education needed to be a writer

How to become a writer

CareerExplorer’s step-by-step guide on how to become a writer.

Is becoming a writer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

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High School

For high school students aspiring to become writers, there are several courses that can help develop essential skills and knowledge in writing, literature, and language arts. Here are some recommended courses:

• English Language Arts: English Language Arts courses are fundamental for aspiring writers as they provide a solid foundation in reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literary analysis. These courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including literature appreciation, creative writing, essay composition, and critical thinking skills.
• Creative Writing: Creative Writing courses offer opportunities for students to explore different forms of creative expression, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. These courses often include writing workshops, where students receive feedback on their work and learn techniques to improve their writing style, voice, and storytelling abilities.
• Literature: Literature courses expose students to a variety of literary genres, periods, and authors, helping them develop an appreciation for literature and expand their literary knowledge. Studying literature can inspire aspiring writers by introducing them to diverse writing styles, themes, and techniques used by accomplished authors throughout history.
• Journalism: Journalism courses teach students the principles and practices of journalistic writing, including news reporting, feature writing, interviewing, and ethics. These courses help students develop research, interviewing, and writing skills essential for careers in journalism, media, or non-fiction writing.
• Public Speaking or Debate: Public Speaking or Debate courses help students develop communication skills, confidence, and persuasive writing abilities. These courses teach students how to articulate their ideas effectively, engage with audiences, and present their arguments coherently and persuasively, valuable skills for writers who may need to promote their work or speak publicly about their writing.
• Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition: AP English Literature and Composition courses are rigorous, college-level courses that prepare students for advanced literary analysis, critical thinking, and writing skills. These courses may offer opportunities for students to earn college credit by taking the AP exam and demonstrate their proficiency in English literature and composition.

Educational Paths

Aspiring writers have various educational paths to pursue to develop their craft and advance their careers. Here are some common educational options for writers:

• Bachelor's Degree in English, Creative Writing, or Journalism: Many colleges and universities offer Bachelor's Degrees in English , Creative Writing , Journalism , or related fields. These programs provide students with a comprehensive education in writing, literature, language arts, and communication skills. Students may have the opportunity to study various genres of writing, participate in writing workshops, and gain hands-on experience through internships or campus publications.
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing: For writers seeking advanced training and mentorship in creative writing, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree can be beneficial. MFA programs typically offer focused instruction in writing fiction, poetry, nonfiction, or screenwriting, along with opportunities to workshop manuscripts, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and develop a portfolio of writing. Many MFA programs also offer teaching assistantships or fellowships to help students fund their education while gaining teaching experience.
• Master's Degree in English Literature or Composition: Some writers may choose to pursue a Master's Degree in English Literature or Composition to deepen their understanding of literary history, theory, and criticism. These programs offer opportunities to study classic and contemporary literature, literary analysis, and scholarly research methods, which can enrich a writer's knowledge and inform their writing practice. Students may also have the option to focus on creative writing within a literature or composition program.
• Certificate Programs and Workshops: Writers looking for shorter, more specialized training may consider certificate programs or workshops offered by universities, writing centers, or literary organizations. These programs often focus on specific genres, topics, or aspects of writing, such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, memoir, or professional writing. Certificate programs and workshops provide opportunities for intensive study, skill development, and networking with other writers and industry professionals.
• Continuing Education and Professional Development: Even after completing formal education, writers can continue to hone their craft and stay current in the industry through continuing education courses, conferences, seminars, and online workshops. Many organizations, such as writing associations, literary festivals, and writing retreats, offer opportunities for writers to further their skills, connect with fellow writers, and gain inspiration from established authors.

Writing Workshops and Conferences

There are numerous writing workshops and conferences that offer valuable opportunities for writers to improve their craft, connect with fellow writers, and learn from industry professionals. Here are some popular options:

• The Writing Excuses Workshop and Retreat: Organized by the hosts of the Writing Excuses podcast, this workshop offers intensive writing sessions, critiques, and discussions on craft and career development. It takes place in different locations each year and focuses on various aspects of writing, such as worldbuilding, character development, and story structure.
• The Bread Loaf Writers' Conference: Held annually at Middlebury College in Vermont, the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference brings together writers of all genres for workshops, lectures, readings, and networking opportunities. It features faculty members who are established authors, editors, and literary agents, providing valuable mentorship and feedback to participants.
• The Tin House Summer Workshop: Hosted by Tin House magazine, this workshop offers week-long intensives in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Participants have the opportunity to work closely with acclaimed authors, attend craft seminars, and participate in readings and discussions. The workshop takes place in Portland, Oregon, and welcomes writers at all stages of their careers.
• AWP Conference & Bookfair: The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) hosts an annual conference and bookfair that brings together thousands of writers, editors, publishers, and literary professionals from around the world. The conference features panel discussions, readings, book signings, and networking events, making it a valuable resource for writers looking to connect with the literary community and learn about the latest trends in publishing and writing.
• GrubStreet's Muse & the Marketplace: Held in Boston, Massachusetts, GrubStreet's Muse & the Marketplace conference offers workshops, seminars, and one-on-one manuscript consultations for writers of all genres. It also features keynote presentations by bestselling authors, literary agents, and editors, as well as networking opportunities with fellow writers and industry professionals.
• The Writers' Digest Annual Conference: Organized by Writers' Digest magazine, this conference offers workshops, panels, and pitch sessions with literary agents and editors. It covers a wide range of topics, including writing craft, publishing, marketing, and author platform development, making it a comprehensive resource for writers looking to further their careers.

Build a Strong Portfolio

Building a strong portfolio as a writer is essential for showcasing your skills, experience, and versatility to potential clients, publishers, or employers. Here are some steps to help you create a compelling writing portfolio:

• Select Your Best Work: Start by reviewing your past writing projects and identifying pieces that demonstrate your strengths, creativity, and expertise. Choose a variety of samples that showcase your range as a writer, including different genres, styles, and formats.
• Tailor Your Portfolio to Your Audience: Consider who will be viewing your portfolio and tailor your selection of samples accordingly. If you're applying for a specific job or freelance project, include samples that are relevant to the position or industry. For example, if you're applying for a content marketing role, include samples of blog posts, articles, or social media content.
• Showcase Diversity: Include samples of different types of writing, such as articles, blog posts, essays, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, copywriting, technical writing, or scripts. This demonstrates your versatility as a writer and your ability to adapt your writing style to different audiences and purposes.
• Provide Context: For each sample in your portfolio, provide a brief introduction or explanation that gives context to the piece. Include information about the purpose of the writing, the target audience, any relevant research or interviews conducted, and the results or impact of the piece if applicable.
• Polish Your Work: Before adding samples to your portfolio, review and revise them to ensure they are polished, error-free, and representative of your best work. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, and overall clarity. Consider seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or editors to help refine your writing.
• Create a Professional Presentation: Present your portfolio in a professional and visually appealing format. You can create a digital portfolio using a website, blog, or online portfolio platform, or compile a physical portfolio using printed samples or a PDF document. Choose a clean, organized layout that highlights your writing samples and makes them easy to read and navigate.
• Update Regularly: Keep your portfolio up-to-date with your latest and best work. As you complete new writing projects, add them to your portfolio to showcase your ongoing growth and development as a writer. Consider periodically reviewing and refreshing your portfolio to ensure it remains relevant and engaging to your audience.

