Writer
Write anything from novels, children's books or poetry to travel guides and instruction manuals.
Also known as: travel writer, blogger, author
About the job
A day in the life – Writer
What it's like
You would write anything from novels, children’s books or poetry to travel guides and instruction manuals.You could work for yourself writing novels, short stories, plays and poetry. You may wish to specialise in children’s books, travel or technical writing. You could also write for newspapers, magazines, radio, film or television. Publishing your work via social media, websites and blogs is another option.Depending on your role, you might:
Choose your subject based on your own interests or on a commission given by agents or publishers
Come up with themes, ideas and plots
Research information using the internet, libraries and interviews
Submit your draft to publishers and agents
Edit your work after getting feedback
Chase publishing opportunities
As a successful published author, you might go to book signings, readings and discussions of your work, or run writing workshops. You could also write reviews of food, literature, film or theatre. You might like to become a technical writer, writing instruction manuals for a range of products from computers to kitchen appliances. You could also write online guides to IT services and products. You may be interested in working as a travel writer, creating guide books, features, hotel reviews or travel novels. Writing travel blogs, articles for websites and social media posts could also be part of your job. Entry into some writing careers can be very competitive, and many writers - especially novelists and poets - also need another job to support themselves. Whatever type of writing you do, it could be useful to develop an understanding of copyright law.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- innovative
- creative
- written communication
- persevering
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Drama
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English
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English and Communication
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History
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Media
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
There is no set path into this career; some authors study at college or university in subjects such as English literature, Creative writing or other social science subjects.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
It can be useful to attend evening classes in creative writing. The Arvon Foundation provides residential courses in creative writing.
If you would like to become a published writer there are things you can do to help promote yourself:
joining a writers club to get support and feedback on your work
entering competitions can raise your profile as a writer
blogging or developing your own website are good ways of getting your writing known by others.
You could try sending editors of journals short stories or articles.
You could also follow other writers and publishers and post comments or ask questions. blogging, facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can be a good way of networking and marketing yourself.
For some technical writing roles some publishers may prefer you have a background in the industry e.g. specialist engineering.
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