how much education is required to be a writer

How to Become a Writer

Sean Glatch  |  May 24, 2024  |  12 Comments

So you’re wondering how to become a writer. The short answer is: anyone who writes is a writer. However, becoming a writer who’s serious about their professional career requires lots of work, and if you’re wondering how to become a professional writer, you’re here to start your journey towards a productive and successful literary career.

How do you become a writer? You don’t need a degree to be a writer, nor do you need to be a certain age. Becoming a writer simply requires an admiration for—and a longing to create with—language. So, don’t worry about becoming a writer later in life or lacking a formal education. (That’s what Writers.com is here for!)

No one can teach you how to admire the written word, but the instructors at Writers.com are experts at turning longing into language. That’s why this article covers everything you need on how to become a writer. From the personal to the professional, let’s dive into everything writers need to build a successful literary career.

How to Become a Writer: Contents

How to Become a Writer: Anyone Can Become One

It’s never too late to become a writer, how to become a writer: where to begin your writing journey, how to become a professional writer: what “professional” means, how to become a writer: resources for becoming a professional writer, how to become a writer: developing a writing habit.

Even today, there’s a persistent myth that writers are elite, born-with-it Ivory Tower folks who possess some ineffable gift of the Muses. Yes, some great writers were born with greatness (and plenty were born with wealth and privilege), but anyone who calls themselves a writer does so because they labor with the written word.

Becoming a writer simply requires an ardent exploration of language.

In others words, you don’t need an MFA from the University of Iowa to call yourself a writer. Becoming a writer simply requires an ardent exploration of language. If we had to boil a writer down to three requirements, it wouldn’t involve age or degree. The 4 traits for becoming a writer are:

• Passion for the written word,
• Desire to expand the boundaries and possibilities of language,
• Persistence and patience, bordering on stubbornness, and
• Willingness to grow and learn continuously.

Many writers who have these traits stop themselves from writing, maybe because they’re wondering how to become a writer without a degree, or simply because they don’t believe in themselves without the privilege and connections writers seem to have. Now, writers certainly benefit from a university education or a family legacy in literature, but countless writers have acquired respect and success without a degree or name recognition.

Ernest Hemingway never went to college, but he still won a Pulitzer and Nobel Prize; neither did Maya Angelou attend university, yet she’s celebrated as the “black woman’s poet laureate” and later accepted a professorship with Wake Forest University. Degrees are just paper; it’s words that matter.

Degrees are just paper; it’s words that matter.

Becoming a writer has no age restriction; the act of writing is rated G for the General Public, and those aforementioned traits are found in writers from ages 2 to 99+.

Many writers discover their writing talents in their later years. Why, exactly? Neurology reveals there are two types of intelligence : fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. “Fluid” refers to creative and adaptive thinking, including activities like writing and problem solving. “Crystallized” refers to the solidified body of knowledge people draw from—all the words, definitions, and experiences that build a foundation for the world.

Generally, younger adults have more fluid intelligence, whereas life experience builds one’s crystallized intelligence over time. The two intelligences tend to converge in a person’s 40s, since this is an age where the faculties for fluid intelligence haven’t declined, and crystallized intelligence abounds. Not-so-coincidentally, many writers see their careers flourish in their 40s and 50s!

Many celebrated writers didn’t put pen to paper until middle age or later.

In fact, many celebrated writers didn’t put pen to paper until middle age or later. Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t start writing until her 40s, and her Little House series didn’t start printing until she was 65. Likewise, Most of Wallace Stevens’ work was published after he turned 50; despite being a poet, he worked at an insurance company, and most of his coworkers were shocked when he won a Pulitzer at 75. Nobody knew that he wrote!

Finally, many university students return for a writing degree after establishing a career elsewhere. BFA and MFA programs around the world educate students in their 30s and beyond; in 2017, the average age of a low-residency MFA student in the U.S. was 35.4, according to LitHub and AWP .

Whether you’re 19 or 90, you’re never too old to write. The best time to write is yesterday; the second-best time is today.

Rather than an If-Then structure, the writing profession follows a Became-Because structure.

How do you become a writer? Where do you begin? The writing profession is unlike most professions, which follow an If-Then structure. If you get a bachelor’s degree, Then you can work as a nurse, computer scientist, or accountant; If you join a worker’s guild or apprenticeship program, Then you can find work in a number of trade jobs.

The writing profession follows a Became-Because structure. Zora Neale Hurston became a writer because she obtained degrees from Howard University and Barnard College, encouraging her to dissect the African American experience through a literary and anthropological lens.

Conversely, Haruki Murakami became a writer because of a baseball game .

The qualifications for becoming a writer are unique to the individual, and every writer is formed by personal interests and experiences. As a result, no one can tell you where to begin your writing journey; however, if you’re wondering how to become a writer, you’ve already started your journey by thinking about it.

If you’re wondering how to become a writer, you’ve already started your journey by thinking about it.

One distinction to help you think about your writing journey is the difference between amateur and professional writers. If you’re not sure what you want to become, start with the following question: what does “professional” mean?

There are, generally, two classes of writers: amateurs and professionals. Before describing the professional writer, let’s be clear: “amateur” is not derogatory, and professional writers are not “better” than amateurs. Amateur comes from the Latin amator , “lover.” An amateur writer loves the written word just as much, sometimes even more, than the professional; amateurs simply have less pressure, deadlines, and financial dependence on writing. It’s a pastime, not a career.

If you want writing to be a significant portion of your income, then you aspire to being a professional writer.

If you want writing to be a significant portion of your income, then you aspire to being a professional writer. Professional writers have to approach their writing as a business, building a literary audience and keeping a regular writing schedule. Professional writers need to understand the ins and outs of the publishing industry—which they often learn through obtaining a university degree—and it also helps to have formal training in the publishing world and experience operating literary magazines.

How do you start to work toward becoming a professional writer? Below are resources to get you started.

At some point, the professional writer needs to know the ins and outs of writing as a business. This list covers the essentials of how to become a professional writer.

How to make money as a writer

• Explore freelance writing opportunities (updated weekdays at F.W.G.)
• 6 writers explain how they make money (NY Mag)
• Self-publishing versus traditional publishing (Self-Publishing School)
• Writing to market (Funds For Writers)

Taxes as a self-employed creative

• Taxes on freelance writing and royalties (TurboTax)
• Tax tips and unique situations (The Balance Careers)

Resources on publishing

• Poetry journals
• Fiction journals
• Creative nonfiction journals
• How to get published in a literary journal (Reader’s Digest)
• Book: What Editors Do by Peter Ginna ($25 at UChicago Press)

Becoming a writer online

• Basic guide to each social media platform (Kindlepreneur)
• Building an author’s website (The Write Practice)
• Free website template for authors (Copyfolio)
• Running a mailing list (Your Writer Platform)

Things to know before taking writing classes

• Poetry courses
• Fiction courses
• Creative nonfiction courses
• Why take a writing course?

Additional resources for learning how to become a writer

• Setting SMART goals
• Reading like a writer
• The golden rule: show, don’t tell
• Overcoming writer’s block
• Becoming a poet
• 8 tips on learning how to write
• Best online creative writing classes

How do professional writers spend their workdays? Perhaps the trickiest part about becoming a writer is establishing a writing habit. For example, Haruki Murakami runs a 10K every morning to support his writing, and Charles Dickens wrote (and slept) facing north to improve his creativity.

Perhaps the trickiest part about becoming a writer is establishing a writing habit.

What works for one person rarely works for another, so experiment with writing habits—and when you find one that works, stick with it.

Generally, you can parse the writing business into 3 separate components:

• The writing life—putting pen to paper at regular intervals.
• Scheduled time for “the business of writing”—literary submissions, applying for grants, etc.
• An active media/marketing presence—blogging, tweeting, emailing, etc.

You’ll want to schedule time for each of these elements in your daily writing habit. Of course, this is easier said than done. Budding writers often overestimate their ability to work: they think they can spend 3 hours writing, 2 hours replying to emails, and 2 hours submitting work to journals. Then they spend the afternoon watching reruns of BBC quiz shows. (Yes! I did do this recently.)

That’s why forging a consistent writing habit is essential—for amateur writers as well as professionals. Writing at the same place at the same time encourages your brain to write every day. And, if you can’t keep yourself focused on writing, try experimenting with different writing rituals. If a 10K helps Murakami write, something equally unique could help you, too.

How to Become a Writer: Take Your Next Step with Writers.com!

The classes we’ve curated in our upcoming schedule will take your writing life to the next level. Whether learning a new writing style or mastering the business of writing, becoming a writer feels a whole lot simpler with Writers.com.

Sean Glatch

12 comments.

Brilliant review Misty

I hope, I can be a better writer with your support.

Yeah. Same thing as with all other fields. Practice, practice, and once again, practice! It’s like a sport, you should always find new ways to practice.

This really helped me out. Thank you so much!

I’m 14 and i hope to become a writer someday. Thank you so much for the info.

Thank you for the information About to start my writing journey and thus really helped.

I’m a senior that would like to turn my love of writing into a profession. The information you have presented here has inspired me to continue moving towards that goal.

I live in a rural area of Uganda with very little education but always aspired to write a book on families. I am much encouraged. started it but got stuck ..

I love writing and thank you for information you have given meand am obliged to say thank.

i am very eager to become a writer be that script know how or fiction. i am a sponge for knowledge so i learn as i work. i treat everyday as a school day. i want to learn every single part of the writing career-be that if the editor drinks tea or coffee and how they like there papers folded. i soak information as i do a task. i love to build the bullet points for a story because everything needs a beginning. if you are baking a cake the eggs and flour are needed before you think about putting anything in the oven. to prepare a cake you need a tray to put it in-before you build a story you need a starting and then ingredients to put in along the way. i really love to build a story from different snippets of things. i have a thirst for many different aspects of life having spent a majority of time in hospitals and then being taken advantage of my my family because of my brain injury. so i know more than most in a lot of different subjects and matters in life, i have lost more than most in life but i am here telling my version of it to the big bright world. 0874762400 is my contact number

Discovering the path to becoming a writer is both exhilarating and daunting. It requires a blend of passion, persistence, and honing one’s craft. From mastering the art of storytelling to navigating the intricacies of the publishing world, the journey demands dedication and resilience. Embrace every word written, every rejection faced, for they are stepping stones on the road to literary success.

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How to Become An Author: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover how to become an author in our step-by-step guide.

I wanted to become an author since I was five, but I didn’t take writing books seriously until my thirties. I spent far more time talking about writing than writing. It was only after learning how to write every day that I finally wrote and published my first book.

Since then, I’ve written several books and interviewed dozens of authors about their process, including New York Times best-selling authors. I’ve self-published multiple books and co-wrote a USA Today best-seller.

I discovered many people say they have a book inside of them, but few commit time, energy and resources and turn their idea for a great book into a published work. 

That’s a shame because it’s easier than ever to become an author today. The tools are more affordable and readily available than ever. Aspiring authors don’t need permission from an agent or publisher either. Furthermore, becoming an author enables many writers to earn a good living from what they love, but it starts with writing that first book. 

In this article, I explain how you can become an author faster based on my experiences and talking to other authors who find success.

1. Read Widely

2. learn the art of storytelling, 3. write a little every day, 4. write short stories and blog post, 5. take a creative writing class, 6. pick a genre, 7. research your book, 8. select your book writing tools, 9. set a deadline, 10. outline your book, 11. write a rough draft, 12. track your wordcount, 13. finish your drafts, 14. learn how to self-edit, 15. hire a professional editor, 16. face your fears, 17. try self-publishing, 18. hire a book cover designer, 19. avoid letting perfectionism halt your writing career, 20. sell your book, the final word, how much does an author get paid, what qualifications do you need to become an author, does an author make good money, what is the best time to publish a book, how can you become a best-selling author (steps to follow).

As a writer, your free time is often best spent reading rather than streaming the latest hit show on social media. Successful authors spend hours each week reading books inside and outside their comfort zone. 

These authors study what works in these books to understand their preferred genre or niche conventions. They also develop their skills by questioning what doesn’t work inside of best-selling books. Many authors describe writing out sections of books they love by hand so they can understand how the author wrote. 

This type of analytical rigour helps creatives develop a writing voice. Stephen King said about the importance of reading for authors: 

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time — or the tools — to write. Simple as that.”

Reading books about the craft can also acquire the skills you need for the genre in question. For inspiration, check out our list of the best writing books .

Fiction authors understand how important it’s to hook readers’ attention from the first few pages. They spend hours learning how to show rather than tell and create memorable characters who jump to life off the page. They create characters who want something and change fundamentally as the story progresses.

Successful non-fiction authors do more than impart information and research to readers. Consider Malcolm Gladwell. He’s as famous for research as he is for telling captivating stories that entertain and inspired. 

Storytelling is more important than any writing skill, including grammar and line editing. You can learn this skill by taking writing courses or by reading some of the best books about stories. I particularly enjoyed the storytelling seminar by Robert McKee and his books on the same topic.

For help with stories, read our storytelling guide .

If you’re worried your book writing skills aren’t good enough, work through your reps. The more sentences you write, the stronger your command of language will become. The more clichés you terminate, the better you’ll become at editing.

Rather than trying to write your book for hours at the weekend, work on it a little every day. Any aspiring author can find fifteen or thirty minutes to work on their first drafts and book outlines before or after work. 

Remove time-sinks like reading the news, consuming social media or streaming the latest show on Netflix. These small writing sessions quickly accumulate. If you need help, a good set of writing prompts can trigger a productive writing session.

The more chapters you write, the better you’ll be at articulating stories and ideas. And the more books you finish, the more you’ll know how to write a book. And the next book. And the next.

Every aspiring author should write either short stories or blog posts before tackling a fiction or non-fiction book. A book averaging 50,000 words can take months to write and edit, but you can write a short story in a few days or over a week, as they are only several thousand words long. 

These smaller writing projects offer aspiring authors a chance to explore different types of writing, genres and niches. They also help cultivate a writing habit of starting and finishing creative projects. 

You can publish the short story on Wattpad, submit it to a writing contest, or potentially expand it into a novel or a book. Even if you never publish it, consider it a type of writing practice that improves your storytelling skills.

Non-fiction authors should write several blog posts or articles about the topic of choice and publish them on social media platforms like Medium. They can explore their thinking and get feedback from readers and editors before spending months writing a book.

Learn how to get paid writing short stories.

Wanting to become an author can feel like a strange writing goal if you’re not spending much time in the company of other creatives. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on an MFA or a degree in creative writing to connect with other creatives, either. 

Spending a few weeks or months in the company of aspiring authors may inspire you to work harder on your craft. They can also hold you to account and offer feedback on your early drafts and book ideas. What’s more, you could form connections with future professional authors.

I took creative writing classes at the Irish Writer’s Centre in Dublin a few years ago. Several students went on to become published authors with traditional book deals.

A good author understands what readers expect from them. For example, James Patterson doesn’t attempt to write literary prose because his audience is more concerned with page-turning thrillers. Similarly, Malcolm Gladwell doesn’t write self-help because he understands his audience prefers story-telling combined with research. Popular fiction genres include:

• Science-fiction
• Speculative fiction
• Modern literature
• Action and adventure
• Children’s books

Popular non-fiction genres include:

• Memoirs and autobiographies
• Pop psychology

Identify the best-selling books and authors in your preferred and ask yourself what they’re doing that readers love. Figure out an ideal target audience for the genre in question. How old are they, what sex and what other books do they like? 

What do they expect from a book in this genre? After all, thriller readers don’t care much for the latest magic or tech found in fantasy and science-fiction books! Including or excluding certain conventions will dictate the quality of book reviews later on.

For help, read our guide to book genres .

Book research is a vital part of the creative process. Fiction authors can travel to locations or settings they want to include in their books and take pictures and videos. Or they can use Google maps and a good travel book if they are short on time and budget. 

Non-fiction authors can interview subject matter experts about their topic of choice. Consider using a service like Descript or Rev for transcriptions to save time with interviews. These book interviews demonstrate credibility and also improve the quality of the book. They can also serve as material for blog posts and articles promoting the book in question. 

However, avoid letting research become a form of procrastination whereby you endlessly hunt for better ideas and information. At some point, an author has to turn their notes into words.

A good writing app can help you plan, outline, write and edit a book quickly and easily. Scrivener is perfect for long-form writing, as you can drag and drop sections of a book. I also like using Grammarly for book editing, although it’s not a replacement for a proofreader. Vellum is a good choice for laying out a book, but it’s Mac only. 

Read our guide to the best grammar checkers .

You can quickly write a book using a standard word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Remember, hitting a daily word count and publication date is more important than any tool. So pick one that suits your writing style and budget and stick with it until done.

Professional authors hold themselves to account with deadlines. They pick an ideal publication date and work backwards. James Patterson, for example, publishes several books a year and relies on contracts with his publishers and his audience’s expectations. 

If it’s your first book, break it down into smaller milestones you can tick off one by one. You could pick a target date for finishing your book’s first act and a date for sending a draft to an editor. 

While setting these deadlines, block book time in your calendar for writing the book each day. Ideally, you’ll work on it simultaneously so that writing becomes a daily habit and not a chore. Allow room for error when setting deadlines, too—plan for holidays, work and life events.

Some writers are plotters. They like outlining and planning extensively in advance, as this process saves them time. Other authors like writing from the seat of their pants, whereby they turn up and see where the muse and their characters lead them. 

If you’re the former type of author, outline a book using index cards. They’re cheap and don’t have a learning curve or need Wi-Fi! I drafted an entire book previously using about 50 index cards. Each represented a chapter for the book and contained the key points I’d write about. The best mind-mapping software can help authors who are more visually-inclined

I use outlining as I can arrange the key ideas for a book chapter using bullet points. I can move them around and fix the structure of a chapter without worrying about line edits during an early draft. Outlining also works well for authors who dictate early drafts. 

Read our guide to the best outlining software .

The job of a first draft is to exist. Don’t worry about grammar errors, typos and other mistakes. Instead, focus on getting the words out of your head and onto the blank page as quickly as possible. Ernest Hemingway famously said:

 “The first draft of anything is shit.” 

Focus on writing the book’s first draft as quickly as possible, so you’ve something to work with and shape into a book during the revision process. 

Consider dictating the first draft using software like Dragon. It’s possible to dictate thousands of words per hour without stopping to fix typos and other mistakes. An author could dictate their book while out for a walk, tapping into the benefits of exercise and creativity. Prolific authors like PD Woodhouse famously outlined their stories using a voice recorder and gave their notes to a secretary to typos up. 

For help, learn how to practice dictation.

Writing a book is one part creative and another part hard work. Oliver Stone once said, “Writing is butt in the chair.”

Becoming an author is easier if you hold yourself to account by tracking your daily output. For most writers, this type of quantification involves keeping track of a daily word count. 

Do this in a spreadsheet or notebook. That way, you can realistically evaluate your daily output and if you will hit those deadlines. Review your production once a week and assess if you’re turning up often enough in front of the blank page.

During the editing process, consider changing what you track to time spent working on the book rather than a daily word count. The editing process involves condensing, clarifying and revising rather than hitting an arbitrary word-count goal daily.

It’s easy to start a book draft, but it’s much harder to finish writing it. However, authors must learn the value of persistence. After completing a book draft, you’ll have something to show to beta readers and an editor. 

By finishing, you can become the kind of author who thinks of an idea, fleshes their idea out, edits, rewrites, polishes and rewrites some more, then presses publish. That takes guts.

The editing process often isn’t as gruelling as writing that painful first draft, either. Feedback is invaluable. It’s your chance to learn how to become a better writer. Neil Gaiman said about the importance of finishing book drafts:

“Whatever it takes to finish things, finish. You will learn more from a glorious failure than you ever will from something you never finished.”

For help, check out our list of first draft examples .

After finishing a book draft, let it sit for several days or even weeks. It’s best to separate writing and editing as they engage different brain parts.

When you’re less attached to your book draft, read through the draft in one or two sittings marking it up with annotations. Identify what structural changes the piece needs first and rewrite accordingly. 

Condense, clarify and revise. Ensure each chapter draws on the five senses and has compelling hooks or stories so that it hooks readers. 

While revising the first time, don’t worry about typos and grammar mistakes. You can fix these during later drafts once the book’s structure is set. Later, look for sections with readability issues and consider if you’ve overused words and clichés.

Check out our list of manuscript editing software .

A good book editor helps with revising, restructuring and proofreading your book. Best to involve them earlier in the book writing process than you think. They will save you time on rewrites and provide valuable advice for your writing career. You can send them book chapters or acts as you finish them rather than at the end. 

Plus, many good book editors have a waiting list and may not be able to review a draft for weeks or even months and not when you finish it. You can find a book editor using a service like Reedsy.

Typically, an author should budget for a developmental editor who works on the book’s structure. They’ll also need a line editor or copy editor who will fix sentence structure and grammar issues. Finally, they’ll need a proofreader to spot typos and other mistakes. That said, it’s possible to commission one editor who can complete all these services as part of a single package. 