Employment Opportunities

Writers have a wide range of employment opportunities across various industries and sectors. Here are some common employment options for writers:

• Publishing: Writers may work for publishing houses, literary magazines, or online publications as staff writers, contributing writers, or freelance writers. They may write articles, essays, reviews, or features for print or digital publications, covering topics such as news, culture, entertainment, lifestyle, or specialized fields like science, technology, or finance.
• Advertising and Marketing: Writers can pursue careers in advertising agencies, marketing firms, or corporate marketing departments, creating content for advertising campaigns, promotional materials, websites, social media, and other marketing channels. They may write copy for advertisements, slogans, product descriptions, email campaigns, press releases, or branded content.
• Content Creation: With the rise of digital media and online platforms, there is a growing demand for writers to create content for websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media channels. Writers may work for media companies, digital agencies, content marketing firms, or as independent freelancers, producing articles, blog posts, videos, infographics, or other multimedia content.
• Journalism: Writers can pursue careers in journalism, working for newspapers, magazines, online news outlets, or broadcast media organizations as reporters, correspondents, editors, or columnists. They may cover local, national, or international news, investigative reporting, feature stories, opinion pieces, or specialized beats such as politics, business, sports, or arts and culture.
• Technical Writing: Technical writers specialize in creating documentation and instructional materials for technical or specialized audiences. They may work for technology companies, engineering firms, healthcare organizations, government agencies, or software companies, writing user manuals, product guides, technical specifications, training materials, or software documentation.
• Publishing and Editorial: Writers may work in publishing and editorial roles, such as editors, copywriters, proofreaders, or literary agents. They may review and edit manuscripts, provide feedback to authors, develop publishing strategies, or negotiate book deals. Some writers may also pursue careers as literary translators or ghostwriters, helping others bring their ideas to life.
• Education: Writers with expertise in writing, literature, or language arts may pursue careers in education as teachers, professors, or writing instructors. They may teach writing workshops, literature classes, composition courses, or creative writing programs at schools, colleges, universities, or community organizations.

Certifications

Unlike some professions that require specific certifications or licenses, writing as a profession typically does not have mandatory certifications. However, there are several optional certifications and credentials that writers can pursue to enhance their skills, credibility, and career opportunities. Here are a few examples:

• Certified Professional Writer (CPW): Offered by the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC), the CPW certification is designed for professionals who specialize in resume writing, business communication, and other forms of professional writing. This certification demonstrates expertise in writing effective resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and other career documents.
• Grant Writing Certification: Many organizations and institutions offer certification programs or courses in grant writing, which can be valuable for writers interested in pursuing careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or fundraising. These programs typically cover grant research, proposal writing, budgeting, and grant management.
• Technical Writing Certification: The Society for Technical Communication (STC) offers a Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) certification for technical writers. This certification demonstrates proficiency in technical writing, editing, and communication skills, as well as knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
• Editorial Certifications: Editors may pursue certifications such as the Certified Professional Editor (CPE) credential offered by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) or the Certified Copyeditor credential offered by the American Copy Editors Society (ACES). These certifications demonstrate proficiency in editing skills, grammar, style, and publishing standards.
• Project Management Certification: While not specific to writing, project management certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) can be beneficial for writers who work on large-scale writing projects or in project-based environments.
• Creative Writing Programs: While not certifications in the traditional sense, completing a creative writing program or obtaining a degree in creative writing from a reputable institution can provide writers with valuable training, feedback, and mentorship from experienced authors and faculty members.

Associations and Organizations

There are several professional associations and organizations that cater to writers, providing resources, support, networking opportunities, and advocacy for their members. Here are some notable associations for writers:

• The Authors Guild: Founded in 1912, The Authors Guild is the oldest and largest professional organization for writers in the United States. It provides legal assistance, advocacy on issues affecting authors' rights, contract advice, and resources for professional development.
• The National Writers Union (NWU): The NWU is a trade union representing freelance writers in all genres and fields, including journalists, authors, poets, and technical writers. It offers contract advice, grievance assistance, health insurance, and other benefits to its members.
• The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA): ASJA is a professional organization for nonfiction writers, including freelance journalists, authors, and content creators. It offers networking events, professional development opportunities, and resources on topics such as contract negotiation and copyright.
• The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA): SFWA is an organization for writers of science fiction and fantasy literature. It provides advocacy, networking, and resources for its members, including access to professional guidelines, legal assistance, and health insurance options.
• The Mystery Writers of America (MWA): MWA is a professional organization for writers of mystery fiction, including authors, editors, publishers, and agents. It offers networking events, awards programs, and resources on writing craft and industry trends.
• The Romance Writers of America (RWA): RWA is a professional association for writers of romance fiction. It provides networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy on behalf of its members, including support for diversity and inclusion in the romance genre.
• The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP): AWP is an organization for writers, teachers, and students of creative writing. It hosts an annual conference, publishes a literary magazine, and provides resources on writing education, publishing, and literary events.
• The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): SCBWI is a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children's literature. It offers networking events, conferences, workshops, and resources on writing and publishing for children and young adults.

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 ready to start the 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 Writerl: Contents

How to Become a Writer: Anyone Can Become One

It’s never too late 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 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 3 traits for becoming a writer are:

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

Many writers who have these traits stop themselves from writing, because they’re wondering how to become a writer without a degree. 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.

How to become a writer: 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 3 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

11 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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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

Write / author technical reports to management depicting the quality levels, quality problems and cost of quality. * Optimize manufacturability, assembly, testability, cost and quality of components ...

Technical Writer Location: Houston, Texas - Onsite Duration: Long Term Contract Job Description ... Proven working experience in technical authoring * Strong experience using illustration tools ...

The Policy/Grants Specialist/Technical Writer is responsible for producing effective written ... recommend, author , and deliver high-quality documentation such as procedures, manuals, job aids ...

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.

Careers Related to Writers and Authors [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

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.

More Writer and Author Information [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

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

A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Explore more careers: View all Careers or the Top 30 Career Profiles

Search for jobs:.

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 on how to become an author, 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.

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:

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

Popular non-fiction genres include:

• Memoirs and autobiographies
• Business 
• 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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How to Become an Author: 8 Steps to Bestselling Success

POSTED ON Feb 7, 2024

Written by Angelica Hartgers

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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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

20 best online courses for writers

1. Teaching Reluctant Writers

All educators will encounter students who struggle with writing. This course first focuses on the reasons student writers may be reluctant and then provides learners with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. Learners will examine classroom relationships, mentoring, scaffolding, conferencing, low-risk writing and mini-lessons, all tools and techniques that can be brought right into the classroom to help struggling...

2. 3-Step Writing System: Blogging & Writing Secrets

Blogging & writing tips for beginners to pros. Become an expert blogger/freelance writer. Ultimate blog writing course!...

3. Become a Freelance Content Writer - Get Paid to Write Online

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a freelance writer - Work from home!...

4. Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery)

A fun, interactive workshop to help young writers unlock their creativity, improve their craft, and write better stories...

5. Press Coverage, Publicity & Public Relations For Branding

Public relations to reach 100,000+ people with influencer marketing, publicity, and press coverage for personal branding...

6. Adobe Photoshop Projects

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7. Conquering Writer's Block (Writing Mastery)

Proven strategies and tools to overcome writer's block, renew your motivation, and write novels with confidence...

8. Customer Service

How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...

9. Customer Service Foundation

An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...

10. Customer Service Fundamentals: Putting People First

Customer Care Listening Great Customer Service Concern for Others Company Culture Engaging People Responding...

11. Online Marketing: SEO & Social Media Marketing Strategy

2023 growth hacking with top web marketing and Internet marketing strategies: Social media marketing strategies + SEO...

12. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer

Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...

13. Start Improving Customer Service

Creating a Customer Service advantage in Your department or business through communication and Customer Management...

