If you have strong writing skills and ability to meet deadlines, professional writing may be the right career for you. Once you decide which type of writing you want to do, you can talk to an admissions representative or career counselor to find out what it takes to earn a degree or certification.
Whether you're interested in writing a book or building a copywriting career, learning how to become a writer can help you earn more money and achieve more satisfaction out of your work. A variety of certificate and degree programs are available to help anyone who's interested in becoming a writer, so research your options before committing to a particular program. The right program for you will depend on the amount of time you have available, the amount of money you can spend on education and the type of writing you're interested in doing.
If you're interested in part or full time employment as a staff writer, you may have to get an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. If you enroll in a creative writing program, expect to take courses in composition, poetry writing, fiction writing, playwriting and other types of creative writing. Degree programs that focus on technical or business writing are also available. If you enroll in one of these programs, expect to take courses in composition, journalism, public relations and media writing.
Another way to become a writer is to complete a certificate program for writing. Some colleges offer certificates in creative writing, technical writing, copywriting, novel writing and other types of writing. You'll most likely be able to take several elective courses, so completing a certificate program is a good way to learn more about the topics that interest you. If you're interested in learning how to become a writer in a technical field, you may also have to take courses in information architecture and related topics. These courses will prepare you for the exams necessary to obtain professional writing certifications.
If you already have a writing bachelor's degree, you may want to consider getting a master's in writing. Some schools offer master's degrees in creative writing, while other schools have programs that focus on business and technical communications. If you focus on fiction, expect to take graduate-level courses in novel writing, short story writing, young adult fiction, experimental writing and related topics. If you prefer to focus on nonfiction, you may be required to take courses in journalism, travel writing, biography writing, blogging, essay writing and magazine writing. The required courses will vary based on the school you select, so be sure to ask an admissions counselor or advisor about the requirements of your program.
Once you become a writer, you'll have a number of employment options. Some writers choose to get part- or full-time writer and editor jobs, while other writers choose to freelance. This means they are self-employed and work on projects for more than one client. If you decide to open a freelance writing business, it's possible to work at home doing online writing work for your clients. If you decide to take a writing job in the media industry, it's helpful to live in a major city such as New York or Los Angeles as there are typically more media jobs available in these cities.
If you have strong writing skills and ability to meet deadlines, professional writing may be the right career for you. Once you decide which type of writing you want to do, you can talk to an admissions representative or career counselor to find out what it takes to earn a degree or certification.
Photo credit: Zev via Compfight CC.