Expect to pay one to three thousand dollars depending on the length of your book, genre, and the work required.

Most authors have many unpublished works on their computers and know more about disappointment than success. Stephen Pressfield , the author of many best-sellers, including the War of Art , tried to become an author for years. He said:

“We must do our work for its own sake, not for fortune or attention or applause.”

Writing is personal and not something you can fake or dial in. If you want to finish writing your book, you’ll fail at some point. For help, learn more about conquering common writing fears .

Some aspiring authors worry about what will happen after they publish a book. How will friends and family react? One new writer emailed me to say she worried about what would happen if she became famous. She wrote:

“I want to tell stories, and I want people to read them and get joy and satisfaction from them; I just don’t want to become a subject under a microscope!

Worrying about how those around you will react to your book is natural. It’s normal to wonder what will happen if you become known for being a writer.

Well, it’s impossible to please everyone, so if some people aren’t comfortable with your success, that’s their problem. If you succeed, you’ll discover a new side to yourself and your craft, which will only enrich your life.

After all, you will regret not having the courage to see your ideas and your book through later. So hold through to your values, and finish writing that book. 

Years ago, a young writer had to learn how to write a book, find an agent, and land a book deal. Traditional publishing is tough to break into when starting out with no name recognition.

Nowadays, you can write and self-publish a book on Amazon, Kobo and Act for several hundred dollars. Technically, you can do it for free, but I’d recommend budgeting for working with an editor, proofreader, and cover designer.

Self-publishing a book will teach you how the process works and help you discover the types of titles you want to write in the future. It may even land you a traditional book publishing deal, as happened with Hugh Howie, author of Wool and E.L. James, author of Fifty Shades of Grey .

If you’re exploring self-publishing, consider what formats you’ll create. For example, many non-fiction authors earn more money from audiobooks than Kindle books. Similarly, fiction authors can earn more from print copies. 

For inspiration, read our profile of famous authors who self-published .

A good book cover is a primary driver for book sales. Best not to skimp on it. Hire a professional book cover designer who can create a compelling cover relevant to your genre. 

As many readers buy books online, your cover must look good in small sizes and on the Amazon store. Don’t attempt to create a cover yourself unless you have professional design skills. Your time is better spent editing and writing than tinkering in Photoshop or other design software.

If your budget is tight, you could buy a pre-made cover for one or two hundred dollars and swap it out later when you’ve more money. 

Learn more about working with a book cover designer .

Many aspiring authors hold off on writing and publishing a book until they have enough time, money and skills. That’s a mistake. Every author learns by doing.

In my mid-twenties, I spent years struggling to become a novelist. I wrote dozens of short stories and abandoned them. I researched articles I wanted to write for newspapers and never wrote them.

There wasn’t any moment when I learned how to finish my work. Instead, I got a job as a journalist writing for a newspaper. There, I had to finish my articles by a deadline because the editor would fire me if I didn’t.

I know this because he called me into his office after I missed a deadline and said so. So I overcame perfectionism. I stopped polishing my articles until they were perfect, and I finished them. On more than one occasion, my editor returned articles to me, saying I’d left out an introductory paragraph or my introduction needed reworking. After listening to his criticism, I wanted to quit.

On other occasions, the sub-editors of the paper reworked my articles. This process felt like a brutal dressing-down, but at least I was getting paid to write.

For help, learn how to beat procrastination in writing .

As an author, your job doesn’t end after submitting a manuscript to a publishing house or uploading the final files to Amazon. Whether you have a traditional book deal, you still need to sell copies via book marketing.

Many publishing houses write off the cost of book deals because they don’t believe a book will sell. Others don’t do a great job of selling a book on behalf of their clients. To avoid this problem, learn the basics of author marketing.

• Set up an author website
• Build an email list of engaged readers
• Run book promotions regularly
• Send advanced copies of your book to an early readers group for feedback and reviews
• Study how Amazon ads work and use them

 For help, read our guide to selling self-published books .

Most people spend more time telling their friends they have a great idea for a book. But, they don’t spend much time turning their vision into reality.

No matter what tips on becoming an author you learn, please understand it takes tremendous hard work and mental discipline to write a book.

While releasing the best possible version of your work is smart, you’ll need some self-knowledge to finish it. There will always be a gap between what you want your creative project to be about and what comes out on the blank page.

The best way to narrow that gap and improve the quality of your book is to put in your reps: write more often, finish your work and publish it. You, too, can become an author.

FAQs on How to Become An Author

The average author sells 250-500 copies of their book in the first year. According to the Guardian, they usually won’t earn more than $1000 or earn back their advance due to how book royalties are structured. That said, book sales hit an all-time high in 2021, suggesting people are reading more than ever.

However, successful fiction authors don’t rely on one book to pay the bills. They build a back catalogue of work that sells over time. Many non-fiction authors rely on their books to sell related services like public speaking, consulting or a course.

You don’t need any qualifications to become an author. It’s much like an entrepreneurial career choice; the onus is on the writer to develop their skills, work on a book, and publish and sell it. However, it’s helpful to have a strong command of the English language. Therefore, many authors study English, journalism or a related discipline at the university. 

Newer and mid-tier authors can earn several thousand dollars a year from their books, granted not quit your job money. However, authors can make good money if they have a back catalogue of books, sell related products or services or have built a name for themselves and their work. James Patterson is an example of a top-tier author who is earning upwards of $100 million as part of his last book contract.

Books sell the most copies before the holiday season. As such, it’s usually best to publish before December or Black Friday as book lovers are already in a shopping mood. The summer months are also a popular time for sales and people like buying books they can read on holidays.

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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Wondering how to become an author? Well, that answer will depend on the type of author you want to be.

Maybe you’ve always been a writer at heart, and are ready to share your story with the world and earn the title of “author.”

Or maybe you’re passionate about a certain topic and are ready to help others by sharing your expertise.

Regardless of your reason – the issue still stands: you want to know how to become an author of a book and a bestselling one at that. So what is an author anyway? And how does becoming an author work?

To learn how to become an author, the short answer is: You write a book.

Sounds simple, right?  

But writing is rarely simple. So, let’s go for the more complex dilemma: How to become an author of a book that actually gets read .

You want to author a book that’s phenomenal, polished, and packed with content that readers will truly connect with.  So how do you do that?

In this guide, we’ll focus on how to become an author of a book that sells . But before we dive into the steps on how to become an author, it's important you understand exactly what an author is.

This guide to how to become an author will cover:

What does it mean to become an author.

When you learn how to become an author, it means that you ideated, created, and produced a written work, most commonly a book, novel, short story , poem, or other literary work of prose.

Traditionally, an author meant someone who had written a book, and this connotation still stands today, but it has expanded with societal changes. The term author can actually pertain to journalists, essayists, and those in the digital space such as bloggers or article writers.

Writer vs author

What's the difference between a writer and author , you ask? Great question.

While writer and author are often used interchangeably, there is definitely a difference between the two. An author is a writer, but a writer isn't always an author.

How hard is it to become an author?

While the path of learning how to become an author is easier with today's technology and the rise of self-publishing, learning how to become an author takes determination, hard work, and usually a specific set of skills (which we'll cover more on later).

For some, opportunity comes easier than it does for others. Some people become an author and find quick success, whereas others struggle for years to complete their book and publish it.

For most people, creating a consistent writing routine and actually getting the words written is the hardest part – in which case a book writing coach could be just the person you need in your corner, keeping you motivated and accountable.

It also depends on the book publishing method, which we'll explain more on in the publishing section of this article. For example, traditional publishing deals are hard to come by, and it is a lengthy process. On the other hand, self-publishing makes becoming an author more accessible.

How to become an author in 8 simple steps

Now that you have a deeper understanding of what being an author entails, it's time to dive into the exact process of how to become an author.

When learning how to become an author, here are the eight steps you should take:

1. Invest in education

Learning how to become an author doesn't have any formal educational requirements. But at minimum, a high school degree is recommended. Becoming an author mainly requires that you have a strong set of skills, like the ability to read and write well.

When learning how to become an author, having a degree isn't required, but it can help.

There is a wide range of educational levels for authors, from those with a basic high school education to those who have completed doctorate programs. Pursuing a higher formal education degree can certainly help you learn how to become an author, but it's not a requirement.

Whether you get a degree or not, you must be an exceptional writer and avid reader to improve your chances of becoming an author of a book that actually gets read .

Our society values higher education . When you’re exploring new careers, the first question is usually: What kind of education is needed for this job?

So, it isn’t any wonder that people researching how to become an author immediately ask what type of education or credentials are needed to write a book.

A caveat to this: If you’re looking to publish a book on a specific topic , you must be an expert in that field or industry. A college degree helps build your credibility significantly, even though it is not completely necessary.

Common degrees to consider for aspiring book writers

• English . Anyone with a college degree in English has spent the majority of their college career taking classes on writing development and reading literature for deep analysis. Those with an English degree usually have a strong command of writing, and study the works of famous authors.
• Literature . Similar to a degree in English, a degree in Literature follows the same course syllabus in the sense that it is heavily focused on reading, analyzing, and writing about literary works.
• Creative writing . Writers with a degree in Creative Writing have undergone extensive academic courses surrounding creative writing fundamentals and storytelling. Creative Writing students are expected to write rigorously to improve their craft.
• History . Because history goes hand-in-hand with many literary subjects, those with a degree in History will have a well-rounded skillset to apply as an author.
• Journalism . Writers with a journalism background are likely educated on news-style writing, features, interview processes, and more. Those with a journalism degree often have experience as newspaper columnists or feature writers, which can translate well into an author career.
• Psychology . Those who study psychology have an in-depth understanding of human behavior and interaction, which makes for great writing, especially in fiction.
• Communications . People with a communications degree often have experience in news-writing, marketing, public relations, and more, which are all fields that rely heavily on great writing skills.
• Theater/cinema . Those with a theater background make great authors and writers due to their creativity, understanding of character dynamics, and screenwriting skills.
• Liberal arts . Any degree in liberal arts is likely to be focused on heavy research and writing – no matter the field. Therefore, a liberal arts degree can set you up well for learning how to become an author.
• A degree in any subject you want to write about! If you have a particular industry or niche that you want to focus on in your writing, pursue a degree in that! For example, if I could re-do college all over again, I would pursue a minor degree in Women's Studies, because I love to write about those topics.

Alternatives to college degrees

There are also non-degree online education options for aspiring authors to consider. These are a great choice if you want to learn how to write a book or publish a book on your own. Programs like these are focused on achieving a specific goal, and can be completed at a quicker pace. (Example: Himalayan Writing Retreat )

If you get a traditional college degree, you likely will NOT learn how to write and publish a book. So, if you know for sure that you want to learn how to become an author, you'll save time and money by investing in a course or program that's specific to publishing.

For example, there are many online education programs specifically for aspiring authors, including self-publishing courses.

Be sure to thoroughly do your research to make sure the program is a good fit for your needs.

Online education options

• Self-Publishing courses . Start here if you want to join an education program that provides a complete roadmap to becoming a bestselling author.
• Coursera . Consider a program where you can select specific topics to learn about.
• Udemy . You can find cost-effective micro-courses based on specific topics around writing and publishing.
• MasterClass . There are limited courses for aspiring authors on this platform, but if you're particularly interested in learning how to improve your writing from bestselling, world-renowned authors like Margaret Atwood, check this out.
• CreativeLive . Another option for creative courses specific to certain topics around developing certain creative skills.

2. Learn the skills to become a successful author

While there aren’t any formal education requirements to learn how to become an author of a book, there are certainly some important skills that many successful writers have in common.

Consider these skills like prerequisites – you should aim to improve these skills if you truly want to learn how to become a writer.

In a society of high competition, possessing many of these skills will set you apart and increase your chances of gaining a solid readership.

The top skills needed to learn how to become an author are:

Exceptional writing development skills

Being an excellent writer who can communicate effectively through words is the premise of learning how to become an author successfully. We’ll cover more on the fundamentals of writing that you should master in the next section, but you can check out these writing websites to learn how to be a better writer.

Creative storytelling that engages

It’s an art in itself! Whether you’re writing nonfiction or fiction, no matter what genre your book falls in, you need to be able to craft an engaging story that pulls readers in.

The ability to research well

Ask any successful author, and they will tell you that a major factor in successfully writing a book is to conduct thorough research . You need to know your content in and out – whether you’re writing historical fiction, a children's picture book , or a self-help book.

Since you’re reading this article and researching how to become an author, there’s a good chance you’re already research-savvy!

The tendency to naturally observe people and places

In order to create life-size characters, make your story come alive, and describe people and events vividly, you need to possess the power of observation. If you’re not one to naturally sit back and watch from the sidelines, try improving your observation skills .

Vulnerability and grit

Authors put everything they possess into their writing. It takes vulnerability to put your words out there, and resilience to keep at it when the going gets tough. To learn how to become an author, you’ll need to overcome some serious mental blocks, and be courageous even when you’re overworked or fearing judgment.

3. Master the fundamentals of book writing

Having an excellent command of writing skills builds a solid foundation on which to begin your author journey.

Many people can write, but not many people can write well. And if you can’t write well, that’s okay!

The good news is that there are a number of ways to improve your writing.

Writing isn’t necessarily a talent, it’s a craft. It can be cultivated. It can be strengthened. And with a growth mindset, you can improve your writing skills by mastering the fundamentals.

Some basic examples of the fundamentals of writing are being able to express ideas clearly and in an organized fashion, using powerful word choice , developing a clear point of view , and using proper grammar and punctuation .

However, there are a lot more fundamental writing techniques to learn and implement in your own writing.

• Learn the writing fundamentals. First, learn all there is to know! You can learn basic writing fundamentals by taking writing development courses, and reading books on writing.
• Study the fundamentals. Be an avid, deep reader. Don’t just read to understand the story. Read to analyze how the author told that story. Study the author’s style, specifically in the genres you want to write in. By doing this, you’ll start to identify characteristics of remarkable writing.
• Practice, practice, practice. Put what you’ve learned into practice. Remember all the literary elements you learned about in school. Start actually using those in your writing. Try mirroring an author’s style that you admire. Write often and make it part of your everyday life. Write in a journal , complete writing prompts, write letters to friends, or write short stories.
• Explore different genres. Part of finding your author's voice and developing yourself as a writer means experimenting with other genres that you may not have written on before. Use creative writing prompts to help you practice your writing fundamentals.
• Show, don't tell in writing . This is the number one rule to writing , and it's important for you to master it. Practice showing and not telling in your own writing, and understand when to use it.

While you shouldn’t cut corners on your writing development, it’s important to not get stuck in this phase.

At the end of the day, you can read and take all the courses in the world, but the most growth and development you will experience is when you’re actually writing.

4. Create a positive author mindset

Many writers experience feelings of insecurity. Ernest Hemingway supposedly said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

If writers are figuratively transforming the essence of their being into words on paper for others to read, then it’s no wonder the best writers suffer from their own insecurities and fear of judgment !

Feeling inadequate is expected, and totally normal. But the ability to pursue your goal to learn how to become an author (despite your fear) is what will set you apart from all the other aspiring book writers out there.

Steps to build a positive author mindset:

• Overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a writer . Give yourself permission to be an author. Don’t shy away from calling yourself a writer – start owning it.
• Accept that you’re a work in progress. Don’t strive for perfection in writing. Maintain a growth mindset , and understand that there is always room for improvement. You are constantly learning, and improving, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. If you wait for perfection, it’ll never get done.
• Set a writing habit. Making writing part of your daily lifestyle is super important. If you tend to wait for inspiration as a writer, you’ll be left high and dry more often than not. We’ll cover more on how to set a writing habit in the next section.
• Focus, focus, focus. We’ve all been there. You sit down at the table to write, and find that an hour has passed and you’ve only churned out a few sentences. Find a focus technique that works for you and stick to it.
• Think courageously. Try not to get too bogged down in the negative “what-ifs.” What if no one likes my book? What if my writing sucks? What if this book is an entire flop? It’s okay to fear failure, but learn to shake it off and be courageous instead. For every negative thought you have, try to think of two positive thoughts!
• Define your own success. Success means something different for every author. Some writers want to share their words with the world, while others simply want to build an author's salary to support their writing. Whatever your reason is, get clarity around your definition of success.

5. Write Your first book to learn how to become an author

To truly learn how to become an author, you have to write a book first.

The world is full of great writers with stories to share. The trouble for many is – they never get around to actually finishing a book.

It also depends on what type of book you want to write. If you want to write a nonfiction book , the process is different than learning how to write a novel . The same is true if you're learning how to write a memoir .

This is where it can really get tough. But with grit, determination, and a clear game plan, you can do it. We’re cheering for you!

Here are the steps to write a book and learn how to become an author:  

Get clear on your foundation

Because writing a book can be an uphill battle, you want to make sure your foundation is rock solid. This means getting clear on why you want to become the author of this book. Once you’re super clear on your foundation, you’ll be able to write your book with intention.

Foundational questions you’ll want to ask yourself are:

• When do you want to have this book done by?
• How will you position the book?
• Who are you writing this book for (your target reader)?
• What is your book's topic or genre?
• To grow your income
• To build a reputation/authority
• To fuel a passion project
• To share a story or knowledge

Brainstorm with a mind map

Letting your ideas flow freely with a mind map is an effective way to get those creative juices flowing. With so many ideas to explore for your book’s topic, mind map exercises will help you “brain dump” all your thoughts.

Follow these steps to create a mind map for your book:

• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to start.
• Always be writing – don’t worry about grammar or spelling, just write out your thoughts without reservations!
• Start with a central idea, topic, or concept.
• Add connecting branches of key ideas that relate to that central idea.
• Jot down any words that tie ideas together.
• Use colored highlighters or sticky notes to organize similar concepts or ideas.

Create an outline

Using your mind map, start creating a basic outline for your book. Don’t get hung up on the details. Think of it in terms of a beginning, a middle, and an end. A simple outline will help you get the ball rolling as you start writing your first draft. As you dive deeper into the writing, your outline can get more detailed, and be revised as needed.

Set a writing schedule

Commit to your writing goals each and every day if you want to learn how to become an author. Set a specific plan for yourself, and set small milestones or goals, whether it’s by word count or time spent writing .

You can have all the ideas in the world, but if you aren’t setting time aside each day to actually write, then the chances of your book being completed will be low.

Tips for setting a writing schedule:

• Set up a distraction-free writing space
• Plan for short brain breaks to avoid burnout
• Set a daily word count goal
• Do NOT edit as you write
• Have a buddy keep you accountable
• Use book writing software to help you meet your daily goals
• Set a deadline to complete your book by

Write your rough draft

Sounds simple, but it’s definitely easier said than done. You can do it! The only way to write a book is to actually sit down and do it. You become a book writer by writing a completed book. Use your outline for guidance, and remember – don’t edit while you write !

Self-edit your book

Once your rough draft is completed, it’s important that you focus on self-editing your book. Although your book will go through a professional editing phase during the publishing process, if you self-edit thoroughly, your editor will be able to focus on other edits that you weren’t able to catch.

Tips for self-editing your book:

• Do a verbal read – through to find areas of improvement in your sentence structure and storyline.
• Work chapter by chapter to increase productivity and focus.
• Don’t get stuck in the editing phase.
• Remember that any points of uncertainty will be cleared up in the professional editing phase.

6. Publish your book

Through blood, sweat, and tears, you’ve committed to writing your book, and have officially become a writer.

Now, it’s time to take the next step and learn how to become an author. And that means publishing your book!

Here’s how to become an author of a published book:

Decide how to publish

Modern book writers are faced with a major decision on how to publish a book . There are two ways to publish: traditionally publish or self-publish .

You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each, including the cost to publish , and determine which route is more advantageous for you.

If you traditionally publish your book , this means that an actual publishing company will publish your book for you. However, landing a book contract with a traditional publisher is extremely competitive, and the chances are slim for most authors.

So what is self-publishing , you ask? If you self-publish your book , this means that you will be in charge of the publishing process yourself. There are many benefits in going this route, but you'll need to make sure you are self-publishing the right way to ensure book quality and success .

Steps to traditionally publish a book

• Pitch your book draft to literary agents.
• If your manuscript is accepted by an agent, your book will be pitched to publishers.
• If a publisher accepts your work, you will be offered a book contract.
• The publisher will have your book edited, formatted, and designed.
• You earn royalties based on the number of books that are sold.

Steps to self-publish a book

• Find a book editor for each type of editing needed
• Hire a formatter (if needed) for your book.
• Hire a professional book cover designer to create an engaging book cover.
• Choose which self-publishing platforms to sell your book on.
• Upload the book to the self-publishing platform.

If you still need help deciding how to publish, compare your earning potential with our Book Royalties Calculator .

1. My book will be published by a...

2. my book will be an:, 3. my royalty rate will be:.

*Please note that this royalty rate is based on the market averages for paperback books. Actual royalty rates for traditional and indie publishing can vary by author depending on several factors.