14. Copywriting: Persuasive Writing Ft. Two Forbes Writers

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15. [2023] Customer Service 2.0: Learn Digital Customer Service

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16. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience

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17. Viral Blogging 101: Blogging & Content Writing Masterclass

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18. Adobe Premiere Pro CS6: The Complete Video Editing Course

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19. Customer Service: Keep 'em coming back!

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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.

Writer Education FAQs

What is the best college for writers, search for writer jobs.

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.

• Assistant Editor Education Requirements
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Education Requirements for Content Writers

Getting started as a content writer.

• What is a Content Writer
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Content Writer Resume Examples
• Content Writer Cover Letter Examples

Start Your Content Writer Career with Teal

Join our community of 150,000+ members and get tailored career guidance from us at every step

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Content Writer?

Educational backgrounds of content writers, a glimpse into the educational fabric of content writers, emerging patterns and educational dynamics in content writing, essential education for aspiring content writers: what counts.

• Strong Writing and Editing Skills: Often honed through degrees in English, Journalism, or Communications, but also through consistent practice and self-study.
• Subject-Matter Expertise: Valuable for niche writing, which can be developed through formal education or professional experience in a specific field.
• Digital Proficiency: Understanding SEO, social media, and content management systems, which can be learned through online courses or on-the-job training.

Charting a Course in Content Writing: Education and Beyond

• Portfolio Development: Creating a robust portfolio of writing samples across various styles and formats.
• Lifelong Learning: Staying current with industry trends, content strategies, and digital tools through workshops, webinars, and certifications.
• Networking: Engaging with other writers and professionals in the field to exchange ideas and opportunities.

The Bottom Line: Varied Educational Paths, Common Narrative Goals

Most common degrees for content writers, english or journalism, communications, creative writing, technical writing or communication, popular majors for content writers, english or literature, technical writing or communications, popular minors for content writers, graphic design, information technology, why pursue a degree for a content writer career, networking and professional development in content writing, facilitating career transition and advancement, what can you do with a degree in content writing, degree alternatives for a content writer, professional writing certifications, writing workshops and retreats, online courses and moocs, content writing internships, blogging and content creation, navigating a content writer career without a degree, develop a strong writing portfolio, enhance your writing skills, learn seo and digital marketing basics, network with other writers and professionals, start a blog or contribute to publications, stay current with industry trends, offer your writing services pro bono or at a reduced rate, embrace feedback and revise accordingly, education faqs for content writer, do you need to go to college to become a content writer, is it worth it to get a degree for a content writer role, how important is continuous learning for a content writer.

Content Writer Certifications

More Education for Related Roles

Shaping narratives and engaging audiences through compelling, creative content

Crafting compelling narratives to drive brand engagement and consumer action

Shaping narratives, refining content to captivate audiences and uphold brand voice

Shaping compelling narratives, driving engagement through strategic content creation

Translating complex tech jargon into clear, user-friendly content, bridging knowledge gaps

Crafting compelling narratives, engaging audiences with powerful words and ideas

Looking for new clients? Meet them on Reedsy

Create a free account to receive requests from authors.

Last updated on Apr 06, 2023

How to Become an Editor: A Guide for Beginners

This post was written based on insights from professional editors in the Reedsy community, such as Clem Flanagan .

Any process that results in published writing involves an editor, which is why editors form key parts 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?

Editors plan, coordinate, and revise pieces of writing so that they are ready for publication as books, newspapers, blogs, magazines, or even websites and advertising material. Going through submissions, they  decide what should be published based on the quality of the writing and what might appeal to readers. They then review and polish the content, structure, and prose of those stories to ensure correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as consistent and clear storytelling before publication.

The exact duties of a professional editor differ in each industry, with many extraneous tasks attached to the role in each field. For instance, video editors or podcast editors have different tasks from editors that deal with written material (which this article will focus on), who may deal with anything from manuscript editing to content editing on websites and beyond.

As we look at how someone might start a career in editing, we’ll learn more about the sheer variety of editing work — so let’s get started!

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

How to become an editor in 6 steps

If you want to aid writers in bringing their ideas to life, here are six simple steps to follow to become a professional editor:

1. Choose your type and style of editing

Here are the major types of editing that might be suited to someone with your skill and dedication:

Book editing

A book editor works closely with writers to revise and streamline their manuscripts ahead of publication. This involves various types of editing , from editorial assessment (also known as manuscript evaluation), to developmental editing, to copy editing (and line editing), as well as query letter editing.  Proofreading is also a form of editing which 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 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 , for instance.

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

💡Job titles: editorial assistant , assistant editor, editor, senior editor, commissioning editor, editorial director (note: these particular roles are listed from bottom to the top 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 editing belongs to the sphere of scholarly output, so it’s usually a position held by someone with an academic education. This can be a full-time, in-house position at an academic publisher (e.g. Oxford University Press) or a voluntary, part-time contribution as a journal editor. Structural and copy editing are certainly important, but beyond that, these editors ensure academic rigor, objectivity, and ethical academic practice. The latter involves checking for plagiarism, fact-checking, verifying bibliographical data, or 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, as well as 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: 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 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 

Legal editing involves working with writing in a legal context. Whether responsible for a particular legal organization’s output or an in-house editor at a legal publishing company, a legal editor’s job is not vastly different to that of a technical editor: the primary aim is to ensure accuracy 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

2. Get a degree or editing certificate

If you want to become an editor, you’ll typically need some relevant qualifications or training to back up your enthusiasm. These may come in several forms.

Bachelor’s degree

Nowadays, a bachelor’s degree is more or less required to pursue an editing career, especially if you want to start in publishing houses. There are no specialist editing degrees, but many writing-heavy programs that can give you a good stepping stone to the profession. Most editors hold an undergraduate degree in a related subject such as English, Journalism, Communications, or even Law, if you hope to become a legal editor. 

That said, a bachelor’s degree in an entirely unrelated subject can still be very useful. Employers mainly want to know that you have the work ethic and transferable skills to handle a lot of text in editing programs and can organize yourself. This includes time management, ability to meet and juggle deadlines, and people skills. You can always learn technical editing skills later by consulting books on editing written by experienced professionals, or enroll yourself in one of the following courses.

Postgraduate degree

In recent years, there has been a growth of publishing-specific postgraduate degrees for you to choose from. Universities are unlikely to offer degree courses exclusively dedicated to editing, but there are Master’s degrees in Publishing and Creative Writing or Publishing Studies which can give you a better understanding of the production chain and the writing craft. 

Of course, a postgraduate degree is rather a big commitment, and it's not at all a prerequisite — many editors do not have postgraduate degrees, and build their craft through shorter courses or work experience instead.

Vocational certificates and training courses

Beyond higher education, there are still loads of short-term courses and certifications for copy editing, proofreading, journalism, or publishing that you can take. There are plenty of proofreading courses or short-term editing programs that provide a certificate that can teach you technical skills and boost your CV.

3. 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. What these opportunities offer is a chance to get used to the workflow and editing software, experience working with authors and clients, hone your editing and communication skills, build your network, and grow your editorial portfolio.

To find book editing internships, check Indeed, LinkedIn and, if you’re still in school or recently graduated,  your college’s job search portal. It’s also worth getting involved in Twitter — at least as a reader. Managing editors and publishers tweet 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. Do note that, even with a compelling profile and plenty of self-marketing, you’ll probably 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.

4. Apply for entry-level publishing and editorial positions

Freelance editor Clem Flanagan tells us that her years working in entry-level positions such as editorial assistant were crucial in forging her network and skills. The community is tight-knit and supportive, and 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 build that reputation by working entry-level jobs steadily and it’ll pay off. 

