. These programs require between one and two years of full-time study to complete and may require a thesis or final project to graduate.

Rhetoric and Composition

Curriculum broadly covers academic and professional writing and research methodologies, helping students develop their skills in literacy studies, composition, and written communication. After graduation, students are positioned for careers as teachers, professional writers, and media specialists.

Creative Writing

In these programs, students focus their studies in a single concentration: fiction, nonfiction, poetry or professional writing. In addition to classroom-based instruction in literary theory, students also participate in writing workshops in and outside of their genre to develop their writing skills. Graduates of these programs can move into an assortment of writing careers – everything from authors to journalists, bloggers to educators.

Literacy Studies

These programs serve as an introduction to the study of writing and literature. Typically serving as a bridge to a PhD program, literacy studies is a flexible course of study for students seeking careers in publishing, professional writing or editing.

Professional Writing

This program is geared toward students interested in careers in editing and writing in government, business or industry positions. Curriculum covers skill-based writing in policy development, grant writing, white papers, and other forms of workplace writing.

Master of Fine Arts

The Master of Fine Arts in writing allows writers to singularly focus on developing their creative writing skills. Curriculum includes an emphasis (e.g. fiction, poetry, nonfiction) with coursework that teaches students about the theories of that emphasis, along with practical, real-world skill development.

PhD in Writing

Doctoral programs in writing are for students who want to work in academia as scholars and educators at the university level. The most advanced studies of writing, PhD programs can require between four and six years to complete. Like undergraduate degrees, students select from a specialization in English. Example specializations include rhetoric and composition, creative writing and literature. PhD programs are competitive as they offer students the opportunity to conduct original scholarship and position themselves for tenure-track positions at the university level after graduation.

Writing Graduate Degree Program Admission Requirements

There are two main types of master's degrees in writing: the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The MA has an academic focus on literature, but does offer concentrations in writing, including creative writing and is a stepping stone to a PhD. The MFA is considered a terminal, or professional degree, that is dedicated to teaching students about writing and honing their craft. Both have similar admission requirements. However, the requirements do vary school to school. Below is a list of sample admission requirements for an MFA program.

Education

A bachelor's degree in English, journalism or related field from an accredited college or university. Student must also meet minimum GPA requirements – usually a 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale.

Letters of Recommendation

Students must supply between two and three letters of recommendation that speak to the candidate's experience and writing aptitude.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts must be submitted. Official transcripts are usually required upon acceptance to the program.

Graduate Record Examination

Most MFA programs do not require students to take the GRE for admission to an MFA program.

Prerequisites

Prior to starting their graduate courses, MFA applicants should be familiar with their writing specialty, e.g. fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. This includes taking undergraduate prerequisite courses in writing and literature.

Statement of Purpose

Students must write and submit a two- to three-page statement of purpose that describes their experience, education and why they want to earn an MFA in writing.

Writing Sample

The writing sample demonstrates the student's skills in their chosen writing field. It may be between 30 and 50 pages in length (up to 10,000 words in length). It may include multiple pieces of writing, each of which must have been written in the past five years. Examples include short stories or a part of a novel for fiction writers, biography or personal essays for nonfiction writers, or a selection of poems for poetry students.

Writer Career Concentrations

Writing degrees span a variety of concentrations, including professional writing, business writing, technical writing, creative writing and science writing. By specializing in these fields during their degree programs, students can develop marketable skills and pursue numerous career paths after graduation. Below is an overview of five example occupational career roles for writers, with 2015 median salaries reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Technical Writer

Technical writers work in a variety of fields, such as engineering and manufacturing, and translate complex information about products and systems into instruction manuals, technical documentation, how-to guides and other materials. Collaborating with product designers, project managers, and other staff, technical writers organize content plans for specific audiences (e.g. internal staff, consumers), select appropriate channels for messaging (e.g. videos, memos), and generate easy-to-understand copy.

