How to become a writer

Writers produce creative work including books, scripts, songs and TV programmes, to name just a few.

There are lots of different types of jobs for writers, in loads of different industries. Many writers are freelance/self-employed, meaning they will work on projects with lots of different organisations, not just one. This career could suit you if you have solid research skills, an eye for a great story and, of course, a way with words!

Scroll down or click on the links to hear from people currently writing professionally and learn more about what you could expect from this career path.

Journalists research, write and sometimes film or present factual stories. There are several areas of journalism, including magazines, newspapers, TV, radio and online.

You just have to be someone who can tell a good story, and tell it right, and tell it well.
– Ex-BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern

Songwriters may write songs for themselves, or for other artists. It's a competitive field so resilience and determination are important! There are many routes in – for example Sarah, part of songwriting collective The Six, was previously a poetry writer.

I love the feeling of writing and connecting with someone and seeing them bring it to life.
– Songwriter and producer Jon Green

Screenwriters write the stories for films, TV programmes and computer games. Scripts go through several rounds of revisions before they're finalised so being open to feedback is really important. Entering screenwriting competitions run by broadcasters and regional screen agencies can be a great way to get noticed.

What you imagine in your head is never necessarily what it plays out like on screen but it's usually better.
– Roanne Bardsley, screenwriter

These are just a taster of the roles available in writing. Anything you can think of that uses words has a writer behind it! What they've all got in common is creativity and the ability to engage an audience. Check out the roles below for more inspiration about where your writing skills could take you.

As long as you’ve got an eye out for ideas… and you’re really passionate about what you do, I think that's all you need.
– Gail, junior copywriter

• Writer average salary: Variable. You may be self-employed/freelance
• Writer typical working hours: 37 to 39 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to become a writer?

You could get into this role via a university course, volunteering, applying directly or specialist training or self-teaching.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

• Typical entry requirements: You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent. You could choose to develop these skills through a university qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like Creative Writing, English Language or Literature, Creative and Professional Writing or Journalism. You'll usually need one or two A-levels (or equivalent) for a foundation degree or higher national diploma and two to three A-levels (or equivalent) for an undergraduate degree. 
  A degree isn't essential though. The core things you'll need are creative ideas that will sell, good research skills and the ability to express ideas in a style suited to your intended audience. Building up as much experience as possible is important to show potential employers your knowledge and enthusiasm. You could hone your craft by, for example, joining a local writers' group, entering writing competitions or by blogging online.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.