This part of your editing career is the definition of “the hustle.” You’ll be working long hours, not getting paid much, and probably feeling frustrated. But if you can push through all that, you’ll emerge on the other side with the kind of knowledge and experience you can build a more sustainable career on. Hang in there!

5. 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 to journalists, 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, region, or even country (looking at UK book publishing) are a small world, where you’ll run into the same people throughout your career.

So be nice. 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 hard 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 this, 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 divinely descending upon you from the heavens. But it’ll work in quiet ways that lead to people treating you well and taking you seriously, as well as giving you a nice boost of good karma as your career progresses. 

6. Earn promotion to senior editor

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 (read: apply your Twitter lurking skills) 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 Search Engine Optimization.

You can then take steps to build the necessary skills to becoming a better editor in your free time or within your current role, with a view to transitioning 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. And 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 making the bestseller lists, or winning a Pulitzer Prize. One thing is for sure: if you’ve always wanted to make your mark in the world of culture, becoming an editor is an amazing way to do that. 

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Home › Career › What Does a Technical Writer Do? › Technical Writer Education Requirements

Become a Certified Technical Writer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A technical writer takes complex and technical information and presents it in a user-friendly, comprehensive manner. In their role, a technical writer communicates information in many different formats such as manuals, guides, online documentation, social media, and more.

Education Requirements

Technical writers—also called technical communicators—come from a range of professional backgrounds. If you’re interested in learning about the education requirements to become a technical writer via video, then watch below. Otherwise, skip ahead to the list.

Bachelor’s Degree

If you want to  become a  technical writer, you don’t need a specific college degree, but you do need a strong command of the English language. The most sought out education for a technical writer is a bachelor’s degree in English, Computer Science, Journalism, or Communications. There are also many  online courses  and certifications available.

A technical writer will often get into the field through other backgrounds. Many technical writers do not have a bachelor’s degree in their field of emphasis. Technical writers step into the field with a degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Engineering, or Computer Science.

Technical Writing Certifications

There are many online courses and certifications available that can help you polish your technical writing. To improve your technical communication, you could get a certification in medical writing, creative writing, technical content, journal articles, and labor statistics. With a certification, you can skip extensive continuing education programs while gaining a base of knowledge.

Prerequisites 

The following are some prequalifications that help a technical writer begin their career and excel in their role for major industries like aerospace, research, and computer science:

Writing Know-How

An experienced technical writer needs to present complex technical ideas in simple words to make them accessible to a wide audience. To acquire good writing ability, you can consider taking a professional course. There are many universities with technical writing accreditation programs.

Technical Knowledge

Another important prerequisite is technical knowledge. Knowledge of a specific technical subject will come in handy when becoming a technical writer. The field of technical writing is very varied, and there are many different areas that you could focus on, depending on your interests.

For example, maybe you are interested in coding and want to become an API technical writer. Or, you have a background in finance, and you want to work for a financial SaaS software company. Some of the most sought technical knowledge are product development, marketing, project management, programming languages, online  technical documentation , and UX design.

Research Ability

Research is a crucial component of technical writing. The technical writer is the bridge between the client and the audience. Research as a technical writer can be divided into two spheres: analyzing the audience and ensuring a seamless user experience. You may also have to research your subject matter and interview developers and project managers when you work on a technical document.

Communication 

A technical writer is a communicator. When a technical writer starts working on a project, they need to collect as much information as possible. A technical writer works with many teams such as developers, project managers, and engineers to generate cohesive, technical documents.

Analytical Mindset

Analyzing the audience is one of the most essential tasks as technical communicators. It is important to gauge the knowledge base of the audience before you start any documentation or communications. You must understand the target audience, and then understand the level of technical information that needs to be disseminated.

Networking Ability

Among their technical skills, a technical writer must also have a personable approach. With platforms like LinkedIn, you can join discussion groups and attend networking events to meet connections that could help you get established in the field and provide you with opportunities for job growth.

After you have gained some experience, you should work on your professional portfolio. Start with smaller projects and samples, then move on to more complex projects such as health writing and scientific communication fields. You should prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, assembly instructions,  write grant proposals , and so on. Many technical writing jobs require experience, and a portfolio is a good way to showcase your knowledge.

Where Do Technical Writers Work?

A technical writer works in many different field s, including:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Engineering
• Scientific research
• Technical writing companies

Many companies hire technical writers regularly. For example, Amazon, Google, Intel, Spotify, and more. You can also take a look in o ur  job hunting section  t o see current openings. Additionally, places like the American Medical Writers Association or the Society for Technical Communication are always looking for technical writers.

Software Companies

Technical writers work in software companies by communicating between the company and the end-user. They create user guides, release notes, specification guides, and more. They can also be part of UX/UI designs, train junior team members, create company style guides and templates, and more.

Aerospace Industries

Technical writers in the aerospace industry work in aerospace and defense. They develop and maintain documents in compliance with government guidelines on avionics in military planes for example. If you have a background in the aerospace industry, and you are interested in the field, you could consider targeting your career.

Engineering Companies

Engineering companies need technical writers to support product descriptions and online technical documentation. A technical writer at an engineering company creates product catalogs, operation manuals, installation instructions, and more. They digest complex and technical information to distill it into a clear message.

Scientific Research Companies

Technical writers work on science and medical writing for research laboratories. They compile reports with scientists and research assistants, document data, and more. The field of science writing is vast, and you can find something that is in your technical field.

Technical Writing Companies

Some companies hire technical writers who produce content for their clients. They assign work to their technical writers based on the workflow of their clients. This is one way that many technical writers begin their careers.

Freelance technical writers make up a large portion of today’s technical writers. As a freelance technical writer, you can take up short-term projects to work on with specific clients. To work as a freelancer, you need a strong portfolio.

Technical writers come from a vast array of backgrounds and experiences. You can use your existing knowledge to jump-start your career in technical writing. By gaining experience, curating samples, and making connections, you can become a technical writer in a field of your interest.

If you are new to technical writing and are looking to break in, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course , where you will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.

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• Effective Teaching Strategies

Should We Teach Students Formulas for Writing?  

• May 13, 2024
• Todd Walker and Jennifer Trainor 

As writing instructors, we often see students with rigid ideas about what writing is “supposed” to look like: Topic sentence here. Quote Sandwich there. Five-paragraph format to tie it all together in a neat package. Formulas like these are a double-edged sword for teachers. We know they can stifle creativity and voice, but they can also be a useful starting place for struggling students, like grabbing onto a life-preserver in the ocean because you can’t swim.  

Teachers often use formulas to address such struggles to aid students as they learn new genres and genre conventions. But formulas, like life preservers, while sometimes necessary, will eventually be a hindrance to the kind of writing (swimming) we are aiming for. They can too easily become fossilized “how-to’s” that students over-rely on, reified as “rules” in students’ minds. As Kerry Dirk notes, while genres often have formulaic features, these features can change even as the nature of the genre remains, leaving students without the support they need (253). 

As writing teachers, our actual goal must be to teach students how to swim—to think rhetorically, to develop their own voice, and to gain awareness of the many genres they may need in their academic and professional lives. Swimming is hard, especially when students feel the waves are too rough or the water is too deep, but students can only rely on our lifelines for so long. Formulas, when too rigid, will hinder growth, especially if they become divorced from the genre and rhetorical complexities they were designed to help students manage. Teachers contribute to this problem when we encode formulas into our assessment practices. When we grade students on their ability to enact a formula, we have unwittingly taught them to believe that writing is merely a mechanical series of steps, and we’ve hidden from them the complexities that writing entails. If mastering a genre were simply a matter of following a formula, “we would all be capable of successfully writing anything when we are given [that] formula. …but writing is not that easy” (Dirk).  

