What does it take to make writing into a career?

Hello Madisyn,

I’m a professional writer, working full-time for myself. I’ve contracted my writing skills for a variety of publications, businesses, and individuals over the years. What I’ve learned in my journey is this: we are only limited by our out self-imposed limitations.

I never studied writing. In fact, I went to school for aeronautical science, was a pilot, flight instructor, and project manager for an aircraft manufacturer. Seemingly far from writing, it was always something I loved and I found myself gravitating to any opportunity to be creative with words.

I started by writing resumes for other pilots. In every position I held, I sought out opportunity to write. Technical writing, curriculum, business writing. Eventually, I was taking more and more side projects as word of mouth spread. I never considered myself a writer, though I was paid for my writing, because I had the impression that there’s some magical wand that someone—maybe an editor or English fairy—waves to deem you a writer. Finally, after years of getting paid for my writing, I pursued it full-time.

I tell you this story to say that if you want to write, there are countless people that need writing help. I work with job seekers and professionals on resumes and LinkedIn profiles. I work with businesses that need website copy and professional bios for executives. I’ve done grant writing and marketing copy. I’ve had two columns and written for magazines. I’m working on a book for a nonprofit. There are countless individuals, businesses, and publications in need of someone who can tell their story.

My advice: Don’t limit yourself by believing the “rules” of becoming a writer. You are already one. Get out there and find opportunities to write. Maybe you contribute a few free articles to local publications while you start building your portfolio. Find some businesses that could use a little editing on their website and offer to spruce up their language. After you have a bit of a portfolio, look for paid options.

As for writing a book or novel, you’ll need a platform (research what that means). Network with other writers and seek out advice from anyone who’ll give you feedback (book or other). Learn to love feedback and never let critique stop you from writing. Writing is a highly personal experience with a lot of critics. Take the feedback for what it is: an opportunity to be better. And remember that not all feedback is good. You be the judge of what will help you and what you need to let roll off your back.

Best of luck in your writing career!

I am not a professional writer; however, I have a second degree in English, I write regularly for fun and passion, and I know a bit about the space and the workings of the industry.

First and foremost, "writer" is not really a profession; it is a category. Journalists, novelists, essayists, poets, and sports writers are all forms of writers, but they will each have different prerequisites before finding gainful employment in their respective fields. For example, an ideal degree program for an aspiring journalist might be a BA in Journalism; meanwhile, an aspiring essayist may set themselves on a path for an MFA in Creative Writing.

From your question, it sounds like you are an aspiring novelist. One benefit to this particular field is that there are no real prerequisites (other than talent); however, the major drawback is that there is rarely (if ever) gainful employment. A novelist is a bit like being an entrepreneur: you have to do a lot of work upfront, and you will only get paid for the work that you manage to sell. You will often put work into a piece and find no buyers (and thus net no income from it). Becoming a successful novelist is very hard, and requires a lot of trial and error. A typical middle-market novelist will probably go through 1-3 manuscripts on average before their first advance.

My personal recommendation is to pursue your writing as a hobby, at least initially. Writing does not require an office environment or set hours; you can write whenever and wherever you want (barring writer's block). Have a day job that pays the bills and provides you a living, and write your novel in the evenings. When it's complete, shop it around (Writer's Market is an excellent resource for finding and pitching to publishing houses); or, you could opt to self-publish (which used to be a big no-no for those seeking careers, but has since become much more acceptable thanks to the Kindle and nook). You may find that it takes a few manuscripts to really find your voice, but if you're lucky enough to find big success you can always opt to quit your day job down the road.