Writer

Writer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The vast majority of writers are self-employed or freelance. Permanent paid work is more common in technical author, academic or journalist roles (see separate job descriptions). Nonetheless, a determined writer can carve themselves a niche. Typical tasks include:

• writing, editing and proofreading text
• liaison with other professionals such as printers, photographers and artists
• marketing and distributing work
• researching and developing contacts
• seeking publishing contracts
• negotiating terms and conditions of contracts
• general administration.

High salaries are not common among writers, and most people choose the role because of the joint benefits of being their own boss and doing something they enjoy. However, some writers, particularly those who have had their work adapted for the big screen, have gone on to earn respectable sums.

Typical employers of writers

• publishers
• newspapers and magazines
• radio or television dramas
• computer games developers
• film studios

Many successful writers find work by building up contacts in the field they wish to move into. An agent can be employed to provide advice and to help secure contracts. Useful publications include Writers' Forum, The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook and The Writer's Handbook. The last two contain comprehensive lists of agents and publishers.

Qualifications and training required

No formal academic qualifications are needed. Previous experience from published articles, freelance work or writing competitions can be useful, although not essential. A wide variety of institutions including universities, colleges and adult education centres offer short creative writing courses that can be helpful.

Key skills for writers

• perseverance
• excellent written communication
• a good grasp of narrative
• awareness of audience