Indeed, when taught in a rigid way, formulas can harm students’ motivation as writers. Heavily regulated, formulaic writing assignments alienate students from their own rhetorical thinking, and promote a mechanistic view of learning, where learning becomes synonymous with assessment.  

So what’s the alternative?  

Chris Mays provides a helpful lens for understanding the place of formulas in writing classrooms. Mays takes up the problem that “writing is too big, too complex, and too expansive” to be encoded in discrete formulas or reducible to a series of steps. But rather than eschew formulas altogether, Mays embraces them. He writes that although writing involves an almost “vertiginous” range of chaotic elements and contextual choices, it also shows “a remarkable tendency toward provisional stabilities” that help reduce complexity. Experienced writers create provisional stabilities for themselves by making a temporary cut—e.g. limiting complexity by establishing a boundary around a specific section of the larger system. Making a cut allows us to act; Mays argues that complex systems can only be navigated by temporarily creating a boundary around a smaller, frozen slice.  

We can tame writing complexities for students by helping them perceive formulas as examples of temporary stabilities rather than discrete rules or regulations. A temporary stability is a necessary fiction, a slice of static knowledge that acknowledges its limitations. Stabilities offer students a lens on an aspect of writing that they can analyze, learn, and practice.  

Into the classroom: How to use formulas in a non-formulaic way  

Be transparent about the difference between a rule and a lifeline  

Transparency is one way to help students understand that formulas are provisional stabilities that help writers navigate complexity. We begin our writing courses by asking students to come up with a list of all the rules of writing they’ve been told over their academic career: “Don’t use ‘I’,” “Topic sentences at the start of paragraphs,” “Thesis statement at the end of the opening paragraph.” We then discuss with students both the limitations and utility of these formulaic rules, with the ultimate goal of helping students understand why teachers often require these rules. Toward this ultimate goal, we have found it useful to share the swimming metaphor to our students, describing generalized writing rules and high school formulas as lifelines or life jackets for turbulent water. Helping students see the reasons for the formula can demystify and contextualize it, giving students agency to make decisions about when to rely on the formula and when to stray away from it, and to leave the life jacket behind.  

Use metacognitive questions and reflections  

After a more general discussion about the role formulas play as temporary stabilities when learning how to write, we ask students to examine a specific stability (for example, formulas for paragraph structure) and consider its potential. Students have usually learned several variations of paragraph formulas in high school: for example, the PIE or TEA method (Point, Information, Explanation, or Topic, Evidence, Analysis). We invite students to consider how well these paragraph formulas work in rhetorical contexts beyond school. Students examine paragraph structures in a variety of contexts and discuss the utility of paragraph formulas. We remind students that they don’t have to abandon the formula, but they do have choices to make about when and how to use it. And we invite them to discover other paragraph stabilities in other rhetorical contexts: What other paragraph structures do writers use?  

Teaching students to analyze formulas as temporary stabilities can show them the value of putting a topic sentence at the start of a paragraph (it makes it easier for a reader to know what their point is) while also acknowledging the limitations of the stability. Empowering students to choose which stabilities they want to use and when helps them use formulas more strategically and move past them when necessary. Such rhetorical dexterity is crucial for learning new genres, and for transferring learning across contexts.  

These lessons are anchored in metacognitive questions: W hat did the stability allow you to communicate? What did it hinder? How comfortable do you need to feel in a writing context before you can swim without assistance? Do all writers need at least some lifelines to help them achieve their rhetorical goals?  

Be aware of the importance of stabilities for students’ development and mental health  

Part of our metacognitive approach involves asking students to consider why they are drawn to stabilities even as they chafe against their constraints. For some students, prescriptive formulas help them feel less overwhelmed; formulas provide ballast against stressful complexity, a way to manage anxiety and cognitive overload. This is especially true for many of our students who often hold down jobs, commute long distances to campus, and feel under-prepared for college. Teaching students to see formulas as temporary stabilities can help them manage their anxieties about writing without contributing to over-reliance on rules and formulas.  

Give students low-stakes opportunities to experiment with and without formulas  

Low-stakes learning environments encourage the kinds of risk-taking that student writers need if they are to experiment with formulas as temporary stabilities rather than permanent safety features. In our classes, we use contract and self-grading approaches to create room for students to explore new formulas or abandon old ones. Students have ample opportunity to try and fail, revise, and re-try without worrying about how it will affect their grade.  

Teaching students that formulas are temporary stabilities that help writers navigate complexity makes formulas feel more authentic and practical for students. They learn that a formula is not a platonic ideal, but a potentially useful stability that allows them to float, and then swim, on their own.  

Todd Walker teaches integrated reading and writing courses at multiple community colleges in the Pacific Northwest. 

Jennifer Trainor teaches writing at San Francisco State University. She has written on equity and racial justice pedagogies, student engagement, and antiracist assessment.  

Dirk, K. (2010). Navigating genres. Writing spaces: Readings on writing , 1, 249-262. 

Inoue, A. B. (2019). Labor-based grading contracts: Building equity and inclusion in the compassionate writing classroom. Fort Collins, CO: WAC Clearinghouse. 

Mays, C. (2017). Writing complexity, one stability at a time: Teaching writing as a complex system. College Composition and Communication, 559-585. 

Soliday, M., & Trainor, J. S. (2016). Rethinking regulation in the age of the literacy machine. College Composition & Communication, 68(1), 125-151. 

Warner, J. (2018). Why they can’t write: Killing the five-paragraph essay and other necessities . JHU Press. 

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Do you have what it takes to be a technical writer?

Writing and Publishing

Photo: Maarten van den Heuvel, Unsplash.

In this article

Almost always, creative writers have to support their art through myriad other jobs, both allied and non-related – some take up the teaching mantle, others become arts administrators. Many dabble freelance in a variety of ways, taking on gigs in proofreading, copywriting, school visits and journalism for instance. Turning to technical writing is one possible avenue to supplement your earnings. It can be a lucrative main (or side) gig, but its highly specialised language requirements mean it’s not for everyone. ArtsHub reached out to three writers who are working in this sub-sector.

What exactly is technical writing?

But first of all what does the term mean? Technical writing is all about making complicated information more accessible in the form of reports, product descriptions or instruction manuals. Writers can work in industries such as engineering, computer software and hardware, finance, medical and healthcare. The most common form of technical writing is for procedural documentation such as standardised, step-by-step guides.

Examples of technical writing

Jenny Spence has been a technical writer for 25 years; she also goes by the title of Documentation Specialist. Her varied background as a high school teacher, theatre administrator, television scriptwriter (among many other roles), as well as her analytical mindset, and language and teaching skills made her an ideal candidate.

‘My first job was with a company that was developing computer software, trying to make something like Microsoft Office before Microsoft existed. I started off writing user guides – not just writing but laying out for publication, with tables, diagrams and so on. We were working in Unix on a mainframe system and using a mark-up language, which I had to learn very quickly. This was before Windows and graphical screens,’ Spence tells ArtsHub.

‘When I started, my colleagues explained what I had to do, but no one could tell me how to do it. I just made it up as I went along. Basically, in all the jobs I had, I would work with programmers – software developers – who would show me the program they were developing and explain as best they could how to use it. Then I would write the user manual in as logical, helpful and engaging way as I could, with plenty of illustrations.