4. My book’s retail price:

5. the # of books sold:, your results, your profit per book sold, for books sold, you earn:, for 1,000 books sold, you earn:, for 10,000 books sold, you earn:, royalties comparisons for 10,000 books sold, want to receive personalized tips on how to sell more books right in your inbox, 7. market your book to become a bestselling author.

Whether you traditionally publish or self-publish, you need to launch and market your book to learn how to become an author successfully.

This step is crucial because if you don’t market your book, how are you going to reach potential readers?

You dedicated time, effort, and – at times – your sanity, to get your book out. Now it’s time to let the world know about it.

You’ll need a strategic book launch and marketing plan in place, which should include a number of techniques to gain readership and sell your book.

Book marketing strategies to consider

• Build a launch team before your official book release
• Social media marketing , such as on Pinterest and Instagram
• Effective book pricing that appeals to prospective readers
• Build an author website to create your own author platform
• Use book advertising on various book promo sites like BookBub
• Get book reviews to increase visibility, reach, and credibility

To dive deep into your book marketing , plan ahead, set a budget, do research, and reach out to your network!

8. Write another book!

Your first book is a learning experience, and once your first book is published, you'll realize how many ideas you have for more books.

And that is where the real success comes in. In today's digital author landscape, it's important to keep writing books in order to build a career as an author.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that one book will find instant success. While that does happen for some writers, it is the exception and NOT the rule.

So keep going! Write your next book. The more books you write, the smoother your process will become.

Are you ready to become an author?

Great books make the world go ‘round, which is why we’re all about helping writers learn how to become authors.

As you research how to become an author, one thing becomes clear: it’s a process that takes time, dedication, and some serious effort.

But nothing worth having comes easy.

Books are life-changing, not just for the book writer, but for the book readers all across the world that will learn from your story.

Becoming an author can be one of the most rewarding, and fulfilling accomplishments of your life. You deserve to celebrate it!

Ready To Learn How to Become An Author? This FREE eBook Will Walk You Step-By-Step Through The ENTIRE PROCESS

Faqs about how to become an author.

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about what an author is and how to become an author:

What is a writer?

A writer is someone who writes or expresses ideas or concepts through the written word. There are many people who write for a variety of reasons – whether it's part of their occupation, or for creative expression.

Types of writers that aren't necessarily authors:

• Technical writers
• Ghostwriters
• Copywriters
• Content writers
• Songwriters

Can anyone be a writer?

It depends on the type of writer, but yes, technically anyone can be a writer as long as they know how to write. However, specialized writers, such as technical writers and copywriters often require advanced experience and/or degrees in order to be qualified for a writing position. Of course, learning how to become an author is a different story, entirely.

What is an author?

Authors are people who write books, novels, short stories, poems, literary prose, and even screenplays.

What is an author, exactly? An author is someone who has written and published a complete literary work. The publishing is key. If you haven't published your work, then you are a writer but not an author.

How do authors get paid?

Authors can be paid in a variety of ways, but most commonly authors are paid through book advancements and royalty fees.

How much do authors get paid?

The average author salary has a very wide range, and an author's income depends on a number of criteria, such as the number of books published, the publishing method, the book genre and topic, and the success of the book.

As of writing, the current average author salary is between $35,000 to $135,000.

How do i get started as an author?

Really, you just need to start writing! Finish a manuscript, edit it, hire a book cover designer and a marketing team, and learn how to self-publish a book . It may seem like an overwhelming process at first, but there are self-publishing companies that can help you with every step along the way.

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What education do writers have?

Bachelor's degree, degree level, what level of education do writers have.

Writers often have similar levels of education. 72% of writers have a bachelor's degree, with the second most common being a certificate or associate degree at 26%.

Level of education that writers have

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Writers and Authors

Career, salary and education information.

What They Do : Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.

Work Environment : Writers and authors may work anywhere they have access to a computer. Many writers and authors are self-employed.

How to Become One : A college degree in English, communications, or journalism is generally required for a full-time position as a writer or author. Experience gained through internships or any writing that improves skill, such as blogging, is beneficial.

Salary : The median annual wage for writers and authors is $69,510.

Job Outlook : Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Related Careers : Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of writers and authors with similar occupations.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a writers or author with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Writer and Author Jobs

Technical Writing - Author and review instrument validation deliverables in accordance with established validation program. Assist with developing/enhancing instrumentation procedures. Author and ...

As a List Author , you will be writing articles that provide more in-depth analysis on a variety of topical events, shows or people in the entertainment industry. Collider covers a wide range of these ...

Our editorial team is looking for a Senior Author with 2-3 years of editorial experience to ... Write articles in TheThings' house style and meet the minimum output requirement (following the ...

See all Writer and Author jobs

What Writers and Authors Do [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media, including advertisements; books; magazines; movie, play, and television scripts; and blogs.

Duties of Writers and Authors

Writers and authors typically do the following:

• Choose subject matter that interests readers
• Write fiction or nonfiction through scripts, novels, biographies, and more
• Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail
• Write advertising copy for newspapers, magazines, broadcasts, and the Internet
• Present drafts to editors and clients for feedback
• Work with editors and clients to shape the material so it can be published

Writers must establish their credibility with editors and readers through clean prose, strong research, and the use of appropriate sources and citations. Writers and authors select the material they want to use and then convey the information to readers. With help from editors, they may revise or rewrite sections, searching for the clearest language and the most appropriate phrasing.

Some writers and authors are self-employed or freelance writers and authors. They sell their written content to book and magazine publishers; news organizations; advertising agencies; and movie, theater, and television producers. They may be hired to complete specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing a newspaper column, contributing to a series of articles in a magazine, or producing an organization's newsletter.

An increasing number of writers are producing material that is published only on the Internet, such as for digital news organizations or blogs.

The following are examples of types of writers and authors:

Copywriters prepare advertisements to promote the sale of a good or service. They often work with a client to produce written content, such as advertising themes, jingles, and slogans.

Content writers write about any topic of interest, unlike writers who usually specialize in a given field.

Biographers write a thorough account of a person's life. They gather information from interviews and research about the person to accurately portray important events in that person's life.

Bloggers write posts to a blog that may pertain to any topic or a specific field, such as fashion, news, or sports.

Novelists write books of fiction, creating characters and plots that may be imaginary or based on real events.

Playwrights write scripts for theatrical productions. They come up with a concept, write lines for actors to say, produce stage direction for actors to follow, and suggest ideas for theatrical set design.

Screenwriters create scripts for movies and television. They may produce original stories, characters, and dialogue, or turn a book into a movie or television script.

Speechwriters write speeches for business leaders, politicians, and others who must speak in front of an audience. A speech is heard, not read, which means speechwriters must think about audience reaction and rhetorical effect.

Work Environment for Writers and Authors [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Writers and authors hold about 142,800 jobs. The largest employers of writers and authors are as follows:

Writers and authors may work anywhere they have access to a computer.

Jobs are somewhat concentrated in major media and entertainment markets—California, New York, Texas, and Washington, DC—but improved communications and Internet capabilities allow writers and authors to work from almost anywhere. Some writers and authors prefer to work and travel to meet with publishers and clients and to do research or conduct interviews in person.

Writer and Author Work Schedules

Some writers and authors work part time. Most keep regular office hours, either to stay in contact with sources and editors or to set up a writing routine, but many set their own hours. Others may need to work evenings and weekends to produce something acceptable for an editor or client. Self-employed or freelance writers and authors may face the pressures of juggling multiple projects or continually looking for new work.

How to Become a Writer or Author [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Writers and Authors near you!

A college degree in English, journalism, or communications is generally required for a salaried position as a writer or author. Experience can be gained through internships, but any form of writing that improves skill, such as blogging, is beneficial.

Education for Writers and Authors

A bachelor's degree is typically needed for a full-time job as a writer. Because writing skills are essential in this occupation, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in English, journalism, or communications.

Other Work Experience for Writers and Authors

Writers can obtain job experience by working for high school and college newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, advertising and publishing companies, or nonprofit organizations. College theater programs offer playwrights an opportunity to have their work performed. Many magazines and newspapers also have internships for students. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and gain general publishing experience.

Employers also increasingly prefer new applicants to have the ability to code and program webpages or manipulate data to create a visual story using tables, charts, infographics, and maps. Online publications require knowledge of computer software and editing tools that are used to combine text with graphics, audio, video, and animation.

In addition, anyone with Internet access can start a blog and gain writing experience. Some of this writing may lead to paid assignments regardless of education, because the quality of writing, the unique perspective, and the size of the potential audience are the greatest determinants of success for a piece of writing.

Writers or authors can come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences as long as they demonstrate strong writing skills.

Writer and Author Training

Writers and authors typically need to gain writing experience through on-the-job training. They may practice writing and work with more experienced writers and editors before their work is ready for publication.

Writers who want to write about a particular topic may need formal training or experience related to that topic.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Writers and Authors

Some associations offer certifications for writers and authors. Certification can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. For example, the American Grant Writers' Association (AGWA) offers the Certified Grant Writer® credential.

Certification can also increase opportunities for advancement.

Advancement for Writers and Authors

Beginning writers and authors can get a start and put their name on work immediately by writing for small businesses, local newspapers, advertising agencies, and nonprofit organizations. However, opportunities for advancement within these organizations may be limited because they usually do not have enough regular work.

Writers and authors can advance their careers further by building a reputation, taking on more complex writing assignments, and getting published in more prestigious markets and publications. Having published work that has been well received and maintaining a track record of meeting deadlines are important for advancement.

Many editors begin work as writers. Those who are particularly skilled at identifying stories, correcting writing style, and interacting with writers may be interested in editing jobs.

Important Qualities for Writers and Authors

Adaptability. Writers and authors need to be able to adapt to newer software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).

Creativity. Writers and authors must be able to develop new and interesting plots, characters, or ideas so they can come up with new stories.

Critical-thinking skills. Writers and authors must have dual expertise in thinking through or understanding new concepts, and conveying it through writing.

Determination. Writers and authors sometimes work on projects that take years to complete. They must demonstrate perseverance and personal drive to meet deadlines.

Persuasion. Writers, especially those in advertising, must be able to persuade others to feel a certain way about a good or service.

Social perceptiveness. Writers and authors must understand how readers react to certain ideas in order to connect with their audience.

Writing skills. Writers and authors must be able to write clearly and effectively in order to convey feeling and emotion and communicate with readers.

Writer and Author Salaries [ About this section ] [ More salary/earnings info ] [ To Top ]

The median annual wage for writers and authors is $69,510. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,580.

The median annual wages for writers and authors in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Job Outlook for Writers and Authors [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 15,200 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment of Writers and Authors

As traditional print publications lose ground to other media forms, writers and authors are shifting their focus to online media, which should result in some employment growth for these workers.

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Announcers and djs.

Announcers present news and sports or may interview guests on media such as radio and television. Disc jockeys (DJs) act as masters of ceremonies (emcees) or play recorded music at weddings, parties, or clubs.

Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

News analysts, reporters, and journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information. They report international, national, and local news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.

Public Relations Specialists

Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.

Technical Writers

Technical writers, also called technical communicators, prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization's communications channels.

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For more information about writers and authors, visit

American Grant Writers’ Association, Inc.

American Society of Journalists and Authors

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

National Association of Science Writers

Society of Professional Journalists

Writers Guild of America East

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Do You Need a Creative Writing Degree to Succeed as a Writer?

by Melissa Donovan | Mar 7, 2023 | Creative Writing | 50 comments

Do you need a creative writing degree?

Young and new writers often ask whether they need a creative writing degree in order to become an author or professional writer.

I’ve seen skilled and talented writers turn down opportunities or refuse to pursue their dreams because they feel their lack of a creative writing degree means they don’t have the credibility necessary to a career in writing.

Meanwhile, plenty of writers with no education, minimal writing skills, and scant experience in reading and writing are self-publishing, freelance writing, and offering copywriting services.

It’s an oft-asked question: Do you need a creative writing degree to succeed as a writer? Is it okay to write and publish a book if you don’t have a degree or if your degree is in something other than English or the language arts?

Before I go further, I should reveal that although I did earn a degree in creative writing, I don’t think a degree is necessary. But there is a caveat to my position on this issue: While I don’t think a degree is necessary, I certainly think it’s helpful. I also think that some writers will have a hard time succeeding without structured study and formal training whereas others are self-disciplined and motivated enough to educate themselves to the extent necessary to establish a successful writing career.

Five Things I Learned in Creative Writing Class

Do you need a creative writing degree.

First of all, a degree is not necessary to success in many fields, including writing. There are plenty of examples of individuals who became wildly successful and made meaningful contributions without any college degree whatsoever: Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, and Walt Disney, to name a few.

In the world of writing, the list of successful authors who did not obtain a degree (let alone a creative writing degree) is vast. Here is a small sampling: Louisa May Alcott, Maya Angelou, Jane Austen, William Blake, Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, Edgar Allen Poe, Beatrix Potter, and JD Salinger.

So you obviously do not need a creative writing degree in order to succeed. After all, some of the greatest writers in history didn’t have a degree. Why should you?

A Creative Writing Degree is Not a Bad Idea

On the other hand, the degree definitely won’t hurt your chances. In fact, it will improve your chances. And if you struggle with writing or self-discipline, then the process of earning a degree will be of great benefit to you.

A college education might indeed be necessary for a particular career, such as a career in law or medicine. In fields of study where a degree is not a requirement, it often prepares you for the work ahead by teaching you specific skills and techniques and by forcing you to become knowledgeable about your field.

However, there is an even greater value in the the process of earning a degree. You become knowledgeable and educated. You learn how to learn, how to work without close supervision, and you are exposed to the wisdom of your instructors as well as the enthusiasm and support of your peers. College is a great environment for development at any age or in any field.

Earning a degree is also a testament to your drive and ability to complete a goal without any kind of immediate reward or gratification. College is not easy. It’s far easier to get a full-time job and buy lots of cool stuff. It’s more fun to spend your nights and weekends hanging out with your friends than staying in and studying. A college degree is, in many ways, a symbol representing your capacity to set out and accomplish a long-term goal.

Know Yourself

If you possess strong writing skills and are somewhat of an autodidact (a person who is self-taught), then you may not need a degree in creative writing. For some such people, a degree is completely unnecessary. On the other hand, if your writing is weak or if you need guidance and would appreciate the help of instructors and peers, maybe you do need a creative writing degree.

If you’re planning on going to college simply because you want to earn a degree and you hope to be a writer someday, you might as well get your degree in creative writing since that’s what you’re passionate about. On the other hand, if you hope to write biographies of famous actors and directors and you already write well, you might be better off studying film (and possibly minoring in creative writing).

You may be the kind of person who needs the validation of a degree. Maybe you’re an excellent writer but you’d feel better putting your work out there if you could back it up (even in your own mind) with that piece of paper that says you have some expertise in this area. Or you might be the kind of person who is confident enough to plunge into the career of a writer without any such validation.

You might find that time and money are barriers to earning a degree. If you have responsibilities that require you to work full time and if you’re raising a family, obtaining a degree might not be in the cards, either in terms of time or money. You might be better off focusing what little free time you have on reading and writing. But there are other options if you’ve got your heart set on a creative writing degree: look for accredited online colleges, find schools that offer night and weekend classes, and open yourself to the idea that you can take ten years rather than four years to complete your higher education.

Finally, some people have a desire to get a degree but they feel they’re too old. I personally think that’s a bunch of hogwash. You’re never too old to learn or obtain any kind of education. When I was just out of high school, I attended a college with many students who were middle-aged and older. I had tremendous respect for them, and they brought a lot of wisdom to our classes, which balanced out the youthful inexperience of my other, much younger classmates. I don’t care if you’re eighteen, forty-two, or seventy, if you have a hankering to do something, go do it!

Making Tough Decisions

Ultimately, the decision rests with each of us. Do you need a creative writing degree? Only you can answer that question.

If you’re still not sure, then check with a local school (a community college is a good place to start) and make an appointment with an adviser in the English Department. If you’re in high school, get in touch with your school’s career counselor. Sometimes, these professionals can help you evaluate your own needs to determine which is the best course of action for you. But in the end, make sure whatever decision you make about your education is one that you’ve carefully weighed and are comfortable with.

And whether you earn a degree in creative writing or not, keep writing!

Most Successful People Who Never Went to College Famous Autodidacts

50 Comments

I think in some cases it can hinder or stifle creativity. I am actually glad I did not go to school for writing. When I hear the words creative and degree together they don’t mesh for me. You can go to school and learn about punctuation and grammar, but creativity comes from real life and growth and learning through experience. Just my opinion – but I only learned about poetry in climbing tree.

Hi Nicole. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but since you didn’t go to school for writing, how can you know that creativity cannot come through academic means or through study? I strongly believe that a degree is unnecessary for success in writing, but I personally found that it sped up my development and did in fact stimulate my creativity. Specifically, I would say that being surrounded by creative people (other students, in particular) is excellent for promoting creative thinking. Also, writing is only one small piece of what a successful writer must do. In fact, I learned very little about punctuation and grammar during my time in the creative writing program and I learned a lot about my own creative process. Probably the biggest benefit for me, personally, was exposure to many wonderful authors and poets that I otherwise might not have discovered. While I don’t think college is necessary, I have to strongly disagree that it stifles creativity. But I do respect your opinion and perhaps you had some experience in school or observing other writers in which it did stifle creativity. I can only speak from my own experience, which was highly positive.

Hey all! I’m torn too: I went to art school for 4 years for a degree in painting. I learned a lot and am grateful, because art school added: ways to be cognizant of art, writing about my art and the work of others, and how to be a really great critic.

Only problem was, in a lot of ways, art school also beat down my self confidence and robbed me of some of my intrinsic motivation to make art. It became less spontaneous and more cerebral.

As of late, I’ve turned to creative writing for a creative outlet that has not been…well, I won’t say ruined, so I’ll go with, hasn’t been tampered with. And I find myself in a place where I can definitely improve (A LOT!), but I’m not sure if a formal degree will do it. I am playing with the idea of taking some informal workshops though…

Do you think school for the visual arts is at all comparable to school for creative writing? Maybe it doesn’t help that the folks in my year of art school had some pretty nasty and rude people when it came to critiques!!!

Ray, thanks for sharing your experience. I was hoping someone would offer a different perspective. I can understand how undergraduate work may seem to inhibit creativity and make the process more cerebral. This is where we get into an extremely hazy area of art and creativity. I believe that the spontaneous expressions come from our emotions and personal life experiences. They are strictly expressions. When we bring a cerebral quality to our work, we are usually looking to make a statement or observation. The former cannot be learned. It comes from the inside. The latter, however, is the result of critical thinking. I think it’s unfortunate that you did not find yourself in an educational setting that was positive and supportive. I am not sure how visual arts schools are similar or different from schools for creative writing. If you’re interested in pursuing creative writing, my suggestion would be to sign up for a class and try it out or request a meeting with someone in the creative writing department to get a sense of the program and the people in it.

One final note – it’s my personal opinion that people being rude or nasty during critiques is absolutely unacceptable. If there was an instructor present, I would say the responsibility falls to him or her. Their job is to moderate critique sessions and provide an environment conductive to positive development. I once signed up for a class, and within the first two weeks it was clear to me that the instructor did not have students’ best interests at heart. I dropped the class and the following semester, took the class with another teacher.

I can see where you’re coming from, but college is so very different from high school. The public secondary education focuses on “STEM” (science/math, basically) rather than STEAM (science/math and the arts — as in. a liberal education.) Most universities (public or private) encourage creative thought, even in degrees that are not considered ‘uselessly’ artistic by ignorant politicians. It depends on the university one attends (although I am transferring, the University of Oregon pushes for artistic and creative thought in all fields, and is not at all stifling) but, for the most part, a writing degree would not detach students from ‘real life’ experiences. Many students are living on their own and working full-time. Some are married and have a family and bills to pay, etc. Normally they would not have encouragement from highly knowledgeable faculty to pursue a craft that is not considered practical in the ‘real world.’

I agree with this. I started a masters in professional writing and took a class on nonfiction essays (creative essays) and I tell you what, I have NEVER produced so much writing, and so much good writing. In this class, we just BOUNCED off one another SO WELL. I left each class on fire with ideas and feedback. Best class I EVER took.

I have a BA in English and it’s helped me get paid to write. I freelance for companies, websites and magazines, and many of them love to see the degree. So, I stand out from the crowd a bit. It’s been helpful.

It’s amazing how being surrounded by other creative writers promotes our own creativity. I had the same experience when I was taking classes – I was constantly writing and coming up with ideas. I also feel that having a BA boosts my credibility as a self-employed writer. While I don’t think the BA is necessary, I also know some clients and employers consider it a requirement.

I have to agree with Allena. I have a BA in English and I think it really helps in the freelancing career. Many clients want to hire a professional qualified in English literature, journalism or another field related to writing.

I have pondered the idea of going back to uni and getting a degree in the Arts but I am not sure if it is entirely worth my time and money. I have, however, invested time in some short courses in writing, in order to learn about structure, pace and all those tools which you really need to understand to be able to write well.

