Person

Writer Opportunities

Writer

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

Salary

Starter salary not found - Experienced salary not found

Typical hours

37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)

Learn More

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

How to become 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 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.

Discover employers who are recruiting soon.

Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship
Displaying page 1 of 91 (total 903 records) 12345678910

chat Chat with Copilot Career Advisor