‘As computers developed, so did I. Jobs tended to be short-lived, because start-up companies usually lose their funding and collapse. In the early 90s PCs, graphical screens and colour came in. By the mid 90s, instead of printed manuals, everything was going to be in online help systems. So I learned all about help systems – another mark-up language – until graphical tools like RoboHelp came in and I became a specialist in this area,’ Spence continues.

‘Few people knew how to do it because there was nowhere you could go to learn. I started developing and delivering training courses on online documentation, and also on technical writing in general, and on computer graphics. There was still nowhere you could go to learn any of this.’

The versatile technical writer has also worked on engineering specifications and environmental impact studies. 

Spence’s initiative and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies meant that her career took off: ‘I was invited to speak at conferences in the US, New Zealand and all over Australia, and I did a lot of consulting for companies that wanted to put all their processes and procedures online. I also ran a training course in Bangkok once.’

What is technical writing not about? 

As a relative newbie, Raquel Aston has been a technical writer for a year, working full-time for a marketing company that produces tender and grant responses, proposals and awards. ‘The company has a focus on large businesses that work in construction, transport and infrastructure. We are employed to create responses or proposals that will secure funding. For example, if a government wants to build a major piece of infrastructure, they will ask for tenders from companies that would like to do the work. I write those tenders,’ she says.

She is clear on what the job doesn’t entail. ‘It is not relaxing or predictable. And it will probably not give you time for your creative writing,’ she says. ‘The sort of writing I do feels like a base of technical writing with an icing of marketing. You have to be true to the facts – you can’t fudge anything. Sometimes a little creativity comes in handy, but you must first cover all requirements and make your client look good.’

Jon Roffe has had two years in the industry; he’s predominantly a bid writer, who works with tech, construction and infrastructure companies. ‘The job mostly involves getting people to write things down (80%) and then making it readable (20%). Before doing this, I was a university lecturer in philosophy, so I had some experience tackling complex technical vocabularies. But I do think that aspect of the job isn’t very strenuous if you’re willing to ask questions and do some research.’ 

‘First, it’s not an opportunity to be creative, except in the most limited sense’, says Roffe. ‘And second: it’s not really a writing job in any general sense. You’re a word technician, an assistant and organiser, much more than you’re a writer. The focus of your writing will tend to be taking notes in meetings, and then editing and proofreading.’ 

Spence concurs that it’s not creative writing, ‘though there are creative elements in it,’ she says. ‘You need to be invisible and without ego. You need to ask questions, then keep asking until you’re sure you understand, because you can’t fake it.’

She continues, ‘If you get excited about the challenge of explaining difficult concepts and processes, then technical writing may be for you. I was documenting all sorts of different things: accounting systems, legal systems, heat exchangers, the way colour works in digital advertising and financial graphics. Learning painfully about things like that, then writing the explanation you wish you’d had in the first place, was what made the whole thing worthwhile for me.

‘As for industry language writing, you do have to acquire, understand and use the vocabulary of the industry; but you should be writing in plain, straightforward English. I’ve encountered people who think plain English is not “technical” enough, but the most important thing is to be understood.’

The pay can be good in this industry

Writing in a creative capacity does not pay much, but the renumeration for a technical writer can be substantial. Spence says that her first technical writing job paid twice as much as the arts administrative ones she’d been trying to get, and more than she would have received as an experienced teacher.

Though there are bad points about it too

‘It can be boring. You have to cross every T and dot every I. The worst times are when you’re not writing at all, but correcting and polishing other people’s (bad) writing. You have to be patient and hang out for the times when it’s fun,’ says Spence.

‘Of course, what I really wanted to do was write fiction, and that’s what I do now. Technical writing enabled me to earn enough to become financially independent,’ she adds.

Roffe points out that in creative writing, ‘there is a fuse that runs from your life and your thoughts to the page that makes it matter’.

‘In technical writing, you will be a very skilled word processor, whose life and thoughts are rarely of significance. Don’t let this put you off. If you can write, it’s a fair way to make a living, so you can burn the world down or make it matter again in the hours that capitalism doesn’t have you so firmly in its grip.’

Advice for those who wish to become a technical writer?

Aston recommends trying to find a way to do some technical writing first, without committing fully, and notes that her Professional Writing and Editing course at Swinburne University gave her a chance to gain some exposure.

Roffe clarifies that your job is not to give answers to any questions yourself. ‘You’ll be most like a mediator, a kind of doula, helping people with little experience express themselves with precision and concision to do so. You will need to learn technical vocabularies and become familiar with a   lot of acronyms, but a little bit of patience and research goes a long way. It’s also worth thinking of what you’re doing as counselling – helping people to formulate what they can’t yet put in good words and being there to help them.

Meanwhile, Spence cautions: ‘Don’t even think about it unless you have excellent grammar and language skills. These can be learned if you are serious about it. Language is your primary tool, so you have to master it. It also goes without saying that you have to be a logical thinker, and that you enjoy figuring out how things work.

‘Getting into the profession would be the hardest part, but presumably there are some relevant courses now. I would go to a recruiting agency and ask them what their clients are looking for. A folio would be good to have.

‘Trying for your first job as a technical writer can be difficult because you will almost certainly be asked for samples of your work. As you won’t have any, a good approach is to look around for something that would need to be documented – for example, how to set up a coffee machine or change a car tyre – and write a little guide for that. [Ensure it is] thorough, friendly, well laid-out, illustrated etc. It’s an opportunity to show what you can do.’

With her many years of experience, Spence has a longitudinal outlook on technical work, noting that these days most documentation is online, ‘so you need to understand how to structure hyperlinked information; but the actual content hasn’t changed much’.

She adds, ‘The ability to write unambiguous, logical English is just as important. There must also be work in scripting YouTube videos, which are increasingly popular for delivering instructions.’

Read: Is poetry really ‘the tyrannical discipline’?

‘Once you’ve had some experience, contracting can be a great way to go, especially if you don’t want a full-time commitment. Many of the people I know are actors, writers or artists, and technical writing on contract would be an ideal option for them.’

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Thuy On is the Reviews and Literary Editor of ArtsHub and an arts journalist, critic and poet who’s written for a range of publications including The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Sydney Review of Books, The Australian, The Age/SMH and Australian Book Review. She was the books editor of The Big issue for 8 years. Her debut, a collection of poetry called Turbulence, came out in 2020 and was released by University of Western Australia Publishing (UWAP). Her second collection, Decadence, was published in July 2022, also by UWAP. Her third book, Essence, will be published in 2025. Twitter: @thuy_on Instagram: poemsbythuy

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How to Become a Teacher: The Complete Guide

Teaching is one of the hardest yet most rewarding and important jobs out there. Every day, the future of our world relies on teachers to help raise, mold, guide, and educate the next generation.

As a teacher, you get the opportunity to have a great impact on hundreds or even thousands of kids throughout your career. It’s a great responsibility that can be extremely rewarding.

Why Become a Teacher?

Becoming a teacher isn’t just about the predictable schedule and summer vacations (did you know that teachers don’t get paid holidays or vacations?). Becoming a teacher is about having a passion for helping others and loving kids. When they truly invest in their career and their “kids” (the term many teachers use to refer to their students), teachers are able to make an incredible impact.

A little over ten years ago, I was in the same position you are. I was considering becoming a teacher, but I was confused and overwhelmed by all the requirements, clearances, and certifications.

As a college freshman, so many other career paths seemed simpler to navigate. I’m proud to say I stuck it out, and I’ve learned a lot about how to become a teacher on my own journey as well, becoming a teacher.