There was also the added benefit of spending time with like-minded people who understood my passion and encouraged me to fulfill my potential. I may not have earned a piece of paper at the end of them but they were definitely worth my time.

It’s one of those decisions each person has to make for herself. I think it depends a lot on your personal goals, lifestyle, and available resources. I am a huge advocate for higher education. My general advice is always this: if you can go to school and want to, then do it. On the other hand, if you want to be a novelist and already have the skills and self-discipline, your time is probably better spent writing the novel.

I agree that a creative writing degree is not necessary but certainly very helpful. I believe getting proper education will always be good for anyone; whatever career you are in. As for me, I did not major in writing or in a course related to it because I was still undecided back then. I was passionate about writing but I just did not pursue it because I was afraid that I will not succeed as a writer.

Now, I really want to enroll myself in a writing course. While waiting for that opportunity, I try my best to self-educate through reading and learning from other writers.

I couldn’t agree more!

A great topic for discussion! I have a Creative Writing degree but augmented it with writer’s conferences and online research. So much helpful information out there these days. I posted this on the Writing Platform Facebook page. Well done.

Writing is one of those crafts for which learning never ends. Thanks for sharing this post on Facebook. I appreciate it.

Hi, Melissa! I studied psychology for 4 years in university. I had to quit, so I didn’t get the degree, but studying there gave me lots of knowledge and I also met really awesome people – students and teachers, and I made great friends. You can’t have such things if you learn only by yourself at home. Meeting other writers while getting creative writing degree is probably one of most important reasons for doing it. Unless you don’t like humans at all 😀

Yes, and I would add that for many people, simply taking a few classes can make a world of difference. For example, one could take a creative writing class at a local community college. If a writer is working on their own and struggling with grammar, a single, basic course in English or writing may be just the solution. Taking a class here and there may or may not lead to pursuing a full degree, but it will definitely impart many benefits to any writer.

Great article! Very encouraging. Most of what I’ve read online has been much the opposite.

What would you say about majoring in an education degree not specific to English, while also pursuing a master’s in creative writing?…with the intent to eventually teach writing and social studies at a college level. I know that’s incredibly specific and probably abnormal, but I honesty do not want to major in English. I love literature and all forms of composition (even the dreaded academic essay) but my true interest lies in the intricacy of the human psyche and how the past has shaped our contemporary world..

Katie, it doesn’t really matter what I think because the choice you make will shape your life, not mine. Having said that, I think you’ve got a good, solid plan. Also, I think social studies and creative writing go together quite nicely.

I am in India. I just passed 10th grade. The thing is i want to become a writer/novelist/author. 3 reasons-

1. Writing is my passion 2. I have started writing( 1st novel almost complete). 3. I love literature. I mean that’s the only thing that gets inside my brain and i always excel in English.

So my question are– 1. Do i need to take up arts/humanities? ( because i want an environment with political views and literature and wont only be writing novels and stuff, i would also like to write for magazines etc. Doing arts will help me write and improve whereas in non-med i have study science which i have started hating though its easy but because of this realization that my writings will take years to reach the people ) Is it really that important?

2. Is a college degree in creative writing required? Will it help me?

Tanvir, plenty of writers carve out a career for themselves without a college degree at all, so you can go forth and study whatever you want in school. Certainly, a degree in creative writing will do a lot to make you a better writer, but you can also accomplish that on your own through work and study. If you are absolutely positive that all you want to do is become a writer, then I say study creative writing. I earned a BA in creative writing and I wasn’t even sure that’s what I wanted to do with my life. What I learned in college has served me well. However, and I can’t emphasize this enough, it is by no means a prerequisite. Good luck to you.

Hi I am a young women who has always been told that being a writer is not a very good feild to work in because you must move to the city, it is hard to support a family on the income,and it is hard to get a book published, or maintain relationships, if you are successful. I have always wanted to be a writer and now i am considering college but the thing is that i am not sure if i should become a nurse or writer or both? or neither and just try my luck with writing with out an education in the feild since i feal as though i am good enough at creative thinking.

Why would a writer have to move to the city? Writing is one of the few jobs that you can do from just about anywhere, as long as you have a computer (journalism being the exception). I also don’t see why it would be hard to maintain relationships if you are a successful writer (at least not any more than with any other career). I’m not sure where you’re getting this advice, but I think it’s a little inaccurate. It’s true that most writers don’t make a living from their work at first, which means they need a day job. It is hard to get a book published through a traditional publishing house, but it’s also possible. Self-publishing is another option.

If you truly want to be a writer, there’s no reason you shouldn’t pursue it. Will you make it? That’s entirely up to you.

I also think studying nursing and writing sounds like a good idea. You can double major in both or you could minor in creative writing. That will give you a solid nursing career for your day job and you can write on the side.

Hey there Melissa,

I’m planning to do a course in Creative Writing, and I’ve been looking everywhere for the perfect one. Which university did you do your Masters at? Were you completely satisfied? Was it everything you were expecting? I was looking out for a one year Masters course, most are for two.

I didn’t do a Masters, I did a BA, so I’m afraid I can’t give you any advice on which ones are good.

I think if you check on Google you will find a few. Most are two years like you said but the one year programs are usually scholarships and are kinda jam-packed. check carefully and you’d find what suits you for sure.

Melissa, keep the flag flying.

Surely, it is important to define what you mean by ‘writing’. If you want to have any chance of breaking into published work, tthen I would say a writing degree is a prerequisite. If you are writing for a small group — or just for yourself — it doesn’t matter a hoot. Many of the examples you gave us aren’t really relevant as so few people in the past went to university to do anything at all.

I went to a school decided upon by a selective examination and we were told when we started that only about 2% of us should have any thoughts of going to university, and that techincal qualifivcations, such as National Certificates, were the best we could aspire to for the remaining 98%.

Essentially, the whole thing comes back to the old, and quite impossible to answer question of talent vs skill. If you have the talent, an arts degree will help; if you don’t, all you can expect to be is an amateur (and usually not very good) scribbler. The ability to write a grammatically correct sentence does not make you a story-teller — and it never will.

I have to respectfully disagree with you, opsimath. Most of the authors I know who are currently building successful careers did not go to college at all, and few of those who did attend university studied writing. You can (and many have) become expert writers and storytellers without learning how to do it in school. In fact, I would say that I learned very little about grammar and storytelling in college, and I was a creative writing major. Also, the very fact that historically, authors did not study the craft in formal settings is proof that formal study is not a necessity. History has produced hundreds of eloquent authors who managed to master the craft without formal schooling, and writing hasn’t changed so much that we’re living in times where a degree has become mandatory.

Having said that, we all have to put in the time and work in order to succeed. The point is that whatever you might learn in school, you can also learn outside of school if you know how to find the right mentors and resources. A degree gives anyone an advantage, but in the field of writing, it is not a prerequisite for success or expertise. And I say that as someone who is a firm advocate for higher education. Obviously, there are some exceptions; for example, you probably do need a journalism degree or a computer science degree if you want to be a journalist or technical writer, but for storytellers and other creative nonfiction writers, it is an option, not a requirement. There are other ways to acquire the skills and expertise you need to succeed as a storyteller.

A good idea, I think, would be to take a few courses at the local community college, or online if there isn’t a school nearby, to get an idea on how effective a class environment will be for you. I need a structured peer group to thrive at anything in life, yet my husband was miserable at a liberal arts college. I have to sign up for a class at the gym to lose weight – I can’t just get up in the morning to jog or do laps at the pool alone, even with a partner I’m not as motivated as when I’m in a group lead by an experienced mentor. The same goes for writing. I have to join writing groups to find inspiration to work on my novel, otherwise I don’t have enough self-discipline to finish it. Yeah, maybe that makes those of us like me kind of lame, but if we know how to fix it we can get motivated greatness (:

Also, look into financial aid, grants, and scholarships if it’s not something you can afford. You’d be surprised at what is available to those from all walks of life.

Excellent advice, Katie!

I graduated with a Creative Writing degree. In some ways, it’s been beneficial for the reasons you mentioned. I feel like I’ve earned the right to call myself a writer. But if you’re boy putting those skills into practice, then what was the point of slaving for four years? On the flip side, I feel like I really didn’t understand the skills and techniques of other writers. Part of it was due to a lack of reading other works. Some of it was I was busy comparing myself to others that I didn’t pay attention to nuances in their work.

Sometimes, I feel like I entered the wrong field because I haven’t done anything with my degree. I haven’t published anything, nor am I working on something grand like a novel. But then I remember why I pursued the major in the first place: I have a passion for writing. The validation is nice and I can claim the fact that I graduated from college. At the heart if it all is the passion to create stories. Recently, after some soul searching, I decided to take up the pen again. But because I’ve been out of practice for so long, I feel like I beef to go back to school and brush up on my craft. Maybe take an online course or two or get involved in a writing group.

Degree or not, I love writing, and my desire is to get better at what I love.

For me, the greatest benefit of going to college and earning a degree in creative writing was that it broadened my worldview, which has little to do with a career or even writing. I gained a better understanding of the world on various levels. Much of the knowledge I gained isn’t practical as far as making money, but I feel like it made me a better person.

I think we in the western world are programmed to think that any kind of learning must translate directly to dollars. This leads someone to ask a question like what’s the use of my degree if I’m not working in the field? . But I think it’s safe to say that most of us who attended college gained something intellectual or emotional that can’t be measured in financial earnings or career development.

It’s never too late to get back into writing! If you’re feeling called to it, I say go for it, and have fun! Good luck to you.

Really interesting to read this post as I started my degree in Creative Writing last year through the Open University. Whilst I’ve always had a writer’s soul, I’ve been away from writing for around a decade (having picked up a camera instead) and felt doing the degree would give me the jump start I needed to get back on the writing path. It’s already doing that and I’m keen to start working for myself in the next year or so, whilst also finishing off my degree.

I have had people say to me, “Why are you doing that, it’s a pointless degree!” But, when I suddenly decided late last year that I wanted to get myself a qualification so I could leave my long-term career as a Paramedic, once and for all, I knew I should only take on a subject that I had a passion for, otherwise what was the point?!

I’m looking forward to getting started with the second stage this coming October and I can’t wait to start writing for a living as well!

Over the years, I’ve heard from a lot of writers whose decision to study creative writing was challenged by the people in their lives. I think a lot people view college as nothing more than a path to some kind of guaranteed high-paying job, such as a position in business, law, the medical field, etc. A career in writing is probably more risky, but it’s just as valid as any other career. Anyway, congratulations on your return to writing. I also think it’s great that you’re a paramedic and have something to fall back on or rely on while you launch your writing career.

I graduated in BSc Nursing in India…I did it because it has good scope but failed to develop interest in the field…I always loved writing and want to pursue my career in writing…I am not sure if it requires a bachelor’s degree in arts or literature or creative writing ! Also i am thinking of moving to Canada for my postgraduation …And this is the time when i can change my field from nursing to writing and finally do what i like doing… my question is ….is it necessary to have a bachelors degree in creative writing for doing master’s in it ?

Hi Prachi. You would need to check the requirements for the Master’s program that you’re applying for.

Thank you for your perspective on the value of obtaining a degree in creative writing. I found your argument balanced and, on the whole I agree with your view, which is (as I understand it “horses for courses”, I.E. what suits one person (a creative writing degree) will not, necessarily suit another individual.

I agree with you that a degree demonstrates commitment (mine is in history and politics, plus a MA in political theory). I don’t feel the need to obtain a degree in creative writing (and I understand the concerns of those who fear that doing so may actually stifle their creativity). I do, however no of several writers (who’s work I enjoy) who do hold degrees in creative writing. However I have another friend who writes extremely well but does not hold a creative writing qualification of any description. So it is, in the final analysis “horses for courses”.

Best – Kevin

Everybody has different learning styles and curves and talents. Writing is one of those fields in which if you’re willing to put in the work, you can do fine.

This is an interesting post, Melissa. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 — Suzanne

Thanks, Suzanne.

You’ve hit the nail on the head when you cite the people who are great in their fields without a degree to prove it. The creative writing degree probably didn’t exist when they were in education. It didn’t when I was at college. One of the important things to do at college is something you like, that you will put the necessary effort in to show that you know how to learn, how to express yourself, and how to get by in life. But if you want to write successfully now, you owe it to your readers to learn about the business, learn how to be a good writer, and a better writer, and to value the continuous process of learning. That doesn’t necessarily mean a degree. And yes, it might well stifle your creativity before you can let it free again.

That’s true. For many of them, such a degree might not have been available. At some point, I believe “English” would have the relevant degree. My degree is technically an English degree “with a concentration in creative writing.” Semantics. I agree with you 100% about putting in the work to learn the craft!

Great Article, Academic writing is so different from creative writing, and that is so different from Copywriting. I am a self-taught copywriter. Most of my learning had to do with learning how to market. My creative writing diploma was a big plus.

Yes, every form of writing is different. Some skills are necessary to all forms, however.

Thank you very much for this reading. I think it was exactly what I needed right now. 😉

You’re welcome, Dave!

Hi Melissa! My son is about to graduate high school and is not college bound, he has an extreme lack of interest in school. He is an extremely talented and creative writer and his passion is to have a career in writing. What would be your advice to a young writer, like him, who doesn’t know where to start or what his next steps should be to start working toward a career in creative writing? Have you had any experience with Masterclass courses? Any other workshops or clubs, etc that would be good for him to check out so he can meet with other like-minded individuals and network and find mentorship?

Hi Darcy! Well, the first thing I would say is that if college is an option, then studying creative writing in college is tremendously valuable. I realize your son isn’t interested in that path, but it would be my first suggestion. If a full college education is not an option (for whatever reason), then perhaps some courses in language arts, English, and creative writing. One can attend college (universities or local community colleges) and focus on certain classes rather than getting a degree, which requires a lot of general education. I don’t have experience with Masterclass yet, but I intend to take some of those courses. They look good to me.

Having said all that, there are other things that your son can do: read as much as possible, write every day, and study the craft — if not through courses then through credible books on the craft. Beyond that, each writer’s needs are very different, so I’m afraid I can’t be more specific. I wish you and your son much luck.

Hi Melissa, my name is Abi I very much enjoy writing and I graduate from high school this May. I’ve looked in to multiple possible career choices and I’ve realized that most of what I want to do is telling stories and I’ve also realized that writing is how I express myself when words fail me, I write. I’ve written some stories some are very short, and some still need finished. I’m struggling because I don’t know what I want to do in college but I know I want to go. I’m thinking about taking a gap year and figure stuff out and possibly travel a small bit and since I’ll hopefully have a decent amount of time, work on writing as well as my stories, do you have any advice for me when it comes to writing?

Hi Abi. Thanks for commenting here about your interest in writing. It’s a good sign that you’re already thinking about your future and planning at such a young age. Your path is yours alone, and nobody can make the decision about taking a gap year or choosing a major except you (although your parents might have significant say in these matters). I can tell you this: I majored in creative writing in college and I have never once regretted it. My only suggestion would be that if you take that route, include some business and marketing courses, even if it means taking an extra semester to graduate. All authors need business and marketing skills–no exceptions, and this was the one thing that was not covered when I was in school. This stuff is not fun or creative, but it’s necessary, and it will free you to do the fun stuff.

I wish you the best of luck with your future. Keep writing!

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Associate Degree Programs

Bachelor degree programs, master degree programs, doctorate degree programs, how to become a writer: education and training requirements for becoming a professional writer.

• Communications and...
• Degree and Career Details...

Do you dream of becoming a Writer? There are many kinds of Writers, including journalists, screenwriters, novelists and technical writers. Professional Writers usually hold bachelor's degrees in English, Journalism or Communications. Some technical writers have an undergraduate degree in technical writing. No matter what type of professional Writer you dream of becoming, you should develop strong computer skills and gain experience writing whenever you can.

Professional Writer Career Summary

While many people write as part of their job, professional Writers are those who receive pay for their work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov , there are two main types of writers. First, there are Writers and authors who develop nonfiction and fiction for newspapers, magazines, online publications, moves, radio, television and books. These Writers are often labeled by the kind of writing they do, such as novelists, screenwriters and reporters. Second, there are technical writers who document products, usually technology products such as software and computer programs. Often working with technical personnel such as computer programmers and engineers, technical writers translate technical information so that it may be understand by a general audience.

Education Required to Become a Professional Writer

In general, a college degree is required to be professional Writer, according to the BLS. Some employers prefer those with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Journalism or Communications, while other employers look for a broad background in the liberal arts. For Writers who wish to specialize in an area, such as healthcare or business, a degree or coursework in that field is helpful. Those who wish to become technical writers can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing, although many technical writers have undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts. All professional Writers need to have strong computer skills; many writers do research on the Internet as part of their work and transmit their work via email.

Job Training and Certifications Required to Become a Professional Writer

Those who are considering a career as a professional Writer can gain invaluable experience working for high school and college newspapers, radio stations and television stations. Some newspapers, magazines, radio stations and TV stations offer internships for college students. It is also possible to transfer from other jobs to a writing position. For example, engineers and scientists with writing skills can move into jobs as technical writers.

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Featured school options:, article categories, college and university lists by degree, counselor's corner, degree and career details by academic field, opencourseware (graduate degree level), opencourseware (undergraduate degree level), related articles.

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Writer Education Requirements

The educational requirements for a writer typically include an associate or bachelor's degree. According to Dr. Christy Mesaros-Winckles , Associate Professor & Department Chair of Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies at Adrian College, "ongoing education is also going to be crucial as content knowledge and creativity will increasingly become what differentiates content written by AI from that written by a human being". Writers can specialize in different niches, such as copywriting, technical writing, or content marketing, and can continue to develop their skills and expertise over time.

What education do you need to become a writer?

What degree do you need to be a writer.

The most common degree for writers is bachelor's degree, with 74% of writers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 11% and master's degree degree at 8%.

• Bachelor's , 74%
• Master's , 11%
• Associate , 8%
• High School Diploma , 3%
• Other Degrees , 4%

What should I major in to become a writer?

Based on the education requirements, the best college majors for a writer are English, Journalism, and Communication. According to Vicky Johnson Bós, Associate Professor of English at Tusculum University, "Getting a Master's Degree or even a PhD can greatly influence salary potential" for writers.

• English , 18%
• Journalism , 14%
• Communication , 14%
• Writing , 7%
• Other Majors , 47%

Most common colleges for writers

Writers often get their degrees at New York University, Temple University, and University of California, Santa Barbara. Here are the most common colleges for writers in the US based on their resumes.

Best majors for writers

Best colleges for writers.

The top colleges for writers, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, offer opportunities for higher salaries and better jobs. These institutions excel in areas like admissions and retention rates, graduates' earnings, and cost of attendance. Writers typically need a Bachelor's degree, with Northwestern University and Columbia University in the City of New York being notable options.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-State Tuition

2. Harvard University

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

5. New York University

6. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

8. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

9. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • Private

10. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

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Top 10 most affordable universities for writers

The most affordable schools for writers are Baruch College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and hunter college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for writers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for writers.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

Cost of Attendance

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

3. Hunter College of the City University of New York

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

6. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

7. California State University - Los Angeles

8. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

10. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for writers

The hardest universities for writers to get into are Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Washington University in St Louis.

Some great schools for writers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for writers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

2. Columbia University in the City of New York

3. washington university in st louis, 4. harvard university, 6. university of southern california, 7. massachusetts institute of technology.

8. Hamilton College

Clinton, NY • Private

9. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

10. Boston University

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for writers.

The easiest schools for writers to get into are Notre Dame de Namur University, mount saint mary's university, and grand view university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a writer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for writers.

1. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

2. Mount Saint Mary's University

3. Grand View University

Des Moines, IA • Private

4. Rochester University

Rochester Hills, MI • Private

5. Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX • Private

6. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

7. University of the Incarnate Word

8. Rosemont College

Rosemont, PA • Private

9. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

10. Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ • Private

Average writer salary by education level

According to our data, writers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $73,942 annually. Writers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $69,847.

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Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Home / Book Editing / How to Become a Book Editor in 2024: A Complete Guide

How to Become a Book Editor in 2024: A Complete Guide

I believe that behind every fantastic author is a great editor . There’s a reason you often see thanks or dedications to editors in the front matter . Editing a book is hard work. It may not take as long as it took to write it, but book editors work very hard to help novels reach their potential. To become a book editor, you need a bachelor’s degree, a firm grasp of the written word, and the willingness to seek relevant job opportunities. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details about what it takes to become a successful book editor.

Interested in learning more about being a book editor and how to edit? Check out this page with a comprehensive guide and a TON more resources!

• Duties & responsibilities of a book editor
• How much a book editor makes
• What makes a great editor
• The 4 types of editors
• The qualifications needed to become a book editor
• How to get started as a traditional editor
• How to develop your online presence
• How to network as an editor and build the connections you'll need to succeed

Table of contents

• What is a Book Editor?

