Career as a Writer

Writing is a reflection of one's inner self like most other art forms. Today, writing can be a one's full-time career and a well paying one too.

How do I reach my goal

Well can anybody teach you how to become a writer? I guess the answer would be an emphatic NO. There are no step by step rules of becoming a writer. You really can’t be taught to create the magic of Harry Potter or translate the love of Darcy and Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice on paper. But yes, we can tell you how you can go about establishing yourself as a writer and turning your passion into a vocation.


Assess your writing skills

Start writing now! If you love to write, simply keep on writing on any subject or topic you like. The more you write, the more you will improve. To assess your skills, you can ask your family, friends and teachers to read your stories and take each feedback positively. You should write in the language that you are comfortable in. Do not write I English, if you do not have a strong command over the language.

Identify your passion

Start identifying your area of interest. It is important that you write about things that inspire you or passionate about. Your ideas are well expressed only when you write with deep passion. Incorporate your interests and hobbies into your writing.

Explore writing options

Today writing is not restricted simply in books. You can write for the internet, newspaper, magazines, and even corporate journals. Blogging is a great way to start for new writers.

Project your writings

When you feel it’s time to publish your stories and writings, start sending them to school magazines, local newspapers and even posting them on the web. You can start your own blog and get connected with likeminded writers and share your stories with others.

Networking

You should attend seminars and workshops on writers. Attend literary festivals and book fairs and interact with book lovers. As a young and new writer you should also attend creative writing workshops to enhance your writing skills. Create your network and share your writings with people in business. They might not be publishers themselves but might know people in the publishing industry and authors who promote young writers.

Educational Qualifications

You need not have any mandatory qualification to become a writer. However, higher the qualification, it’s better as it will only increase your insight on the subject that you wish to write. This is especially true if you want to indulge in scientific or theoretical writing.

Do you have it in you

• Excellent command over language
• Thorough knowledge of the subject that you wish to write
• Good understanding of the target audience – your writing style will differ if you are writing for children compared to when you are writing for adults
• A voracious reader
• Ability to accept criticism in a positive way

Pros and Cons of a Writer

Pros

• Name and fame in the literary world and even outside
• Good money once you become an established writer
• You can branch out to other careers like technical writing, web writing and journalism

Cons

• Getting established as a fiction writer takes years
• No money in the initial stages of writing
• Immerse yourself in your writing

 
Where you can work

• Writers work independently and get their stories published through publishing houses
• You can work in organizations as technical / content writer or in newspapers as journalists

FAQs

Can I earn a decent living as a writer?

Yes, you can but it will take some time. Initially, you have to keep writing and get it circulated among your friends and family. Increase your contact with publishers and reviewers. Do not lose hope. You have to keep visiting publishers even if they reject your work. Be consistent with your writing.

Which is the right age to start writing?

There is no right age to start writing. A person who has the gift of the gab can write at any given point of time. The more you write, the more will you be perfect.

Can I seek employment as a writer?

You may not be directly employed as a writer but you can find employment as a content writer, a web writer or as a journalist in any newspaper or new media.

What is the minimum educational qualification required to become a writer?

There is no minimum educational qualification required to become a writer. You can write in any language as long as you can express yourself clearly and have a good grasp over the language.