So, why should you become a teacher? Here are a few solid reasons:

• Every single day is different and interesting.
• Teaching keeps you young. There’s nothing like being around young and energetic kids every day to keep you on your toes and feel a constant sense of energy.
• You’ll never stop learning as long as you’re a teacher. Not only will your own students teach you new things every single day in your classroom, but many school districts foot the bill for teachers to formally continue their education.
• There’s no doubt about it–a teacher’s schedule is ideal, especially if you have kids in school, yourself. You’ll work the same hours they are in school, allowing you to maximize the time you spend with your own kids.
• You have an opportunity to change the world, even if it’s only for a few students–you can’t deny that teachers matter. Every single person in every single career has learned what they know from teachers.
• If you love to be around people, this is a very social profession that allows you to interact with others every day. You won’t be stuck in a cubicle with limited social interaction.
• Although there are guidelines you need to follow, you get to be the boss of your own classroom every day. If you like to create order and control your day, this is ideal for you.
• While every day brings new and fun surprises, teaching also provides a lot of structure and routine. If you thrive on structure, you’ll enjoy the daily schedule teachers follow.
• You can travel as a teacher. Anywhere there are kids, there are teaching jobs. Additionally, your days off are predictable, so it’s easy to plan vacations during summers or holidays without using up personal days.
• Teaching is fun! It would be hard to get through a day of teaching without laughing at least once.
• The world needs teachers. As some professions are getting pushed out by Artificial Intelligence, real human teachers aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
• It’s a simple way to contribute to the community. Schools and the activities they put on are often the cornerstone of communities.

Should I Become a Teacher?

Nobody can tell you whether you should become a teacher or not, but while there are many reasons teaching is an extremely fun and rewarding career, there are drawbacks to the profession as well.

The best way to tell if a career is really for you is to get in the trenches and experience a day in the life of a teacher. Teachers do way more behind the scenes work than most people realize. Often, during student teaching, prospective teachers get a taste for how much work teachers actually do on a daily basis. Until you get to that point, here are a few more things to consider if you’re on the fence about becoming a teacher.

Teaching doesn’t end when the final bell rings and you walk out of the building. Many teachers take on extra duties such as coaching, advising clubs, or chaperoning activities. Even if you don’t have an official commitment after the school day has ended, most teachers also take home work they couldn’t get done during the school day such as grading or lesson planning.

And if you’ve managed to go home without anything to do? More often than not, your students will still be on your mind long after you’ve gone home for the day. If they’re not on your mind, you’ll likely find them at the grocery store, at the park while you’re walking your dog, or working the drive thru when you get your coffee. Teachers truly are ingrained in the community and the lives of their students.

As a teacher, you’re constantly in the public eye and teaching is a job that is difficult to truly escape. Especially if you teach in a small town, students and parents will notice your personal life. This can be taxing if you prefer to keep a low key existence.

A teacher’s job is not boring, which is usually good, but it can also make for a very stressful workday. You can plan your lessons for the day and think you have an idea of how the day will go, but when you throw children into the mix, you never know what is going to happen.

It can be frustrating to realize you wasted time preparing a lesson that didn’t work or to have to rush to gather a week’s worth of materials for a student who just informed you he’s leaving for vacation tomorrow. You definitely learn to expect the unexpected when you’re a teacher.

Although you should choose passion over money if you want to be truly happy with your job, it is important to note that teachers are notoriously underpaid. On average, teachers make about 20% less than those with the same degree in a different field.

What you can make as a teacher depends largely on your location, your education, and your years of experience. Teachers can also make more by adding on extra duties such as coaching or tutoring, but if you’re looking to make the big bucks, teaching isn’t the job for you.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher

It typically takes at least four years to become a teacher as that is the amount of time it takes most people to earn a bachelor’s degree. With student teaching included in most teacher preparation programs, you won’t need to complete any additional coursework, training, or internships to begin teaching once you earn your degree and certification.

However, due to the rigors and requirements of teacher education, many prospective teachers are not able to earn their degree in just eight undergraduate semesters. Many take courses during the summers, load up their course schedule, so they’re taking more than 15 credits per semester, or spend an extra semester at school in order to complete their degree.

Another reason it might take longer than four years to become a teacher is if you earn your degree in a field other than education. We’ll explain more on this below, but this would require you to take some extra coursework and earn your teaching certificate separately from your bachelor’s degree, which would take longer than four years.

Requirements to Become a Teacher

Unsurprisingly, there are quite a few requirements you’ll need to meet in order to be trusted with teaching children. Requirements vary by state, but at the bare minimum, teachers need to have a bachelor’s degree, have experience teaching (usually accomplished through student teaching), and hold a valid teaching certificate in their state (more on how to become certified below).

Surprisingly, you don’t have to major in education to become a teacher. Most prospective teachers do major in either early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education, but that isn’t the only path you can take.

Many teachers major in other disciplines and earn their teaching certificate separately. This is a great path to follow if you’re not completely sure you want to be a teacher. Earning your degree in a field related to the one you want to teach can also be beneficial to help you become an expert and really gain a deep understanding of the field.

Of those who choose to major in a field other than education, some earn their teaching certificate immediately after finishing their bachelor’s degree while others return to a certification program after they’ve worked for a few years in a different field. Many colleges offer teacher certification programs.

One important caveat to keep in mind is that private schools and preschools may have different requirements for teachers than public schools. While some have less strict requirements, many private schools have higher standards and a set of very specific requirements teachers must meet. Typically, degree and certification programs prepare students to meet all the requirements to become a teacher in their state, but if you are planning on teaching in a different state or in a private school, be sure to research the requirements early on in your education journey.

Regardless of the route you take to earn your degree and certificate, as part of your degree or certification program, you’ll need to complete an internship or field experience, commonly known as student teaching. To prepare for student teaching, you’ll likely have earlier field experiences that mostly involve observing. Many education programs also require early hands on experiences, such as tutoring or volunteering.

What Is Student Teaching Like?

During student teaching, you’ll be placed in a classroom (in some cases, multiple classrooms) and will learn how to teach students. Sounds simple, but it will likely be your most stressful and rigorous semester of college. Typically, student teaching encompasses your entire final semester.

You’ll have a mentor teacher who will guide you, teach you, and give you feedback as you begin teaching. You might have projects to complete in addition to teaching, such as completing a case study on a student, preparing a unit from start to finish, or cooperating with a teacher in another classroom, for example.

In most cases, you’ll slowly take over the teaching duties until you are responsible for everything a regular classroom teacher is responsible for. This includes:

• Planning lessons
• Writing lesson plans
• Teaching lessons
• Creating worksheets/handouts
• Copying materials
• Grading student work
• Communicating with parents
• Conducting parenting teacher conferences
• Attending meetings
• Creating seating charts
• Attending professional development
• Collaborating with other teachers
• Making IEP accommodations
• Creating sub plans
• Setting up labs or activities
• And much, much more!

In addition to a mentor or cooperating teacher, you’ll also have a supervisor from your college or university. This person will periodically observe your teaching with planned and unplanned observations. This person will also assign your student teaching grade when you are finished.

Student teaching is a rigorous experience as it throws you right into the trenches. It’s the ultimate test to see if you’re cut out to be a teacher. Although it’s exhausting and overwhelming, it’s the only way to truly get a feel for the career.

Student teaching should be taken very seriously. When you’re later applying for jobs, the recommendations from your mentor/cooperating teacher and supervisor will be major factors considered in your application.