Duties & Responsibilities of a Book Editor

• Typical Book Editor Salary
• Education and Qualifications for Book Editor
• Self-Control
• Communication Skills
• Writing Skills
• 1. Developmental Editors
• 2. Line Editors
• 3. Copy Editors
• 4. Proofreaders
• Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
• Step 2: Refine Your Writing Skills
• Step 3: Learn the Newest Publishing and Editing Software
• Step 4: Seek Out Internships
• Step 5: Sign Up For Seminars
• Step 6: Build Up Your Resume
• Step 1: Establish an Online Presence
• Step 2: Network and Build Relationships
• Step 3: Strengthen Your Editing Skills
• Step 4: Set Reasonable Rates and Clear Service Offerings
• Step 5: Use Binding Contracts
• Develop Your Online Presence as an Editor
• Online Networking
• Face-to-Face Networking

Links in this article may give me a small commission if you use them to purchase certain services. There’s NO extra cost to you, and it helps me continue to write free articles like this one.

A book editor is someone who edits the words, punctuation, overall story, and/or formatting in a manuscript. They need to be good at fact-checking and paying attention to details. Freelance editors take on work they can find online, via networking, or through relationships with book publishing houses. Traditional editors hold a formal role in a traditional publishing house and even have a say in which books get published . Depending on the type of book editor, he or she might work alongside the author from the very beginning, making big picture suggestions to improve the book. Or they may be the final set of eyes to look at a book before it is published. It’s no wonder that many bestsellers list their editors on the dedication page or the Thank You page. A good editor takes a good concept and helps the author turn it into a good book . A book editor costs different amounts for every project. Below, you can see how much each type of editor may cost for a novel-length manuscript.

• Developmental editors cost $1,000 and $8,000, depending on manuscript length and the individual editor’s experience level.
• Line editors cost between $600 and $2,000.
• Copy editors cost between $300 and $1,200.
• Proofreaders cost between $200 and $1,000.

How do I start a career in book editing? To start a book editing career, you need to determine which type of editor you want to be (developmental editor, line editor, copy editor, or proofreader). Then, you need to hone your writing skills and editing abilities. Finally, look for internships, freelance work, and other ways to boost your portfolio.

The typical book editor’s responsibilities generally require that they:

• Acquire manuscripts to edit
• Keep up with deadlines
• Tweak content so that it is error-free and easy to read for the intended audience
• Verify facts used in the book
• Work alongside the author to develop the story, prose, dialogue, writing style, voice, etc.
• Check final formatting looks clean and professional (if you’re a proofreader)
• Sustain good working relationships with authors, editorial assistants, marketing personnel , graphic designers, etc.
• Maintain an editor website and online presence (especially if you’re a freelancer)
• Sign up for seminars to keep up to date with the latest trends and linguistic standards

How much does a book editor make? A book editor can make a living wage of $30,000-$60,000, even when starting out. The 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary of newspaper, periodical, and book editors as $57,030/year. (2019 statistics were the newest available in March 2021.) It also includes these statistics for the more general career field Editor (which includes editors and associate editors for online purposes, not just books):

• Top 10% annual salary: $122,280
• Bottom 10% annual salary: $32,620

It’s worth noting that many editing jobs are based in New York City, the publishing hub of the Western Hemisphere. Since the cost of living is pretty high there, I’d bet if you got an editor job anywhere else in the US, it would pay less than the median salary, especially if you’re just starting out.

What qualifications do you need to be a book editor? To become a book editor, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study (English, Journalism, etc.) and a firm grasp of the English language. Prior experience in publishing, relevant internships, and a robust portfolio also boost your qualifications. You can become an editor even if you have no experience, by:

• Getting a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Honing your writing skills
• Landing an internship or entry-level position
• Establishing industry relationships
• Building your resume

What Makes a Great Book Editor?

What makes a great book editor are years of experience in the writing and publishing worlds, willingness to set aside their ego, and good communication skills (honesty, directness, etc.). Just because you did well in your high school English class doesn't mean you'd make a good editor. There are a lot of good writers out there who would make horrible editors. (The same can be said for editors who want to write.) Writing and editing are distinct disciplines. Both can be learned through practice and determination. Here are a few common traits of good editors to help you decide if this is work you want to pursue.

A good editor is committed to making an author’s book better, not twisting the voice into the editor’s own words. This requires a unique mixture of self-control and empathy. It takes a great deal of self-control to read another person’s work and critique it without interjecting yourself into it. Good editors have the singular ability to correct or modify writing while protecting the author's voice. It's much more complex than it seems, trust me. There are plenty of horror stories about bad editors: people who completely strip an author’s work of its distinct style and insert their own as a replacement. These are not actual editors but instead frustrated writers who take their lack of success out on somebody else.

A good editor works hard to understand each author's individual goals and offers comprehensive suggestions in the context of these goals.

Editors aren't in it for an ego boost. A good editor is humble while giving feedback but also when reading responses from the author. It's difficult to give feedback with humility — but the best editors find a way to do it. In my opinion, the secret is recognizing that editing and writing are two completely different jobs. The writer's job is to get their ideas onto paper as best they can. The editor's job is to help the author communicate those ideas more clearly. The creation of engaging prose is a team effort, not a competition.

Good editors aren't afraid to give honest feedback, but they do so respectfully. This takes good communication skills, such as candor, honesty, tact, respect, compromise, and maturity. An editor should help a book reach its full potential. For this reason, editors need to be able to give honest, direct feedback. That said, some authors (especially new authors) aren't thrilled about honest, direct feedback. Editors need to be prepared for that. A good editor knows how to compromise, when to back down to avoid conflict, how to respect the author without hurting his/her feelings, and when to tactfully push for a necessary change. Writers and editors might butt heads during the editing process because a book is a product of passionate love and so much hard work. But a little friction can be healthy in creative work. A good editor should be able to communicate to avoid as much friction as possible and when to ultimately back down. If you’re going to be an editor, make sure every suggestion is contextualized within the big picture: making this the best book it can be.

Editors should be masters of the written language. A good editor doesn’t have to be a great book writer, but they do have to be a great writer in other ways. Editors are obsessed with grammar and syntax. You need to be a sucker for spelling and punctuation and have hawk eyes for passive voice and repetitive word usage. Your emails and social media posts should look immaculate. These crucial members of a writer’s team are the last line of defense between the author and the reader. Attention to detail is a must. If mistakes slip past the editor, they're exposed to the world, undermining an entire book’s credibility and success. Fingers crossed there aren’t any typos in this article!

The 4 Types of Book Editors

If you're thinking about becoming an editor, it is critical to know which type of editor you’re trying to be. You may want to focus on just one field of editing. Or you may choose to offer services at multiple stages of the editing process. The 4 most common types of editors are:

• Developmental editors
• Line editors
• Copy editors
• Proofreaders

I’ve listed them in the chronological order that an author would hire them. Let’s talk about what each different type of editor actually does.

Developmental editors look for plot holes, dropped characters, logical inconsistencies, and ways to improve an author’s overall manuscript. They identify structural deficiencies, weak arguments, and unsupported claims in nonfiction books as well. Developmental editors are the most expensive type of editor. Depending on the book’s length, these editors can make many thousands of dollars on a single manuscript. According to some sources, true developmental editing begins before an author starts to write a manuscript. The editor works alongside the author during the entire writing process, pointing out potential improvements every step of the way. In truth, most fiction authors just hire a developmental editor after the manuscript is complete.

Often, developmental editors perform some of the work of line editors. Combined, this is called “substantive editing.”

Contrary to the name, line editors do not look at your book line-by-line. Instead, they take a more overall approach to editing your book. This is the least common type of editor because line editing is so similar to copy editing, just more big picture. If an author is looking for big picture editing, he/she will probably just hire a development editor. Note: In the UK, line editors are synonymous with proofreaders. In the US, they are an incremental step between developmental editors and copy editors.

Copy editors focus on a manuscript’s style and tone. They correct errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, dialogue formatting , and punctuation use. They ensure the book is clear and consistent and that it smoothly transitions from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph, chapter to chapter. A copy editor is probably who most people envision when they think of book editors.

Proofreaders are the last step of the editing process. They make sure a book has proper grammar, no misspellings, and correct sentence structure. Many of these editors also proofread finalized formatting. They let an author or publisher know if a book is ready to go to printing and publishing. Proofreaders often cost the least of any editor. However, the time they spend on each manuscript is less than any other editor, so it’s definitely fair. Ideally, authors would use proofreading software such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch more typical grammatical and spelling errors before hiring a human proofreader. An author’s job is to do their best to hand their editors as complete and high-quality a book as possible. That said, software should not replace a human being for book proofreading.

How to Get Started as a Traditional Book Editor

Freelance editing might sound like the easier option. However, getting an internship at a traditional publishing house is not difficult for college students and burgeoning editors. The relationships you build during that internship can easily lead to a traditional book editor position — it’s all about who you know. Alternatively, look up book editor jobs in your area. Even if you’re not going to apply right away, it’s helpful to learn what various publishing companies expect in terms of portfolios, years of experience, references, etc. And remember, there are more editing positions available than just book editing. Would you be happier editing short-form content or website copy? Agencies and small businesses are constantly on the lookout for web copy editors for these positions. Below, we’ll talk about basic guidelines for getting started as a staff editor at a publishing house. We'll discuss freelance editing further down. Here are 6 steps you can take on your journey to becoming a book editor:

• Get a bachelor’s degree
• Refine your writing skills
• Learn the newest publishing and editing software
• Seek out internships
• Sign up for seminars
• Build up your resume

Step 1 : Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Most editors have a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Most English or Communications degrees will do just fine, including journalism, publishing, and creative writing. A master’s degree should give you a further edge over the steep competition. A Business or Marketing degree may also qualify you to become an editor, but you'll need to practice and display good writing. This education provides potential editors with the fundamental skills needed to be professional editors. It proves to future employers or freelance clients that you know what you’re talking about and able to follow through with long and challenging commitments. A degree is basically necessary, but it’s not a golden ticket to getting a job. Becoming an editor is a competitive industry, even if you’re freelancing and don’t need to apply for a job at a prestigious publisher.

Step 2 : Refine Your Writing Skills

Every editor needs to constantly refine their writing skills, especially when starting out. You need to be able to write to be a good editor. That doesn't mean you should have a fantasy author's imagination, but you should be able to write creatively and correctly. This will affect your ability to correct copy when needed. One way to refine your writing skills is to start a blog. Many editors also write books themselves, a surefire way to practice good writing.

Format Beautiful Professional Books

Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.

Step 3 : Learn the Newest Publishing and Editing Software

Any editor should know how to use the newest publishing and editing software. This way, you can choose the best option for you and your clients. Learning the most popular software can be daunting, but these are the tools of your trade. It’s a valuable investment into your career path. Many online courses can help guide you through the basics. Udemy has a great selection of courses on publishing and editing tools to get you started.

Step 4 : Seek Out Internships

Serious about becoming a book editor? Seek out internships at publishing houses. You'll get an up-close and personal look into the life of an editor. It's one of the best ways to learn the tricks of the trade and form valuable relationships. The experience and relationships you earn from internships may lead to a full-time staff editing position.

Step 5 : Sign Up For Seminars

An editor should sign up for seminars or lectures on book editing from time to time. These are ordinarily one-day workshops that help refresh an editor’s knowledge and skill on top of teaching them the newest publishing industry standards.

Step 6 : Build Up Your Resume

Get out into the real world and find experience. Hopefully, you landed an internship, which looks great on a resume. Now keep building up that all-important resume. Hone your skills with small jobs. If you didn’t find a full-time position right out of college, then you may benefit from starting with a little bit of freelance work. Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find editing work. However, expect the rates to be horrendously low. Many people on these sites will take the editor with the cheapest rate, even though the final product will make it obvious how much they spent on editing. But offering your services at a lower rate for a (very short) time can help build up your resume. Important Note : Offering a lower rate than your worth can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. However, I am not advocating for underselling yourself. Don’t compromise your value just to find work. An editor’s skills are worth a lot. Your skills are worth a lot.

How to Get Started as a Freelance Book Editor

If you want to get started as a freelance editor for full-length books, you should:

• Establish an online presence
• Sharpen your knack for networking
• Strengthen your linguistic skills to prove you’re a good editor
• Set reasonable rates for your work
• Use binding contracts with your clients

These skills are on top of the majority of steps required to become a traditional book editor. Many professional book editors start from traditional publishing houses and migrate towards freelance work. Pro tip: Freelance editors often work with writers who are self-publishing. Unfortunately, self-publishers seldom understand the true value of a professional editor. Don’t reduce your rates below what you’re worth just to work with ungrateful writers. Let them hire the unqualified editor offering a $100 flat rate, and they’ll get what they paid for. You could instead start out as a freelance editor without any traditional publisher experience. But you better be able to edit before you take on work. The best way to start your freelance editing career? Get to work.

Step 1 : Establish an Online Presence

Put yourself out there on social media, LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork. You may also search job sites like Indeed.com for freelance work. Drum up interest and pour all your effort into these editing jobs, even if they’re smaller-scale. That's okay. You need to build your portfolio and credentials by finding as many legit jobs as possible.

Step 2 : Network and Build Relationships

Whereas traditional editors often begin networking as college students and interns, a freelance editor without an existing network must build relationships independently. And it’s a crucial step to establishing a freelance editing business. You can join an editing association — such as ACES ( The Society for Editing ) or EFA ( Editorial Freelancers Association ) — and certify your expertise. Relationships with these types of groups show your potential clients that you are serious about your work. I discuss more ideas a little later below (that aren’t just for freelancers), such as using social media to network professionally.

Step 3 : Strengthen Your Editing Skills

“Freelance” does not mean “poor quality.” As a freelance editor, you’ll need to be on top of your grammar, spelling, and linguistics. Invest in courses through Udemy , Masterclass , or even on YouTube . A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field helps build your credibility, but it is not necessary for freelance work. If you don’t have a degree related to editing, you better make darn sure your grasp of the written word is faultless.

Step 4 : Set Reasonable Rates and Clear Service Offerings

Finding clients is a big part of getting started in freelance editing, but it's not the only concern. You also want to decide what services you'll provide and your rate for each of those services. Check out our list of book editors to better understand what services established editors are offering and what their pricing is. Important Note : I said it for getting started as a traditional editor, and I’ll say it here. Offering a lower rate can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. But I do not advocate for underselling yourself. A freelance editor’s skills are worth a lot. Your skills are worth a lot.

Step 5 : Use Binding Contracts

As with any freelance work, I encourage you to put everything in black and white — legally binding contracts. You and your clients need to understand one another, which is the best way to establish trust and accountability. Have your contracts drafted and reviewed by legal professionals like the team over at LegalZoom .

In today's Digital Era, the Internet is the most essential tool you have as a burgeoning editor. Whether you're freelancing or trying to land a traditional editor position, you need to develop your online presence as an editor to get ahead. Establish your own editor website, which will be the primary advertisement of your editing services. On this website, clearly list what services you offer, your rates, and a call to action to “Get A Quote.” Include a professional headshot and your credentials, such as any degrees you hold or certifications you earned. Websites are relatively cheap and easy to set up. Make sure it looks clean and professional, or potential clients will scoff and look elsewhere. Using your editor website, demonstrate your expertise. Provide sample work from your portfolio. You could even write blog posts about topics related to book editing, such as:

• Writing how-to's
• Editing tips
• Publishing tricks
• Software reviews
• Company comparisons
• Personal stories from the editing world

Your editor website won’t be a major hit overnight. But now, when you meet people at a conference or networking event, you can send them to your professional-looking website for more info.

Another way to develop your online presence is through social media. Consistent content and the right hashtags can help you get discovered by the authors you want to work with.

This includes Instagram , Twitter, LinkedIn (especially for editors seeking formal editing jobs), Facebook , and even Reddit — depending on your preferred clientele.

How to Network as an Editor

Networking is a huge part of succeeding as a book editor, especially when you're starting out. There are several methods to networking effectively, both online and face-to-face. Let these tips help you rise above the noise and start getting the attention you deserve.

When it comes to online networking as an editor, social media is your best friend. Join groups or follow accounts dedicated to writers, authors, and book editing. You may be able to offer your services when the opportunity arises. (Mind you, some groups are very against personal advertisement. Be sure to check each group’s rules and guidelines.) Platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start creating your editing network. Also, you can get active on publishing or editing forums such as those found on Reddit . You need an editor website. This is critical to online networking, as well as face-to-face networking. A clean, clear, professional editor website tells people you mean business. A good website gives potential clients a taste of your work and entices them with a call to action. You could even publish blog posts on your website to drum up interest and name recognition with paid or organic search traffic.

Although we live in a digital world, don't overlook the importance of networking in person. Face-to-face networking still works, and it works great. When a potential client or employer networks with you in real life, there is a connection you can’t make over the Internet. Attend conventions, book fairs, and conferences . This opens up a whole new world of job opportunities. You will meet writers, publishers, and other editors. And many conferences are free or very inexpensive. In-person events are also an excellent opportunity to show off some sweet new business cards. For more info on creating a killer business card, check out this article . You need to have an editor website. I know. I sound like a broken record. But being able to give potential employers and clients whom you meet a business card that directs them to a professional-looking website is invaluable.

What kind of book editor do you want to be?

There are 4 types of editors, not to mention freelancing versus traditional editing jobs. No matter what kind of book editor you want to be, this article should help you reach your goals. Becoming a book editor is no simple task. But it gets easier as you start to build your resume and impress clients who refer you to their friends and colleagues. It’s about getting good, then networking, then completing every job on time and with excellence.

If you're up to the task, a freelance book editing career can make for an enriching life. Usually, this type of work comes with a much greater degree of flexibility than other jobs. The pay can be surprisingly good as you grow your clientele.

Interested in diving deeper into becoming an editor? There's a well-reviewed, one-hour course on Udemy called “How to Become a Freelance Editor: Make Money Copy Editing.” It's typically $79.99, but Udemy is known for regularly running sales. If you're looking for a next step, I encourage you to check out Udemy . Check out this helpful book editing course, especially if you’re just getting started: Book Editing Blueprint .

Final Thought: Much love and respect to all the hardworking editors out there. The right books at the right time can change the world, and editors are in the business of making books better. That's important work, and I'm grateful for the people with the skill and dedication to do it.

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

• Duties & Responsibilities of a Book Editor

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9 thoughts on “ How to Become a Book Editor in 2024: A Complete Guide ”

Thank your for the information! 🙂

Glad to have helped.

Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, I am frequently referred to as the grammar nazi by friends and family (always in the most loving way possible, of course, and generally at the same time that they are asking me to review something they’ve written). I actually have a visceral response to incorrect grammar and typos. Just thinking of the cultural debacle that is the misuse of “me, myself, and I” is enough to make me shudder. I enjoy a spirited discussion of the use of the oxford comma, and when I realized that my copy of Strunk & White had disappeared during a recent move, I was compelled to immediately replace it, just because I enjoy re-reading it occasionally.

It is this strong committment to proper grammar (I prefer to avoid the use of the word “obsession” whenever possible) combined with my heavy reading habit that led me to your article. While I enjoy reading ebooks on my kindle, I needed to employ a sort of desensitization process in order to allow me to do so, as typos and grammatical errors seem to be widespread across the format. However, after encountering error after error in a recent ebook by a popular, prolific, and well-reviewed author, I could not stop thinking “oh my god, do none of these authors have a grammar obsessed sister to do a final proofread?” and “how could a professional, paid proofreader miss all of these? I could do a much better job.” Through the miracle of Google, a minute later, I was reading your article and considering a career as an editor.

I wanted to comment to thank you for your detailed and informative description of the types of editors and the possible paths to pursue a career in this field. It gave me a lot to think about. However, I must also admit that my comment was at least partially motivated by your mention of grammar obsession (okay, yes, it applies to me) and a concern regarding possible typos in the same section and my discovery of a typo later in the article. Usually, I have no way to bring a typo to the author’s attention when I find it, but this time, the comment button was right there, and I couldn’t resist. It’s in the first paragraph of the “Do You Have What It Takes…” section. It reads “it does get easier as you starting building your resume” instead of “as you start building.” My apologies, but I just couldn’t help myself.

I truly appreciate all the amazing info you discussed in this post. I got a few ideas on how to take my dream of becoming a book editor to the next level with practical action. Looking forward to checking out the info/links you provided.

Awesome and you’ve got this!

Loved your content. To be a good editor is a tough task however your article just made it look so easy. It is the perfect guide for me. Please keep writing more blogs like these.

Thank you and I will.

Your self-publishing experience will help me a lot in self- publishing my book. After reading your journey have given me more clarity on how can I get my script edited more easily and efficiently. Now have idea of all the challenges and obstacles that i will encounter while editing and will take all the necessary precautions needed. I also got a clear understanding of what type of editing I need for my book and also the type of editor that suits my need the best. I now realize the true meaning of editing as it is the most important aspect of self-publishing.

Awesome and glad to have helped!

Comments are closed.