Grant Writer

Grant writers work with nonprofit and public organizations to research and write proposals to receive funding from government agencies, charities, and private foundations. Like a matchmaker, grant writers have to locate funding opportunities that align with the mission, activities and goals of the group they are trying to fund. It's a role that requires understanding of the funding process and a keen organizational eye as grant applications can be complicated, requiring cover letters, project descriptions, narratives, supporting documentation, and financial records.

Science Writer

Science writers cover the field of science, writing about advancements and discoveries in areas such as astrophysics, biotechnology, climate change, and genetics. They turn the esoteric into something any reader can understand, making science accessible for all readers. Writing for websites, magazines, and other publications, science writers often position this news into a larger historical context. This larger context allows the general public to be informed about the latest developments in science.

Screenwriter

Screenwriters are typically self-employed freelancers that develop and write screenplays for television shows and films. These pieces can be entirely original or based on existing content, such as a novel, short story, comic book or another film. Screenwriters have unique understanding of how to construct a narrative and connect it to a larger plot and story. In turn, screenplays become the master plan for a producer, director, and actors to follow when shooting a film.

Copywriter

Copywriting is a broad employment field and copywriters are employed in nearly every industry, from healthcare to advertising. As versatile writers, copywriters create content that has an agenda, such as advertising and public relations material. They create copy for specific audiences in numerous formats, including white papers, social media posts, emails, blog posts, and fliers. They are content marketers with a keen understanding of how language can be used to convince readers, sell products, and tell a story.

Components of a Successful Writing Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools & Technology

Although some writers are born great, most require experience, education and training to become proficient at their craft. Learn more about some of the qualities writers should possess, the tools they use in their daily work, and credentials they can earn to develop new skills and advance in their careers.

Skills

Writing skill alone is not enough to make it as a professional writer. Writers need to have a well-rounded skillset to be successful. Explore the skills required in today's writing careers below.

Tools

Writers rely on traditional (pen and paper) and new technology (dictation and publishing software) to conduct research and produce written material. Below is a sample list of some of the tools and technology writers may use in their day-to-day work.

Credentials

Professional development and continuing education are two important components of career advancement and skill building for writers. Certification programs are one way for writers to specialize in their careers, gain experience and qualify for new opportunities.

Medical Writer Certified – American Medical Writers Association

Certified Professional Technical Communicator – Society for Technical Communicationc

Certified Grant Writer – American Grant Writers' Association

Certified Content Marketer – Copyblogger

National Certified Resume Writer – The National Resume Writers Association

Related Careers at a Glance

Communications and media are varied industries with numerous occupational pathways for individuals who may be interested in writing, but not necessarily writing careers. Examples range from public relations to entertainment. Learn more about some of the potential employment options to consider in the table below.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Do Related Occupations Make?

Graduates of writing programs also pursue careers in editing, public relations, print journalism and broadcast journalism. Data about writing-related occupations is below.

Writing Degree & Career Resources

Whether a seasoned professional or a beginning writer, there are always new ways to improve your writing skills, develop more effective habits, connect with other writers, and find employment opportunities. Professional associations are a great resource for these activities and below is a list of organizations that support writers.

American Society of Journalists and Authors

The American Society of Journalists and Authors is a national organization for independent nonfiction writers and has more than 1,100 members who work as freelancers.

Authors Guild

The Authors Guild is a professional organization for writers and literary agents that provides legal assistance, legislative advocacy, and assistance with contracts.

Association of Writers and Writing Programs

The Association of Writers and Writing Programs is an organization that supports over 500 college creative writing programs, approximately 50,000 writers, and 150 writing centers and conferences.

National Writers Association

The National Writers Association is a membership-based organization that supports writers across the country and offers networking and workshopping opportunities through local chapters.

Women's Fiction Writers Association

The Women's Fiction Association is a volunteer organization that helps women writers through mentoring programs, newsletters, expert workshops, and conferences.

Related Careers at a Glance

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