How to Become Certified as a Teacher

Every state has different requirements to become certified as a teacher, but the common requirements include:

• Earning your bachelor’s degree
• Completing student teaching
• Most states require prospective teachers to pass a general knowledge test first followed by a more comprehensive subject specific test. Students must pay a fee to take the tests.
• Obtaining clearances such as background checks or child abuse clearances. You must pay fees for clearances as well.

Some other common requirements include:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Completing specific undergraduate courses (a certain number of courses in your chosen discipline or a special education course, for example)
• Completing additional certifications such as CPR or mandated reporter training

To become certified, you’ll first need to meet all the requirements of your state . Then, you’ll need to apply for your license through your state department of education. You will likely need to pay a fee to become certified.

In most cases, your degree program will be designed to naturally help you meet the certification requirements, but it’s important to make sure you know the requirements for yourself so you don’t miss anything. If you get hired as a teacher but are still waiting on your certification to be approved, you won’t be able to start teaching.

You must become certified in every area and age group you want to teach. Someone certified as a secondary math teacher, for example, would not be qualified to teach elementary school. Earning multiple certifications can be beneficial, as it can help you be more marketable when you’re searching for jobs. Depending on your circumstances, earning additional certifications might require additional coursework and student teaching.

Don’t go overboard with your certifications, though. Only become certified in areas and age groups you actually want to teach. If you really want to be a math teacher but also decide to become certified in special education, for example, the school district you work for could place you in a special education position. If you wouldn’t be happy teaching a certain subject or age group, don’t get certified in that area.

Maintaining Your Certification

Once you earn your certification, you’re far from finished with your teacher certification. It’s very important for teachers to continually be educated on advancements in their field and in the field of education as a whole.

Continuing education and certificate maintenance requirements vary widely by state. Some states require teachers to earn their master’s degree within a certain number of years of earning their certificate. Other states require educators to complete a predetermined number of continuing education credits according to a set schedule.

For example in Pennsylvania, teachers are first issued a Level I certification. Teachers need to earn their Level II certification within six years of service, and they can do so by earning at least 24 continuing education credits, teaching for at least three years, and completing a new teacher induction program. Then, once teachers earn their Level II certification, they must complete at least 180 hours of professional development every five years in order to maintain their certificate.

California has similar requirements. Teachers first earn their preliminary credential, which is valid for five years. Before those five years are up, teachers must earn their clear credential by completing a teacher induction program or by becoming certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Once teachers hold their clear credential, however, they do not need to complete continuing education credits.

While teachers in California don’t need to continue their education to hold their certificate, teachers in Connecticut must earn their master’s degree in order to maintain their certification.

In many states, teachers must also keep their clearances valid throughout their entire teaching career.

Because requirements vary so widely, it’s imperative you understand what the requirements are for your state. Even if a state does not require teachers to earn their master’s, many teachers go on to receive this degree regardless as it improves their craft and often results in a pay raise.

General Information About Becoming a Teacher

Many schools require teachers to complete field training before they enter a program or while they are in the very beginning stages of their program. This might include tutoring, observing veteran teachers, being a camp counselor, or volunteering with kids in any capacity.

In most states, certifications are broken up into age groups, with early childhood and elementary education teachers being certified to teach a wide range of subjects. Middle and high school teachers are typically more specialized in their training for a specific subject. There are some specialties in which teachers are usually certified to teach students in any grade (K-12), and these usually include the specialty courses such as art, music, or physical education.

Because each state is different, your certificate may carry from one state to the next, or it may not. When you’re working toward your degree and earning your certification, keep this in mind if you think you might want to teach in a different state. Contact any other states you’re thinking about working in to find out if your certification will carry over or if there are any other requirements you need to meet. In some cases, you might need to obtain additional clearances or pass a different exam.

How to Become a Preschool Teacher

Because many preschools are not run by the state, requirements can vary widely from one preschool to the next. Some preschools may require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree while some may only require a high school diploma. Preschools that don’t require a bachelor’s degree will likely require previous experience, an associate’s degree in early childhood education, or a Child Development Associate credential (CDA).

How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten teachers must be fully certified. A typical degree of a kindergarten teacher is in early childhood education or elementary education and most teachers are certified to teach grades K-3 or K-6. Kindergarten teachers must complete their degree, complete student teaching, and earn their teaching certificate in their state.

Kindergarten teachers must be prepared to teach students in a wide variety of academic areas, and they also help children acclimate to school as they learn how to become students. In most states, kindergarten teachers must pass competency exams in a variety of subject areas to prove their knowledge.

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers must be certified, and many states certify elementary teachers for grades K-6 or grades K-3. Elementary school teachers might complete student teaching in two different grades because there is quite a difference between first graders and sixth graders.

Elementary school teachers must be prepared to teach a wide variety of subjects, as they are often responsible for the education of all core subjects. In some cases, elementary teachers in higher grades might specialize in a certain area rather than teaching all subjects as a classroom teacher.

Like kindergarten teachers, elementary school teachers must pass tests in a variety of subject areas since they will teach multiple subjects to their students.

How to Become a Middle School Teacher

There is great overlap in middle school teachers, and depending on the state and the grade you want to teach, you might major in elementary education or secondary education. Middle school teachers might be certified in grades K-6, 4-8, or 7-12.

In most cases, middle school teachers are certified to teach specific subject areas, although some are certified to teach multiple subject areas, especially in the lower middle school grades.

Most middle school teachers must pass a test in the specific subject area they are training to teach. If you’re planning on teaching multiple subject areas, you’ll need to pass multiple tests.

How to Become a High School Teacher

High school teachers must be certified through their state, and many high school teachers hold a degree in secondary education. In most cases, you’ll be certified to teach a specific subject in grades 7-12.

High school teachers must pass a subject test specific to the area they plan to teach. If you want to become certified in multiple subjects, you’ll need to pass each subject test for each certification you plan to receive.

How to Become a Substitute Teacher

Many states are facing substitute teacher shortages, so if you’re looking to find consistent work, becoming a substitute teacher might be perfect for you. The requirements for substitutes vary widely across states; some states require a high school diploma while others require substitute teachers to be fully certified. Regardless of the state requirements, you’ll need to apply for the job and in most cases be approved by the school board before you can start working as a sub. Check out each state’s requirement here .

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Regular classroom teachers are not qualified to be special education teachers; they teach students with special needs in cooperation with trained special ed teachers.

Special education teachers typically teach in their own classroom or they collaborate with regular classroom teachers to support students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Special education teachers need to take courses that educate them on teaching and accommodating students with differences and disabilities such as autism, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities, for example.

Special education teachers must also take tests specific to special education and educate students with special needs. Depending on the state, there are many different certification areas for special education teachers. Some may become certified as a general special education teacher for grades K-12, while others may become certified as a special education teacher for a specific subject in grades 7-12. Still others might be certified to help students with specific disabilities, such as hearing or vision impairment.

Naturally, your student teaching experience will be focused on special education as well. You might be placed in a fully contained classroom or you might follow students throughout their day to different regular education classrooms.

The Bottom Line

Although there are many different paths you can take to become a teacher and each person’s path will look different based on a large number of factors, the most common route to become a teacher is:

• Complete your bachelor’s degree
• Complete student teaching (usually as your last semester of college)
• Pass the exam(s) required by your state
• Obtain any required clearances, such as fingerprints or child abuse clearance
• Apply for your certificate in the state you wish to teach

The road to becoming a teacher can seem long and daunting, but don’t let that deter you if this is a career you are passionate about. Finding a quality teacher education program will make the process much easier because you’ll have professors and advisers who have been there, done that and know exactly what you need to do to become certified and be an amazing teacher.

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