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Ursula K. Le Guin on How to Become a Writer

(step one: write).

This first appeared in Lit Hub’s  Craft of Writing  newsletter— sign up here .

How do you become a writer? Answer: you write.

It’s amazing how much resentment and disgust and evasion this answer can arouse. Even among writers, believe me. It is one of those Horrible Truths one would rather not face.

The most frequent evasive tactic is for the would-be writer to say, But before I have anything to say, I must get experience.

Well, yes; if you want to be a journalist. But I don’t know anything about journalism, I’m talking about fiction. And of course fiction is made out of experience, your whole life from infancy on, everything you’ve thought and done and seen and read and dreamed. But experience isn’t something you go and get—it’s a gift, and the only prerequisite for receiving it is that you be open to it. A closed soul can have the most immense adventures, go through a civil war or a trip to the moon, and have nothing to show for all that “experience”; whereas the open soul can do wonders with nothing. I invite you to meditate on a pair of sisters. Emily and Charlotte. Their life experience was an isolated vicarage in a small, dreary English village, a couple of bad years at a girls’ school, another year or two in Brussels, which is surely the dullest city in all Europe, and a lot of housework. Out of that seething mass of raw, vital, brutal, gutsy Experience they made two of the greatest novels ever written: Jane Eyre  and  Wuthering Heights .

Now, of course they were writing from experience; writing about what they knew, which is what people always tell you to do; but what was their experience? What was it they knew? Very little about “life.” They knew their own souls, they knew their own minds and hearts; and it was not a knowledge lightly or easily gained. From the time they were seven or eight years old, they wrote, and thought, and learned the landscape of their own being, and how to describe it. They wrote with the imagination, which is the tool of the farmer, the plow you plow your own soul with. They wrote from inside, from as deep inside as they could get by using all their strength and courage and intelligence. And that is where books come from. The novelist writes from inside.

I’m rather sensitive on this point, because I write science fiction, or fantasy, or about imaginary countries, mostly—stuff that, by definition, involves times, places, events that I could not possibly experience in my own life. So when I was young and would submit one of these things about space voyages to Orion or dragons or something, I was told, at extremely regular intervals, “You should try to write about things you know about.” And I would say, But I do; I know about Orion, and dragons, and imaginary countries. Who do you think knows about my own imaginary countries, if I don’t?

But they didn’t listen, because they don’t understand, they have it all backward. They think an artist is like a roll of photographic film, you expose it and develop it and there is a reproduction of Reality in two dimensions. But that’s all wrong, and if any artist tells you, “I am a camera,” or “I am a mirror,” distrust them instantly, they’re fooling you, pulling a fast one. Artists are people who are not at all interested in the facts—only in the truth. You get the facts from outside. The truth you get from inside.

OK, how do you go about getting at that truth? You want to tell the truth. You want to be a writer. So what do you do?

Honestly, why do people ask that question? Does anybody ever come up to a musician and say, Tell me, tell me—how should I become a tuba player? No! It’s too obvious. If you want to be a tuba player you get a tuba, and some tuba music. And you ask the neighbors to move away or put cotton in their ears. And probably you get a tuba teacher, because there are quite a lot of objective rules and techniques both to written music and to tuba performance. And then you sit down and you play the tuba, every day, every week, every month, year after year, until you are good at playing the tuba; until you can—if you desire—play the truth on the tuba.

It is exactly the same with writing. You sit down and you do it, and you do it, and you do it, until you have learned how to do it.

Of course, there are differences. Writing makes no noise, except groans, and it can be done anywhere, and it is done alone.

It is the experience or premonition of that loneliness, perhaps, that drives a lot of young writers into this search for rules. I envy musicians very much, myself. They get to play together, their art is largely communal; and there are rules to it, an accepted body of axioms and techniques, which can be put into words or at least demonstrated, and so taught. Writing cannot be shared, nor can it be taught as a technique, except on the most superficial level. All a writer’s real learning is done alone, thinking, reading other people’s books, or writing—practicing. A really good writing class or workshop can give us some shadow of what musicians have all the time—the excitement of a group working together, so that each member outdoes himself—but what comes out of that is not a collaboration, a joint accomplishment, like a string quartet or a symphony performance, but a lot of totally separate, isolated works, expressions of individual souls. And therefore there are no rules, except those each individual makes up.

I know. There are lots of rules. You find them in the books about The Craft of Fiction and The Art of the Short Story and so on. I know some of them. One of them says: Never begin a story with dialogue! People won’t read it; here is somebody talking and they don’t know who and so they don’t care, so—Never begin a story with dialogue.

Well, there is a story I know, it begins like this:

“ Eh bien, mon prince!  so Genoa and Lucca are now no more than private estates of the Bonaparte family!”

It’s not only a dialogue opening, the first four words are in  French , and it’s not even a French novel. What a horrible way to begin a book! The title of the book is  War and Peace .

There’s another Rule I know: introduce all the main characters early in the book. That sounds perfectly sensible, mostly I suppose it is sensible, but it’s not a rule, or if it is somebody forgot to tell it to Charles Dickens. He didn’t get Sam Weller into  The Pickwick Papers for ten chapters—that’s five months, since the book was coming out as a serial in installments.

Now, you can say, All right, so Tolstoy can break the rules, so Dickens can break the rules, but they’re geniuses; rules are made for geniuses to break, but for ordinary, talented, not-yet-professional writers to follow, as guidelines.

And I would accept this, but very very grudgingly, and with so many reservations that it amounts in the end to nonacceptance. Put it this way: if you feel you need rules and want rules, and you find a rule that appeals to you, or that works for you, then follow it. Use it. But if it doesn’t appeal to you or doesn’t work for you, then ignore it; in fact, if you want to and are able to, kick it in the teeth, break it, fold staple mutilate and destroy it.

See, the thing is, as a writer you are free. You are about the freest person that ever was. Your freedom is what you have bought with your solitude, your loneliness. You are in the country where you make up the rules, the laws. You are both dictator and obedient populace. It is a country nobody has ever explored before. It is up to you to make the maps, to build the cities. Nobody else in the world can do it, or ever could do it, or ever will be able to do it again.

___________________________________

Excerpted from  THE LANGUAGE OF THE NIGHT  by Ursula K. Le Guin. Copyright © 1989 by Ursula K. Le Guin. Reprinted by permission of Scribner, a Division of Simon & Schuster, LLC.

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Last updated on Jun 06, 2024

How to Become an Editor in 2024: A Guide for Beginners

This post was written based on insights from professional Reedsy editors Clem Flanagan , Eli Bortz , and Aja Pollock .

Any process that results in published writing usually involves editors, which is why they form a key part of several industries. If you’ve got an impeccable understanding of grammar and a discerning eye when it comes to identifying structural and conceptual flaws in a piece of writing, read on to find out how to become an editor yourself.

What does an editor do?

An editor plans, coordinates, and revises pieces of writing for publication in books, newspapers, blog posts, magazines, and elsewhere.

Editors typically assess submissions and decide what should be published based on the quality of the writing and what might appeal to readers. They then polish the content and prose of the writing to ensure correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as consistent and clear storytelling or structure before publication.

The exact duties of a professional editor differ in each industry, with many related administrative tasks attached to the role. For instance, video editors have different tasks from those of editors who deal with written material (which this post will focus on).

As we look at how to get into editing of written texts we’ll learn more about the sheer variety of the work it entails — so, let’s get started!

🤓  Curious about how much money an editor makes? Head to our post on editor salaries for more information.

Can I become an editor without a degree?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to become an editor, let’s talk about degrees and relevant qualifications.

Out of ten Reedsy editors we selected at random, six of them majored in Literature, one of them majored in Journalism, one of them majored in Medieval Culture, one of them majored in History, Political Science, and Journalism, and one of them majored in Modern English Studies.

So, even if many editors out there do have an undergraduate degree in Literature or English, that’s not the be-all and end-all. For those of you who are able to afford and commit to a degree in the humanities — or even a  publishing degree — it can definitely help you and your CV stand out.

But if higher education isn’t in the cards for you at the moment, don’t fret! Many successful editors built their craft through short-term courses and certifications for editing . Reedsy editor Aja Pollock , who has taken courses in copy editing, proofreading , and developmental editing, “definitely recommends them to anyone starting out.”

“The foundational courses I took… were all very helpful. They allowed me to develop a consistent process for each type of editorial work, and understand the expectations for each role and how it fit into the larger process of book publishing.”

If a short-term course isn’t an option for you either, Reedsy editor Eli Bortz , who studied journalism at university, believes that hands-on experience “beats any course or lecture you could ever attend” and has even steered many of his undergraduate assistants towards work environments where they get to learn by doing.

Even if you’ve got countless academic degrees, you’ll be hard-pressed to find eager clients or a willing employer at a publishing company if you’ve never edited a full manuscript before. More than anything, it all comes down to experience and a proven track record, so let’s look closer at how to get that.

How to become an editor in 5 steps

Now that we’ve discussed the possibility of becoming an editor without a degree, here are five simple steps to follow to help you get your career started:

1. Choose your type and style of editing

Editing is a broad field, and it always helps to start by pointing your career in a direction: an area of publishing you would like to work in. As with every career, you never know where you might actually end up, but knowing the options and picking a lane can help you better prepare yourself in terms of getting the right qualifications and work experiences.

Here are the six major types of editing that you can explore:

Book editing

A book editor works closely with writers to revise and streamline manuscripts ahead of publication. This involves various types of editing , from editorial assessment (also known as manuscript evaluation) to developmental editing and copy editing (or line editing).

Proofreading is also a form of editing that comes at the end of the process, and sometimes you will hear people refer to these draft stages as first, second, third, and final pass editing. 

All types of editing can be done on a freelance basis, but it is especially common when it comes to copy editing and proofreading, as publishers or authors often commission external professionals for these services.

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Aside from editing text, an editor working at a publisher may have different responsibilities depending on the structure and size of the  imprint . They may have tasks such as budgeting, coordinating publication catalogs, and even typesetting .

They also need to be highly organized team players, as they are responsible for communicating with literary agents and authors, as well as colleagues; coordinating with other departments like marketing, design, and publicity; commissioning new titles; and performing routine administrative tasks such as writing cover blurbs and updating book metadata.

💡Job titles:   editorial assistant , assistant editor, editor, senior editor, commissioning editor, editorial director (Note: these particular roles are listed in order of the career advancement ladder.)

News and magazine editing

A news or magazine editor is responsible for proofreading and structurally editing articles; fact-checking; ensuring consistency with the publication’s house style and relevance to the publication’s aims or themes (if any); commissioning articles from regular contributors; responding to pitches; and reporting to the publication’s editorial board.

Sub-editors usually only work on editing text and do not have any commissioning/managerial duties, whereas section editors develop the strategy and direction of their section and report to management.

💡 Job titles: section editor, associate editor, sub-editor, editor

Academic editing

Unsurprisingly, academic editors belong to the area of scholarly output. They can hold full-time, in-house positions at an academic publisher (e.g., Oxford University Press) or voluntary, part-time roles as editors of an academic journal.

In addition to being well-versed in structural and copy editing, these editors ensure academic rigor, objectivity, and ethical academic practice. The latter involves checking for plagiarism, fact-checking, verifying bibliographical data, and arranging for the creation of an index. Academic editors are also expected to coordinate the peer-review process and communicate feedback to authors.

💡 Job titles: academic editor, journal editor

Web editing

A web editor is responsible for managing an organization’s digital content. The specifics will vary, but typical duties include editing articles or blog posts for publication, commissioning or assigning new pieces of content, deciding on subjects to be covered, using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to attract organic traffic, making decisions about how posts are presented, and promoting said content on social media (or collaborating with social media marketers) to increase the reach of the product.

💡 Job titles: web editor, content editor, content manager, blog manager, head of content

Technical editing

A technical editor is not so concerned with grammatical correctness or fluency of expression. Instead, their main focus is to ensure that highly technical information is accurate and communicated clearly. For this reason, technical editors with expertise in the subject matter at hand are usually highly sought after and hired to apply their knowledge to a piece of writing.

From checking that any equations and graphs are accurate to ensuring information complexity meets the knowledge level of the intended audience, a technical editor operates as a subject matter consultant.

💡 Job titles: technical editor, subject-matter expert (SME)

Legal editing 

A legal editor’s job is not vastly different from that of a technical editor: the primary aim is to ensure the accuracy of legal texts and compliance with the aims of the publication at hand.

A legal editor may also be responsible for compiling “digests” of court cases, researching legal issues, or analyzing legal news or developments.

💡 Job titles: legal editor, legal researcher, legal reporter

After you’ve decided on the area of editing you want to work in, you’ll need to focus on accumulating some first-hand experience.

2.  Gain experience through internships and freelancing

In an ideal world, you’d immediately find an entry-level position as an editorial assistant that gets your foot through the door so you can learn on the job. But despite being considered entry-level, editing positions can be competitive and usually require some prior engagement or experience with editing or writing.

You may be able to nab one of these coveted roles if your CV contains relevant extracurriculars (such as being a student reporter or editor), but many aspiring editors start out by securing administrative work experience, an internship, or  part-time editing experience as a freelancer. These opportunities offer a chance for aspiring editors to experience working with authors and clients, hone their editing and communication skills, build their networks, and grow their editorial portfolios.

To find book editing internships, check Indeed, LinkedIn, and, if you are still in school or have recently graduated, your college’s job search portal. It’s also worth getting involved in social media platforms such as Twitter — at least as a reader. Managing editors and publishers post about vacancies and networking events all the time!

If you can’t find (or can’t afford to take) an internship, look for short-term gigs on freelancing sites. Note that even with a compelling profile and plenty of self-marketing, you might have to take jobs that don’t really interest you at first. For instance, you might plan to specialize in developmental book editing, but you might find yourself copy editing blogs and academic essays to start with.

As long as you learn and grow from your experiences, that shouldn’t discourage you. You’ll soon be able to apply for entry-level positions…

3. Apply for entry-level publishing and editorial positions

Reedsy editor Clem Flanagan tells us that her years working in entry-level positions were crucial in forging her network and skills . Most editors are happy to refer writers to fellow professionals who are either more experienced or looking for gigs.

Authors themselves often recommend editors to their writer friends, so you should never underestimate the power of word of mouth. You may start small, but if you build that reputation by working entry-level jobs steadily, it’ll pay off. 

This part of your editing career is the definition of hustling. You’ll most likely work long hours, not getting paid as much as you deserve. But if you can push through all that, you’ll emerge on the other side with the kind of knowledge and experience that you can build a more sustainable career on. Hang in there!

4. Network with clients and publishing professionals

Assuming you’ve now got substantial editing experience, you’ll have naturally accrued some contacts in your industry, online or in real life. From literary agents and journalists to academics and creative directors, you’ll know a good number of people in different positions within your field.

And you might not realize it at first, but sub-fields of professional activity in a particular city or region are a small world, where you’ll run into the same people throughout your career.

Make sure to always respond to strangers’ requests politely and thoughtfully, even if you want to decline. Introduce people who might like to work together to each other. Recommend your best co-workers. Put in a good word for entry-level assistants when you’ve progressed to a more senior level. Treat interns with patience and respect. Send people job opportunities you happen to see that they may be interested in.

All of that — in other words, being a kind, respectful, and decent person to work with — will help you in more ways than you can imagine.

This may not come in the form of a job offer falling onto your doorstep from the heavens. But it’ll work in quiet ways that’ll lead to people treating you well and taking you seriously, as well as giving you a boost of good karma as your career progresses. 

5. Get promoted to a senior editor position

With experience under your belt and a large network, you’ll start noticing where your natural skills lie and what you enjoy doing the most. So while you’re working on a variety of projects, you should be thinking about what kind of editor you’d like to be down the line.

Even if you aren’t ready yet to move into a new role, keep your eyes open for new opportunities. Read through job descriptions for editorial roles within your industry and beyond it, and make a note of any recurring requirements, such as familiarity with specialist software or SEO.

You can then slowly work on your skills to become an even better editor in your free time or within your current role, with a view to transition to a different job. For example, an editorial assistant for the Lifestyle section of a magazine could find their way into nonfiction book publishing via a Lifestyle imprint that publishes health and food and drink titles. Meanwhile, if you’re happy with the niche you’re in, the ladder-climbing begins.

Alternatively, you can look into starting your own business and becoming a freelance editor on Reedsy to exercise more control over your work days.

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Down the line, who knows what you’ll accomplish? A project you’ve worked on might just end up topping bestseller lists or winning a Pulitzer Prize. One thing is for sure: if you’ve always wanted to make your mark on the world, becoming an editor is an amazing way to do that. 

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How to Become a Science Writer

One of the most common questions I get asked is how to become a science writer. How do I get started? What skills do I need? Is it possible to make a living at it? Science writers arrive at the career by various paths, plus the job depends largely on the type of science writing you do. So, it’s difficult to generalize, but here’s what I know.

About My Writing Career

First, it may help to learn how I came to science writer. I was trained as a research scientist. I wrote scientific papers and contributed to books — the usual stuff. Writing was not on my radar, except as a means to publish results. When I graduated with my doctorate, the economy was dismal, with many lay-offs and no money for new hires. So, I took a job writing abstracts for scientific papers so they could be indexed in government databases. My education had covered all the bases in science, with bachelor and advanced degrees in difference disciplines, so it was interesting and comfortable work. From there, I went into research and teaching. In addition to writing papers, I also edited and reviewed work by others. Once again, times became tough, so in 2001 I picked up a part-time gig writing about chemistry online for About.com. I picked up many freelance jobs and started writing independently before the About.com job became full-time. In 2017, I’m a science writer for ThoughtCo (the new incarnation of About.com) and I own and write Science Notes.

Skills Needed to Become a Science Writer

Most science writers come to the profession with either college degrees in journalism or technical writing or else degrees in science. It’s not impossible to be a writer without college education, but it’s much harder to land opportunities. No matter what, you can expect any potential employer will ask to see samples of your work. If you have a portfolio of articles, it’s easier to find new opportunities, but many companies still want to see an example of writing that is specific to the job.

You will need:

• Either a degree in science or journalism or at least writing samples.
• Exceptional writing skills. Journalism majors often excel here, yet struggle with content, while science majors may have trouble writing. Mastering grammar, spelling, and punctuation is not enough. You need to be able to write for the intended audience. You could write the best scientific paper in the world, but if a contract calls for a popular science article in an unrelated field, you may feel out of your depth!
• An interest in and understanding of science, appropriate to the level of the article.
• The ability to meet deadlines and other requirements set by a publication.
• The capacity to wait for payment 🙂 If you get a regular full-time job, this might not be an issue. Many writers are freelancers, meaning it’s not uncommon to get paid 30-45 days after the deadline (or later).

It’s a digital age, so it helps if you have:

• Social media accounts and a following.
• Photography and graphic artist skills. You may be asked to source or produce images to accompany articles.

How to Get Started Writing

There are many ways to get started writing. If you’re still in school, offer to write for the school paper or else write a blog. It doesn’t really matter whether you write about science at this point. Hone your skills!

If you’re not in school, start writing. You could write a blog, pitch article ideas to the local paper, pitch articles online, or search online for writing jobs. Don’t expect to land your dream job immediately and don’t expect any single job to pay a living wage. It’s certainly possible to make a good living as a writer with a single contract, but risky (all your eggs in one basket) and relatively uncommon. So, start small. Consider writing for Fiverr  or search opportunities at places like Indeed , Upwork , science publications, or any place that lists jobs. If you have an idea for a great story, pitch it to any publication that seems like a good fit. With time and experience, you’ll be on your way.

Also, network with other writers. Seek groups on Facebook or LinkedIn or just get together with friends who have a similar interest. The connections will help you find opportunities and training.

What Kinds of Opportunities Are There?

Science Magazine has a great article that describes the types of science writing jobs out there. Basically, you can work from home or in a traditional office space. Any discipline is fair game. Broad categories include science journalism, medical writing, and editing.

A Final Word of Advice

A science writer (or any writer) writes. You simply can’t help yourself. So, if you’re interested in pursuing it as a career, just start writing. The trick is to get paid for it, but if you’re good and you keep at it, the money will follow. Share your work with friends, families, strangers… whoever will read it. Accept criticism gracefully. Write more.

Got questions? It might take me a few days, but I do try to respond to comment.

Related Posts

• Scriptwriting

How to Become a Paid Screenwriter in 2023: A Step-by-Step Guide

Y ou want to learn how to become a screenwriter, but every screenwriting article you find is redundant or confusing.

We’ve put together a complete step-by-step guide to screenwriting that teaches you how to become a screenwriter, how to find entertainment writer jobs in LA (and elsewhere), and how to sell your screenplay.

We also provide videos and resource posts on specific topics so that you gain deep knowledge and clarity on each concept. Lezgo.

Getting Started

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HOW TO BECOME A SCREENWRITER

Ch 1    ➤   how to become a screenwriter    ➤   getting started, 1. what does a screenwriter do.

Your plan is to set out on the grand journey of becoming a successful screenwriter. The first thing you need to do is understand the career.

So what exactly does a screenwriter do?

SCREENWRITER DEFINITION

What does a screenwriter do.

A screenwriter is someone who writes content for a visual medium. This could be for feature films, television, documentaries, commercials, video games, music videos, online content, and educational material.

A screenwriter is paid to write scripts, screenplays, teleplays, AV scripts, and treatments that include strong concepts, coherent themes, well structured plots, and dynamic characters.

The main thing to remember is that the world is changing, and while film and television writing is the standard for professional screenwriters, many signs point toward other avenues that still need good screenwriting skills.

That doesn’t mean movies are dead, or that you should stab out your eyes lest you see yet another writing credit that does not belong to you.

Don't give up… we’re just getting started.

Ch 1    ➤   Getting Started    ➤   Study Scripts

2. study other screenplays.

The next thing you need to do is to read scripts. Study how your favorite screenwriters wrote your favorite produced scripts.

This is absolutely non-negotiable.

Watching movies will help you too, but screenwriting and directing are very different crafts, and while they are very much connected and inform one another, you have to start by hitting some balls off the tee.

Want to read some great scripts? Check out any of these posts below where we provide analysis and a free script PDF download for each:

Related Posts

• Pulp Fiction Analysis & Download →
• Seinfeld Script Analysis & Download →
• La La Land Script Analysis & Download →

Ch 1    ➤   Getting Started    ➤   Reading List

3. read screenwriting books.

To be a good screenwriter, it helps to be a relentless reader. This doesn’t mean you can’t have success with a lot of ambition, life experience, and perspective — but at the very least you need to read screenwriting books .

But don’t pick one book and follow it as gospel — mix and match.

You wouldn’t watch only Tarantino films to learn how to become a director, or only watch Lebron James to become a basketball player.

The best screenwriters understand filmmaking in general, and while it takes a different skill set to be a screenwriter versus a director, you will only benefit from having a holistic approach to filmmaking.

Wondering which screenwriting books are must-reads?

We’ve got you covered. The following screenwriting books will absolutely fast-track your progress as a screenwriter:

• 10 Best Filmmaking Books to Read in 2019 →
• 15 Best Screenwriting Books to Read in 2019 →

Ch 1    ➤   Getting Started    ➤   Script Formatting

4. learn screenwriting format.

This is a funny one. A lot of screenwriting guides have this step way too far down the list. I think this is a phenomenon unique to screenwriting.

No one tells you to start drilling for oil before you do a proper survey.

No one tells you to develop a prototype before you learn to code.

No one tells you to perform a few surgeries before you go to med school.

Screenwriting format explained

Screenplay formatting is relatively simple to learn. Once you understand the relationship between action lines, characters, dialogue, and scene headings you will have a much easier time writing your scripts.

What if you’re writing a music video, or a commercial, or some other form of screenwriting that will be hindered by narrative screenplay format? That’s when you use an AV script template .

What’s an AV script?

This is where you create a document with a table — two columns — one for your audio, and one for the corresponding video. Hence ‘AV’ script.

AV scripts can be used for YouTube videos, political ads, anything really.

If you have yet to decide on a professional screenwriting software, why not try out StudioBinder’s free screenplay and AV script feature .

Our software guides you through the writing process and displays helpful formatting icons at the top of the script. These buttons will help you apply the appropriate margin and alignment for each line of text.

Click on the image below to read the full sample script:

Script Formatting  •   Written in StudioBinder

Collaborate with your writing partners wherever, and whenever you like. One key aspect of StudioBinder is it’s built-in pre-production tools.

If you plan on producing or directing a script, you can segue into production planning to create script breakdowns, schedules, shot lists, storyboards and call sheets.

If you want to learn how to professionally format screenplays and AV scripts, make sure to check out our screenwriting posts below (which also provide free templates to get started):

• How to Format Professional Screenplays →
• How to Create an AV Script [FREE Template] →
• StudioBinder’s Free Screenwriting Software →

Ch 2    ➤   How to Become a Screenwriter    ➤   Learn the Craft

Learning the craft of screenwriting.

You’ve learned how to format your script, which is great, because now you’ll be prepared to get your ideas down on the page in a professional manner that helps to sell your screenplays or various scripts.

Now it’s time to learn the scientific side of screenwriting, which is to say the proven elements that combine to make a piece of entertainment.

Let’s go through each step and use an original example along the way.

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤    Concept

1. how to create a concept.

It feels good to get out of the frying pan and into the fire, so let’s move on to an important step in learning how to become a screenwriter...

Creating a story concept.

A big part of this is finding something you’re passionate about. This can means analyzing films, shows, and any other form of entertainment that you love, and can’t wait to share with friends and peers.

Free Video Master Class: How to Make a TV Show

You’ll notice how very few filmmakers and screenwriters jump from genre to genre, partly because they have established their career tone…

But also because they simply enjoy writing about a particular topic.

If you’re just building out your portfolio, mastery through repetition is the key. Every concept doesn’t need to become a 110 page screenplay.  

In fact, it may be better for you to start out with sketches or short films. They each require their own unique approach, but if you’re thinking about getting into running… you might not start off with a marathon.

If you want to learn how to become a screenwriter, write a short film that has a strong concept that supports the medium of filmmaking.

I whipped up a mock screenplay to walk you through the process. 

Here’s the logline .

Screenwriting Concept Example

Afraid of the dark.

A young boy, who is afraid of the dark, loses his favorite ball when it slips from his hand… and rolls into the basement.

This concept is a relatively strong short film. Why's that?

• We have a ‘flawed’ character — the boy is afraid of the dark.
• He has a clear motivation — his favorite ball.
• There’s opportunity for change — overcoming his fear of the dark.

This concept intertwines both our plot and character arcs .

You can click the image below to open up the full mock screenplay so that you can follow along with our examples as I walk you through action lines and dialogue in this short film example:

Short Film Example  •   Written in StudioBinder

So if you need help developing your idea, drop everything and check out this essential Master Class on Developing a TV Series.

Even if your concept isn’t a TV series, these are universal takeaways that’ll help you build any concept for a piece of modern entertainment.

StudioBinder’s TV Development Masterclass

So check out the FREE 7 episode TV development masterclass to develop a compelling television show concept that can sell in Hollywood:  

Related Post

• Free TV Writing and Development Masterclass →

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤   Themes

2. how do i establish theme.

Establishing the theme for your story concept is important because it keeps your content connected to a deeper message.

Every great story has at least one strong theme that is supported by the events, characters, locations, costumes, and every other story elements you introduce on the page. Agents and managers know this as well.

Remember our concept for our sample short, Afraid of the Dark ?

Here is a refresher:

What would be a good theme for this story? How about courage?

So our events, our character, our costumes — all of these things should somehow support our theme of bravery. How do we do this to the script?

Visual Motif in Film | StudioBinder

A motif is a recurring element that supports a project’s theme. Like how the roses in American Beauty represent lust.

So how do we create a motif around bravery?

Maybe the young boy wears a Knight costume while he plays.

Now the viewer understands that, while the boy is afraid of the basement, he values bravery so much that he dresses up like a Knight. This both motivates his character, but supports the overall theme.

Motifs add important layers of depth to any story. If you want to learn more about how to identify potential motifs and themes see here:

• Visual Motif Definition and Examples →

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤   Plot

3. build plot and structure.

Your script plot and structure are often directly tied to one another. Structure is important because it helps your story maintain a pace that allows you to tell a rich, full story that is also engaging.

Structure gets a bad rap, because people will often blame classic story structure for unoriginal plots and familiar storytelling.

You can always use Dan Harmon’s story circle :

Dan Harmon Story Circle | StudioBinder

Harmon’s story circle is actually rooted in a more classical framework. Joseph Campbell's “The Hero's Journey.”

The simple fact is that studios, producers, directors, agents — all of these professionals know that story structure is necessary for a script to sell.

3 Mistakes Screenwriter Make with Structure

To make sure your story has the right structure, you can use a story beat sheet, which will let you know when certain events should take place in your story, and to do this you can use a beat sheet template .

When an experienced producer opens a script for the first time, they will first flip to the last page . They are checking for the length of your script.

They will then flip to page 1, then to page 12-13, then flip to page 25, then to page 70, and finally they will glance at the last few pages… 100-110.

If they have gotten this far, chances are they'll read your script.

They're checking for structure, and if they find an area that is missing key story beats, they will cast judgment on your writing.

Screenwriting Plot Structure Masterclass

A plot is very simply the chain of events that occur in your story. A good example of a classic plot is the action film Die Hard .

People have sold entire script ideas as “ Die Hard at ⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽⎽”.

They keep the strong plot of Die Hard , but they switch  up the settings, characters, and maybe even the theme to build a ‘new’ story.

If you need a FREE beat sheet template, or want to read more about Dan Harmon’s story circle and plots, check out these posts below:

• Build a Great Plot in Your Screenplay →
• Build a Story Using Dan Harmon’s Story Circle →
• Create the Perfect Beat Sheet [FREE Template] →

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤   Characters

4. how do i develop characters.

Good characters make writing so much easier, and developing your characters will develop their traits, their trends, and their decisions.

How to Create Characters | StudioBinder

Think of your favorite television character…

How would they respond if I were to call them an idiot?

You may love Jon Snow from Game of Thrones , or Frank Reynolds from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia — it doesn’t matter who you prefer.

You could probably write their response, because they are such well developed characters that you can almost predict their decisions.

Jon Snow would be humble, polite, and maybe a bit self righteous.

Frank Reynolds would draw his gun and tell me to ‘suck on this dirt bag!’

A Common Mistake When Developing Characters

When you develop a rich character, it makes writing fun. With each new line you write you build a new layer to the character.

What if you’re not sure which character to build in your script?

There are some classic character types that are great to call upon.

Character Archetypes | StudioBinder

What if you have a good character, but you need help building logical conflict that will take us on a journey with your characters?

One great technique is developing internal and external conflict.

For this, let’s look to our story example, Afraid of the Dark .

Our character, the young boy, loves to play with his favorite ball and fantasizes about being a Knight on a quest… but then he drops his ball.

There is external conflict — because he has lost his ball.

There is internal conflict — because he is afraid to retrieve it.

We want him to find his ball, but we also want him to overcome his fear, and the conflict in our character supports our theme of bravery.

If you need help developing characters, building conflict, and deciding on character archetypes, check out these posts on each subject:

• Character Development [FREE Worksheet] →
• Build Internal and External Conflict in your Story →
• 8 Character Archetypes: Complete List & Examples →

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤   Action Lines

5. how do i write action lines.

Action lines are more important than dialogue. How much?

I’d say somewhere around a 75/25 divide. What occurs on screen is 75% of your story, whereas what your characters say to one another should normally be around 25% of your story.

This is because actions speak louder than words.

How to Write Exposition | StudioBinder

Your action lines should be in a descriptive, present tense:

The young boy runs around the corner, bumps into the wall. His favorite ball slips from his hand, tumbles down into the basement. He stares into the abyss. Sweat runs down his face. Mouth agape. Hands clenched.

You want to keep the reader engaged in the story while writing action lines that are clear and concise. You want to avoid ending verbs in ‘ing’ .

“The young boy is running down the hall, bumping into the wall”.  

It’s not that this is super confusing, but it makes it more difficult to jump from idea to idea. If you can write a clear action line in as few words as possible, you’re beginning to understand the concept of screenwriting.

Young boy turns the corner, bumps the wall. The ball slips, tumbles into the basement. Sweat drips down his face. Mouth agape. Hands clenched.

Does this mean you can’t write rich description and emotion in your actions? Not really… but this is the most debated concept in screenwriting. What if you like Quentin Tarantino’s writing style?

Short Film Action Lines  •   Written in StudioBinder

Is this better screenwriting when compared to our first example?

Meh… this is where you need to decide on your writing style.

If you want to learn more about writing exposition in your screenplays make sure to check out each of the fantastic resource posts below:

• Christopher Nolan Screenwriting Tips →
• How to Write Exposition in Your Screenplays →
• Coen Brothers Screenwriting Tips and Strategies →

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤   Dialogue

6. how do i write dialogue.

As I said in the section above, dialogue should be one of the last things your put into your screenplays, and the best films are proof of this point.

You shouldn’t write a single line of dialogue until you’ve developed your concept, theme, characters, plot, settings, action lines, and structure.

Let’s jump back to our example:

Short Film Dialogue  •   Written in StudioBinder

Our action is clear enough, we don’t need the young boy to say ‘my ball!’

We need dialogue that adds emotions , and some style to our story. In the last line of dialogue in this scene, the young boy references his desires.

We know he wants to be brave, but he is afraid of the dark, and the dialogue helps to support our theme.

I wrote a similar post to this one all about writing dialogue, and you can go through step-by-step and  audit the dialogue in your screenplay:

• 22 Screenwriting Tips for Writing Movie Dialogue →

Ch 2    ➤   Learn the Craft    ➤   Scene Types

7. how do i write scene types.

There are big scenes in movies and shows that stump new screenwriters, and for good reason. They require good pacing but an understanding of the process the production team will have to go through to film them.

Some of these scenes include:

• Fight Scenes
• Chase Scenes
• Telephone 

These scenes are sometimes easy to write, but difficult to produce.

Every time you write a new scene heading, that is a location that you have to find and pay for. Crew parking, gear rentals, actors to pay, gas to buy, etc. What about fight scenes? How descriptive do they need to be?

How to Write Fight Scenes | StudioBinder

You also want these scenes to be fun to read, but clear enough that the reader (producer, agent, actor, director) can track the action.

You also want to make sure to build a story with your fight scene, so that the viewer can not only track the action, but also track the story.

This is how you keep both a reader, and a viewer engaged.

If you want to learn even more, take a look at each of these posts that help to explain how to write a montage, a fight scene, and a car chase:

• How to Write an Epic Fight Scene →
• How to Write a Montage Like the Pros →
• How to Write a Car Chase in a Screenplay →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Preface

Create some work for your portfolio.

School is out. No more theory. No more learning.

Now it is time to build your story, and to build it right. Make sure you do each of these steps in order. I wrote the first draft of a 110 page screenplay in two weeks because I followed these steps… in order.

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Writing Schedule

1. create a writing schedule.

You want to write scripts and screenplays, but more than anything you want to write something that will actually be produced. Spending hours on a script that has no clear future seems like a hopeless errand.

Great… I have a 110 page story idea that I can show my dog.

There is a remedy to this feeling, and one solution is a screenwriting guide. You'll often hear people say you need to ‘just write’ which can help and be therapeutic, but eventually you need to build a road map for the reader's journey, otherwise the story may seem hollow. 

Christine Conradt has been a professional screenwriter for nearly 20 years, and she has been a writer on over 60 produced projects.  

Professional Writing Schedule

Truly, you should write with a purpose toward a cohesive story, and you should create a writing schedule that helps your ideas progress.

Professional athletes go to the gym most days. They practice 5 days a week with their team. They relentlessly work on their craft. If you want to be an olympic runner, you can’t ‘just run’ around the block.

You need to practice the events you hope to win, you need to build your game plan, improve your starting time off the blocks, lean forward when you finish, and pace yourself for long distance events.

Screenwriting is a career, so you will want to treat it as such if you want to gain success in the shortest amount of time — but don’t ‘just write’.

That will exhaust your creative energy, and it won’t help you become a more complete writer — it will only improve your typing skills.

If you ‘just write’ the time you spend staring at a blank page will balloon.

Write with purpose, toward a good story, toward a screenwriting career.  

Now let’s listen to Quentin Tarantino talk about his process:

Quentin Tarantino on Screenwriting Process

Tarantino is a filmmaker, and because of that he isn’t thinking in terms or screenwriting for a career, he is rather thinking about building films.

He has an encyclopedic knowledge of films and techniques, so he’s done his homework, and when he writes he does so with a story in mind.

Tarantino writes so much the characters are part ‘in his blood’.

Check out this post on how to cure writer’s block:

• 23 Proven Ideas to Cure Writer's Block →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Logline

2. write a logline.

A logline is a 1-2 sentence long description of your story, and if often goes in the order of character, setting, plot, and maybe some style.

Remember our logline:

This logline tells us everything we need to know about the script, and it does so in a way that gets us excited to see the story play out.

How to Write a Logline | StudioBinder

Need help writing your own logline? Check out this post below:

• How to Write a Logline Producers Won’t Pass On →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Synopsis

3. write a synopsis.

A synopsis is an abridged description of the events in your story. A good synopsis is there to give a producer a clear idea on how the events in your script play out without them having to read through each line.

Writing compelling loglines and synopses are one of the ways you get your scripts past professional script readers . Your synopsis should fit onto a single page for a 110 page script.

Check out this post on how to write a synopsis:

• Write a Movie Synopsis that Makes Readers Salivate →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Outlines

4. write script outlines.

A script outline is not really for producers, studios, and agents.

It’s for you … and the director, which may end up being you .

Script outlines are basically like beat sheets. They create a game plan for your writing and for your story. You know how each scene will inform the next, and because of this you can write a more complete story.

This may be the time when you decide on some important screenwriting devices, one of which is called ‘breaking the fourth wall’.

How to Break the Fourth Wall | StudioBinder

Check out this post on how to write a script outline:

• How to Write a Script Outline for Film and TV →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Treatment

5. write a treatment.

So, you know how you just created a script outline?

Now you need to build another one, but this one will be for producers, agents, studio executives, and others that may ‘buy’ an idea.

This is a called a treatment .

How to Write a Treatment | StudioBinder

If a producer reads your logline, and your synopsis — they’re interested.

Now they want to see the complete game plan, but they don’t need every detail that will be important to you as a filmmaker or screenwriter.

So take the really important details, and build a treatment.

Check out this post on how to write a film treatment:

• How to Write a Film Treatment Like the Pros →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Spec Script

6. write an original spec script.

A speculative script is a story that you write with no commitment toward the eventual production of said script. This means that you are writing an original idea that you hope will later sell.

Spec scripts are important because they show your ability to complete an entire idea, and to show that you can be creative without a safety net.

Inside the Spec Script Market

The spec market has slowed over the past few decades, because studios and production companies have found statistics that suggest that IP (intellectual property) with built in fan bases have a higher success rate.

That’s why Sonic the Hedgehog and The Playmobil Movie are some of the ideas being produced today versus the best spec scripts.

Check out this post on how to write a spec script:

• The Complete Guide to Writing on Spec →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Sample Script

7. write a sample spec script.

A sample spec script is when you write a script for a show or property that already exists, which will allow a producer or representative to see if you have the ability to join a writer’s room for a television show.

6 Tips For Writing a Spec Script

Rarely will your sample script ever be produced, but it proves something that your original scripts will be unable to do. It proves that you can write on top of a story that already exists, and thus continue the collective vision.

Often, you will want to write a show that has aired in the last year-to-date, and this will allow you to use your sample script to apply to writing fellowships around Los Angeles and other entertainment hubs.

If you hope to submit to these fellowships, you will need to have at least two sample spec scripts of shows that ran in the last year-to-date.

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Portfolio

8. build a work portfolio.

Now that you have written a few scripts, it’s time to build your portfolio.

What goes in your screenwriting portfolio?

Everything you just built during the steps up above. You should have an original spec script with a logline, synopsis, and a killer treatment.

Make sure to copyright your screenplay as well.

You should have two sample spec scripts with a logline, synopsis, and a treatment for each — along with some other important documents.

Build a cover letter that gives a brief look into your history, no more than a page or two, and it should be easy to read and pleasing to the eye.

If you have any professional connections in the film industry, you should buy them a bottle of wine or a gift card or something and ask them for a letter of recommendation as a screenwriter.

What if you don’t know anyone in the industry?

That’s okay — you will soon enough, but for now just gather the hard work you’ve done so far, and assemble it in a single, organized package.

Build a digital portfolio and label your script files and folders in a clean, easy to read manner so that the recipients enjoy browsing through.

Check out this post on how to copyright your script:

• How to Copyright a Script →

Ch 3   ➤   Create Your Portfolio    ➤   Short Film

9. produce a short film.

Okay, so you’ve written a bunch of scripts and treatments and loglines and read screenwriting books and learned formatting, and yet you are no closer to your goals than you were when you started this guide.

Wrong… but that’s okay. Everyone lashes out a bit, but the fact that you are growing restless is good. It means you care about success.

Now it is time to get your hands dirty.

Go make a film. Make a short film . Rent a camera. Find a director and DP. Find actors in class or at a playhouse. Go make a bad short film.

Figure out how it feels to actually write, produce, and direct a film so that you can see how your script translates on screen. This will make you a better screenwriter, but it will also give you the right amount of perspective and hopefully energize you into creating more.

Your best bet is to write and produce a short film.

Take a look at how StudioBinder makes production better:

Welcome to StudioBinder

You can take it to festivals and meet people, you can throw it up on YouTube. You can send it in your portfolio — especially if it is a proof of concept for an idea you’ve been writing and hope to sell.

Are you worried about your project’s budget? Are you unable to organize funds for your project? Financing a piece of entertainment is a pretty big risk, and it is almost always the things that slows or scuttles a project.

Need help writing a short film or finding money for your projects?

Check out this post on the best film grants:

• The Ultimate Film Grants List in 2019 →
• How to Write a Short Film That Gets Noticed →

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Preface

Time to commit to something.

You’ve done the leg work. You have a portfolio and you’ve read the books, done the research, you’ve maybe even made a short film.

Let’s go already.

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Writing School

1. go to school for writing.

Do you need to go to film school ? No… you don’t.

I personally went to film school, and I found great value in the experience, the instructors, the other students, and the opportunities that have come from my degree.

I’m not your financial advisor or life coach. I won’t tell you to go to school or not to go to school, but the vast majority of successful filmmakers and writers went to some form of college.

They didn’t all go to film school, but many of them went to some form of higher education. They had ‘some form’ of film school.

I know literally hundreds of people who work in production and make really good money who never stepped foot in a film school. More often these cats are grips, electricians, and assistant camera operators. 

Again, there are exceptions to the rule, and when you research popular filmmakers like Fincher and Tarantino who didn’t go to film school, you quickly realize they were still immersed in the filmmaking community. 

Check out this post on the best film schools:

• 21 Best Film Schools →

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Major Market

2. move to a major market.

You may be here in the states. You may be in the UK. Maybe you live in France, or Canada, or India. The entertainment industry is not just in LA and New York, but most of the time it is in a big city or major market.

I grew up in the western United States, so I moved to LA . If you live in Racine, maybe move to Chicago. If you live in Buffalo, maybe move to New York City. If you live in Staines, maybe move to London.

Just move to a place where other people are thinking about film.

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Film Industry Jobs

3. get a job in the film industry.

When you research David Fincher, who technically isn’t a screenwriter, you will find that he worked in a dark room before getting a job at ILM.

Having a job in the film industry is the quickest and best way to meet professional filmmakers, screenwriters, and talent representatives.

It also is the best way to learn the craft of filmmaking.

You may be able to get a job as a script reader, which means you will need to understand how to perform proper script coverage .

Or you can be a PA on set , or in the production office:

Essential PA Duties | StudioBinder

Industry jobs aren’t there to train you to become a professional screenwriter, they are there to support the current productions.

This means that you will be putting in long hours on someone else’s creative vision, and often you will go home exhausted.

You may not have enough energy to keep up with your writing schedule. Anger, jealousy, and doubt will reach deafening levels in your head. 

But... you have to just keep going, keep working, keep to your schedule, make more films, and focus on your overall career goals.

Can you at least get low budget paid work as a screenwriter?

Yes, you can. You can write for digital channels or for companies doing industrial work or e-commerce. Change with the craft of screenwriting.

Check out this post on screenwriter salary:

• Screenwriter Salary: What Do Writers Make? →
• Guide To Learning Script Coverage (Free Template) →

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Writing Groups

4. join a writing group.

This is one of my favorite steps, because it is the most fun. You will want to find a serious group of screenwriters who are at a similar stage.

Join a group of people who are at a similar stage.

Screenwriting groups should be free, so if you find some random writers group on craigslist asking for an entry fee or something… skip it.

These groups should be a small, no more than a dozen people that get together twice a month (at least) to swap scripts so that you can give each other script notes , and collaborate when the occasion calls for it.

Here is an important screenwriting tip that people tend to neglect…

Learn to take script notes with grace .

Screenwriter Note Mistakes | Film Courage

People will give you bad notes, good notes, rude notes, sycophantic notes, useless notes, and notes that completely transform your ideas.

If you have a trustworthy writing group, most of the notes you will get will be, at the very least, honest. Regardless, you will want to develop the ability to listen to notes carefully, and write them down for later use.

Don’t interrupt notes to explain things, don’t get offended if someone doesn’t understand something, don’t trip out over an opinion.

Just listen, write them down, and then come back when you’re ready to look at your script with a calm, collected demeanor.

Check out this post on screenplay notes:

• How Script Notes Can Improve Your Screenplay →

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Rewrite Scripts

5. rewrite your scripts.

You have scripts you wrote a month ago, or maybe ever years ago. The ideas were always solid, because you know what makes a good story.

Look to add things to your story that support the medium of film:

Match Cuts | StudioBinder

Now you have new information, new notes, new techniques that you’ve learned. Go apply them to the script you have already written.

Screenwriters don’t make a living with first drafts…

They make a living with rewrites .

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Career Mentors

6. find career mentors.

If you’ve worked a few jobs in the entertainment industry or went to film school, you will probably know at least one person with a successful career in film production. Offer to take them out to dinner or drinks.

Show them that you’re interested. Don’t ask for favors...

Ask them questions. Ask about their scripts or their projects . Listen to their stories, chat about film, have some opinions, but mostly just listen .

Listening is the most powerful tool for a career screenwriter.

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Stay Informed

7. stay industry informed.

This is one of those steps that some people really love, and others could do without. This comes down to strategy, but knowledge is never bad.

A big part of the entertainment industry is ‘the game’. When you go to bars, parties, festivals, or dinners you will want to know a bit about the production companies and studios. You will want to know important names, and faces. You will want to stay informed.

Some of this will help you with your personal relationships.

Some of this will make you a stronger screenwriter.

Check out all of these posts on staying informed:

• 12 Best Screenwriting Websites →
• Teleplay vs Screenplay vs Script →
• The 75 Best Movie Tagline Examples →

Ch 4   ➤   Commit To Your Career    ➤   Network

8. never eat alone.

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is basically a self-help book on steroids that explains strategies and tips for professional relationships.

The book is titled, Never Eat Alone because its core message is that you should focus on building strong personal relationships at all times.

Keith Ferazzi | Never Eat Alone

The reason that so many whack movies and shows are produced every year is because people with very little shame and perspective also happen to be the most extroverted, and this leads to taking chances.

They build personal relationships rather than hone their craft, so what you get is a professionally made film that has a terrible story.

Be a craftsman who also accrues social skills. Split the difference.

Put Yourself Out There

Ch 5   ➤   put yourself out there    ➤   screenwriting contests, 1. submit to screenwriting contests.

Alright, we’re in the final rounds of how to become a screenwriter.

Maybe you’ve taken one or two on the chin. Maybe you’re down a few points. Start swinging dawg! How do you go about this?

Submit to The Blacklist

The Blacklist is a list of the best unproduced scripts. You can host your script on their website for around $25 a month, and pay for professional readers to review your script and give them a numerical rating.

If you get enough good ratings, your script will go up on The Blacklist.

Submit to Fellowships

Fellowships are screenwriting programs that networks and studios created to find talented writers to groom for later years.

These are highly competitive, and most require you to have an original spec script, two sample spec scripts, and a few recommendation letters.

Submit to Contests & Festivals

Screenwriting contests and festivals are often judged by agents, producers, and other professionals in the world of filmmaking.

Most have an entry fee, so my advice to you would be to research the scripts that won in the previous years.

If you wrote a romantic comedy, and the contest you want to enter gave last year’s first prize to a sci-fi thriller, you may want to submit elsewhere. Need a list of screenwriting contests?

Check out this post on screenwriting contests:

• 12 Best Screenwriting Contests →

Ch 5   ➤   Put Yourself Out There    ➤   Submit Scripts

2. send your script out strategically.

If you think your script is ready to be seen by actors, directors, producers, and others in the entertainment industry — send it out.

Avoid gimmicks or long emails asking for a chance or a break.

One way is to find production companies that accept unsolicited material, meaning you don’t need a reference to send your script.

How to Get a Script Read

The biggest companies and agencies don’t accept unsolicited material, partly for legal reasons, but also because they would be inundated with a tsunami of bad scripts and screenwriters looking for a ‘break’.

There is will power. There is hard work. There is even nepotism.

There is no such thing as a ‘break’ in screenwriting.

Breaks are for Kit-Kat bars.

Ch 5   ➤   Put Yourself Out There    ➤   Agents and Managers

3. secure an agent and manager.

You may be wondering why this step didn’t come earlier.

Agents are helpful for professional screenwriters, but until you have a script with momentum and some established value inside the entertainment industry  — they won’t be able to help you all that much.

When submitting, you will also want to prepare a submission release form that, if you can, is looked at by an attorney. Protect yourself and others legally with well prepared documents that can be enforceable.

Submitting a Screenplay

They have two dozen writers to worry about, whereas you only have yourself to worry about. Don’t be the person who thinks that all you need is a good rep for your life to change, because that is not the answer.

Make some short films. Write screenplays. Make a manager come to you.

You can send screenplays to managers that accept unsolicited material, and even send to ones that you’re unsure about — but the most powerful tool to finding a working talent rep is by having established momentum.

Ch 5   ➤   Put Yourself Out There    ➤   Sell a Screenplay

4. how to sell a screenplay.

We’ve made it to the final step of this guide, and by far the most vexing.

Fact is that people sell screenplays all the time, and some will even sell dozens of screenplays across their careers… maybe even hundreds.

The best path to green-light a script is to attach a name. This could be an actor, or a director, or even a social media influencer. Try to build a unique aura around your script, and make it more marketable.

Writing a Marketable Screenplay

You want to sell your screenplay right?

It is fair to assume you want ‘money people’ to buy or finance your story, so start speaking their language. The language of markets and finances.

You don’t have to become a banker, but try to find why your script will make money for the investors, and really lean on that point.

How to Pitch a TV Idea | StudioBinder

Even if you get someone to attach their name to a project, and then they drop out, that means you were able to generate momentum.

If you have a manager or agent, bring them your marketing ideas.

Tag team the script selling process.

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Publications Must Pay Their Writers, Period

It’s non-negotiable. Writers should refuse to produce uncompensated work, and publications should be shamed when they ask for it.

• Nathan J. Robinson

This week I was approached by a publication that wanted to commission a piece of writing from me on the topic of education. I was interested, but when I asked what the pay rate was, the founder of the website replied: “We hope to be able to compensate our contributors at some point but unfortunately can’t for now. We’re still new, with very limited resources. I would understand if you want to pass until we’re able to compensate—just figured I’d reach out, since I think you have an important perspective to add to this conversation.”

I believe, for reasons previously laid out eloquently by my colleague Yasmin Nair in Vox several years ago, that soliciting writers to work for free is unconscionable, and that having “limited resources” is no excuse. I would like to share the reply I sent to this editor. I hope that all writers will remember that writing for free, even if financially possible for you, makes it easier for sites to get away with paying nothing to others who do depend on their writing income. When you negotiate payment, you are not just advocating for yourself. You make it harder for places to get away with exploiting other people. Demanding fair compensation is not just a selfish act but an act of solidarity with fellow writers.

I have removed the name of the publication and its identifying details. I have asked them to change their policy and tell me when they have done so. If they change it, I will keep them anonymous. If they do not, I will add in the name of the person who solicited me and the publication. 

If you are a freelance writer, feel free to adapt and send this response to anyone who tries to get you to work for free (without the specific bits about Current Affairs, obviously). 

If you are interested in writing for a publication that does pay its contributors (albeit still modestly), our pitch form is here .

Dear [redacted],

I will in fact have to pass until then, I have a strong objection to being asked to write for free, and I want to explain what it is, because your model is unacceptable and needs to be changed. 

First, it is a strange request. You would not, presumably, call up a house painter and ask them to paint your deck, and then tell them you hope to be able to pay your contractors soon but regrettably cannot at this time. You would realize that if you cannot pay the contractors, you cannot hire the contractors. You’re asking someone to do work for you. I’m not a friend, and you haven’t said that it’s for a charitable cause. It’s a request to do work, and when you request that work for free, you are taking advantage of the fact that there is no legal minimum wage for the kind of work you are asking for. You are an employer of labor who is trying to get away not just paying under minimum wage, but nothing.

Writers are presumed to be different from other workers. But that presumption is a major reason why writers cannot make a living. If a publication can get writers to write for free, why would it pay them? (In fact, if it is a profit-seeking corporation, it is arguably under an obligation not to pay for what it can get for free.) I could afford to take a few free gigs each month. But if I do so, I am giving a publication content for free that, if writers like me did not write for free, it would have to pay for. Meaning that I am hurting my fellow writers. Every writer like me who chooses to write for free is making it harder for the writers who depend on their writing income. 

I do not accept that you cannot pay your writers. I do not accept this because I know it is false, and I know it is false because I have built a publication from scratch myself. We started with nothing, then solicited enough donations & subscriptions to fund our first issue. We raised the amount of money it would take to pay the writers and artists. In other words, we established it as a principle that because it was not acceptable not to pay writers, we could not publish until we could offer writers money. Of course, we could have published without the hard work of raising the money, if we had done what you are doing. But we did not. When you tell me you do not have the resources to pay writers, what you mean is that you have not put in the work, because you are insufficiently committed to the principle. Compensation does not have to be very much. God knows that even very prestigious outlets pay pittances a lot of the time. At Current Affairs , our rates are not nearly as high as they ought to be, because our resources are minimal. Nobody understands better than I do the agony of trying to put out a good publication with hardly any money.

And yet: you must pay the writers. It is nonnegotiable. Pay them whatever you can. But pay them, and when you can pay them more, pay them more. You and your friend went to [Fancy University]. I am sorry, but you have the connections to raise enough money for your project to provide compensation to the people who do the work. (If you can’t, then your project isn’t viable.) It is shameful that you chose instead to start publication without doing this, and I am not convinced you are trying very hard. Your website solicits donations by saying that even small donations will help you cover “server costs” without “ugly ads.” It does not mention donations going to pay writers, or an ambition to pay writers. It assumes that if you can cover server costs you can ethically publish. 

Let’s be extremely clear about why this is harmful: every day on the internet, there are countless publications producing content, all vying for eyeballs. Some of these places have paywalls and advertising (like the New York Times ), or rely on subscriptions and donations (like Current Affairs ). They do this because they have to raise revenue, and they have to raise revenue because they pay their writers. Now, if there are websites putting out high-quality content that do not pay their writers, and thus do not have to raise the same amount in advertising, paywalls, subscriptions, or donations as the rest of us, it makes it harder for those publications that are committed to the principle of compensation. Ads may be “ugly,” but if they are necessary to pay writers, then ads you must have. 

In other words, you are able to procure top quality writing talent and put the material out for free, but the editor of some other publication has to put writing behind a paywall because they are committed to paying for it. The audience for whose eyeballs we are competing will then feel less need to pay for content, because they can go to a free site rather than pay to go behind a paywall. Because you have exempted yourself from the basic principle “labor must be compensated” that some of us follow, you are able to compete more easily in the market, just as a builder who didn’t pay contractors could produce cheaper houses. You can provide a more visually pleasing alternative to the sites with the ugly ads in part because you need less revenue to operate, because you don’t pay people. You are only able to do this because the United States has allowed giant loopholes in minimum wage law. But a principled person does not take advantage of this. You should operate as if the kind of offer you have made is illegal, just as offering jobs for $2 an hour is illegal. 

If I accepted offers like yours, I would not only not be able to make a living, but I would contribute to the devaluation of writing that is making it impossible for freelancers to survive. Every day, by putting out work you have not paid for, you are hurting the writing economy and making it harder for the people who have to put things behind paywalls because they paid for them. It is shameful. Fortunately, we writers are less and less inclined to accept offers like yours, and it is only because we “hold the line” that we are able to bargain for higher wages. Those who are truly desperate might accept being paid in “exposure” out of necessity, and I can’t blame them, but those like me who have the privilege to take whichever gigs we like need to make sure we do not betray fellow writers by giving out good stuff for free. (With limited exceptions, like charitable causes or antiwar petitions.) I cannot accept your offer because to do so would be this kind of betrayal. 

Please do inform me when you have started compensating writers. (We writers have blacklists and I want to make sure you do not remain on one once your policy changes.) I will be glad to write for you then, and will produce something of the highest quality I can. Your project looks valuable and nothing I have said is meant to insult it. I would like you to succeed because we need the kind of rich intellectual exchanges you are trying to put together. But your unethical practice is very harmful and needs to be ended immediately. 

Editor in Chief

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Requirements to Join

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Be part of something greater than yourself while becoming stronger by joining the U.S. Army.

Requirements to join the Army.

The requirements to join are different based on how you choose to serve—as an enlisted Soldier or Army Officer. We’re here to help you navigate the requirements, no matter which path you choose.

Perform important day-to-day operations and ensure the success of your unit’s mission. Requirements to join as an enlisted Soldier include:

Be between 17 and 35 years old

Be medically and physically fit

Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card

Have a high school diploma or equivalent

Earn a minimum score on the Army’s entrance test

Lead missions, make decisions, and ensure the safety of Soldiers under your command. Requirements to join as an Army Officer include:

Be at least 17 but under 31 in the year of commissioning as an Officer, or under 27 if you commission from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Be a U.S. citizen by the time you commission as an Officer

Be a college graduate by the time you’re commissioned as an Officer

Complete a background check, questionnaire, and interview, and provide the required documentation for a security clearance

What to know about joining the Army.

Make sure you’re prepared to take the next step by considering some of the common questions other Soldiers had before they joined. You can always talk to a recruiter  if you have any additional questions.

Can I join the Army if I’m older than the maximum age requirement?

The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, while Officers must accept their commission before age 31. However, the Army can lift some restrictions based on the need for certain roles to be filled. It’s possible to receive an age waiver, especially if you have prior military service. Talk to your recruiter to learn more.

Medical & Physical

Can i join if i have a medical disqualification.

You can still join with a medical disqualification as long as you get a medical waiver, which is issued on a case-by-case basis.

Are there any restrictions around tattoos?

You can have tattoos almost anywhere on your body, with a few exceptions. There are some limits to the size and number of tattoos on highly visible areas like the hands, neck, and behind the ears. Tattoos in the mouth, ears, or on the eyelids are not allowed. It’s possible to get a waiver in some instances. However, tattoos anywhere on your body that are extremist, racist, sexist, or otherwise indecent aren’t allowed, no exceptions. See all tattoo requirements in the hair and appearance guidelines.

Can I still join if I have asthma, poor vision, or poor hearing?

Asthma will only prevent you from joining if you were diagnosed with it after your 13th birthday. Hearing, vision, and asthma qualifications are usually determined by medical exams. You can still request an asthma, vision, or hearing loss waiver if a doctor denies your application. 

Can I join if I have ADHD?

Yes. It will only prevent you from joining the Army if you’ve been treated with ADD/ADHD medication within the last year, or if you display obvious signs of the condition.

Will my height or weight prevent me from joining?

Height and weight restrictions vary by age and gender. Check the height and weight chart to see if you’re within the requirements to join.

Men (Ages 17 – 20)

Height: 58 – 80 in. Weight: 234 lb max

Women (Ages 17 – 20)

Height: 58 – 80 in. Weight: 119 – 227 lb.

If you enlist to become a Soldier and don’t meet the physical requirements at MEPS, you may be eligible for the fitness track of a program called the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. Over 90 days, Army health and fitness experts will help you meet the required body fat composition before you start Basic Training. Talk to a recruiter about program details and if it’s an option for you.

Are there any physical requirements to join?

For both the enlisted Soldier and commissioned Officer paths, you’ll need to meet the height and weight requirements for your age and gender before joining. A recruiter will work with you after you join to meet the physical requirements of your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Army job.

• The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities, starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers
• Everyone will need to pass the ACFT during training and again several times a year for every year of service. Scores are recorded twice a year for active duty Soldiers in the Army, or once a year for members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Army will be there to support your growth with resources during every step of the evaluation process to ensure your success

Can I no longer join if I score too low on the ASVAB placement exam?

Yes, the Army understands that some circumstances can impact your ability to score well. A waiver can be requested in those situations. If you want to improve your test score and have a minimum score of 21, the academic track of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course may be an option for you. This 90-day program provides training on all the subjects covered on the ASVAB, as well as opportunities to retake the test. Find out more about the ASVAB entrance test and work with a recruiter to see if this program is right for you.

Values & Character

If i have a previous felony or a conviction, can i still join.

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can’t join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include:

• If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation
• If you are subject to civil court conviction or adverse disposition for more than one serious offense, or serious offenses with three or more other offenses (apart from traffic)
• If you are found trafficking, selling, or distributing narcotics, including marijuana
• If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining
• If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors
• If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you

Citizenship

What is the u.s. citizenship requirement to join the army.

Although the Army wants people from all different backgrounds and experiences, all candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card (officially known as a I-551 Permanent Resident Card). If you already have a Green Card, serving in the Army can reduce the residency requirement for becoming a U.S. citizen to as little as one day instead of five years. The naturalization process for citizenship can begin as soon as your first day of Basic Training.

What can I do if I don’t meet the eligibility requirements to join?

The Army has a waiver process that you can take advantage of to prove you overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent you from joining the Army. After submitting a waiver, a review takes place to make sure you can join. If your waiver is denied, you can also look into pursuing a civilian career within the Army.

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